LAHARPE — Plans are taking shape for the June 25 LaHarpe Day celebration, complete with a vintage baseball game, color run, parade and talent show.
The summer celebration returns for the first time since 2019, after the COVID-19 pandemic sidelined activities in 2020 and 2021.
With organizers starting from scratch, the small band of volunteers is hoping to find others willing to be a part of myriad activities, from participants in the afternoon talent show, food and craft vendors, or simply volunteers willing to lend a hand.
Dubbed “Field of Dreams,” the celebration kicks off with a color run, starting at 8 a.m. from the LaHarpe City Park. Registration costs $10 or $20 to run the 5K route or walk a shorter 3K distance, depending on whether participants want a special Color Run shirt.
A cute baby contest follows at 9:30, bounce houses and Kiwanis train rides follow at 10 o’clock, with a parade going from City Hall through downtown before ending at the park.
A talent show follows at 3 p.m., leading up to the afternoon’s big event, a vintage baseball game, featuring the Emporia Griffins, a squad that specializes in 1860s rules, against a team of local players.
A community dance, hosted by the LaHarpe Veterans of Foreign Wars,, will be held at the VFW post that evening at 7 o’clock.
Those wanting to participate in the color run, baby contest, parade, talent show, vendor booth or play in the baseball game are asked to contact Marcia Davis at Thrive Allen County at (620) 365-8128.
