New events, old favorites highlight Chingawassa Days
Plans for this year's Chingawassa Days festival are shaping up and promise to be memorable.
New events are being planned by the 13-member steering committee and include a "Fear Factor"-type competition, performance by a hypnotist, Texas Hold'em card tournament, and motorcycle poker run.
In addition to the new events, the events that have become synonymous with Chingawassa Days also will be on tap this year.
Friday evening events
On Friday evening, June 3, the traditional Chingawassa barbecue, sponsored by Marion National Bank, will kick-off the weekend of fun.
The barbecue will be followed by an ice cream social sponsored by St. Luke Hospital.
Later in the evening, finals of an extreme competition will be held. Preliminary rounds for the "Fear Factor"-ish competition will be Thursday evening. Teams of two people will compete by completing daring stunts to win cash prizes and be named Marion's most fearless duo.
More information will be provided by Mickey Lundy, chairman of the event.
A professional hypnotist will perform Friday evening with audience members as part of his act.
The evening's events will culminate with a dance in the park featuring the music of classic rock band Second Nature.
Saturday events
Saturday will start with a bang when Kansas Anvil Shooters launch a solid steel anvil into the air.
Case & Son Insurance again will sponsor the Rhino Run, a 5k race and a walk/run. Contact Casey Case to register.
Marion Cycle Club will sponsor a Motorcycle Poker Run that will start at the parking lot of Carlsons' Grocery and end at Central Park. Cash prizes totaling $500 will be awarded for the best hands.
Bruce Skiles and Gene Winkler are co-chairmen of the event and should be contacted for information.
Before and after these events, a pancake feed will be provided by Marion Kiwanis Club.
Vendors will be in the park selling unique and fun items. The committee is excited about the variety of food vendors that will be in the park.
As always, there will be numerous activities for children from toddler to teen.
Alvie's Kiddie Merry-Go-Round will return with Fun Time Amusement. Activities will be provided for pre-schoolers with an even greater variety for teens and young adults.
Jeff Harper is chairman of the horseshoe tournament. Cash prizes and trophies will be presented for the top three places. Those interested in participating can contact Harper or register Saturday morning in the park.
Future NASCAR drivers again will have the opportunity to hone their skills by participating in remote control car races also Saturday morning.
Drivers should get their pit crews together and contact event chairman Mitch Carlson for details.
Tampa State Bank will sponsor the Bedrock and Run bed races on Main Street.
This traditional crowd favorite again will feature bed race teams sponsored by local businesses and organizations.
St. Luke Hospital's Dinky Duck Race returns for a second year, giving everyone an opportunity to adopt a duck and watch it race to victory. This new event attracted a large crowd last year, and this "new and improved" version is expected to provide even more thrills than last year.
The area's young people again will amaze the crowd with their hand-eye coordination and acrobatic skills as Bal-a-vis-x and Flip Flop Shop perform.
A Texas Hold'em Tournament, sponsored by Flint Hills Embroidery, will make its debut Saturday afternoon at the festival. Only 100 entries will be allowed with registration beginning Saturday morning in the park. For more information, contact Jeff Goering, event chairman.
Scully Estates/Midlands Farm Services again will sponsor various games for the young and young-at-heart.
A pedal tractor pull will be sponsored by Deer Trail Implement, Inc., where young riders can demonstrate their strength.
Jesiree's School of International Dance, a crowd favorite a few years ago, will return to present Visions of Cairo.
Central National Bank will give festival-goers an opportunity to cool off with a refreshing piece of watermelon followed by a fun game of bingo.
More information about Saturday activities will be announced later.
Saturday evening events
The park will close at 5 p.m. in preparation for the main event.
This year's concert event will feature two country music headliners — Restless Heart and Little Texas.
The weekend festival will conclude Sunday morning with a community church service.
This year's Chingawassa Days steering committee members are Mike Powers, chairman, Jandee Moore, vice chairman, Chris Costello, Dave Crofoot, Marc Grout, Jan Helmer, Davey Hett, Randy Kelsey, Sharon Kelsey, Paige Schneider, Roger Schwab, Gene Winkler, and Margo Yates.
Buttons will be required for entry in the park during the festival. An announcement pertaining to button sales will be made at a later date.
For more information, contact Marion Chamber of Commerce office at (620) 382-3425.
