|
Monday, 04 August 2008 |
By MIKE BURKHOLDER
Managing Editor
ST. MARYS — With summer coming to the halfway point, a season staple is poised to make its return this week.
The 26th annual SummerFest is scheduled to open Thursday in Memorial Park. The celebration unofficially gets underway with the SummerFest Queen contest and the Little Miss SummerFest contest Monday and Wednesday respectively.
“We have a lot of the same events returning this year and it should be a lot of fun,” St. Marys Area Chamber of Commerce Director Kelly Kill told The Evening Leader. “We have a lot of fun for everyone and games for kids of all ages.”
Kill said a new ride vendor will provide carnival rides for children. Tethered hot air balloon rides, belt sander races and beat seat driver races also are on tap for the annual event.
“Presale ride tickets can be picked up at all the banks and grocery stores and the chamber,” Kill said. “There should be something for everyone.”
The opening ceremony is scheduled for Thursday and will feature an address by Mayor Greg Freewalt as well as an appearance by the SummerFest Queen contestants. Supper and Sounds will follow and gives residents a chance to enjoy some music with their meal.
“The queen contestants will present the dance routine they did at the contest during the opening ceremony,” Kill said. “There also will be a flag ceremony and greetings and we do have something else planned.”
A slew of activities and events dominate the weekend, including softball and volleyball tournaments at K.C. Geiger Park. However one of the main attractions Saturday is the annual parade down Spring Street.
“We are having a western theme for the parade,” Kill said of the event. “It really is a big draw for the whole area and people from around the county stop up and see the parade and will then eat at the park.”
Kill said committee members plan the event throughout the entire year. While planning can take care of a lot of the details, Kill said weather is one factor that cannot be planned for in advance.
“I would hope that we would not have to push the opening ceremony back like we did last year,” Kill said.
“I would like a repeat of Friday and Saturday and Sunday though. We had nice weather for the entire weekend and I hope that continues with SummerFest.” |
|
Last Updated ( Thursday, 07 August 2008 )
|
