Farm-City Days Committee members were handed a proverbial lemon this month, when they learned there would be no carnival with this year’s celebration.
They’ve turned it into lemonade, with a full schedule for Friday and Saturday to keep festival-goers entertained.
Jerad Larkey, committee chairman, admitted a bit of trepidation after learning of the carnival’s cancellation.
“We were afraid Farm-City Days was going to suffer as a whole,” Larkey said. “But the committee has been blown away by the support we’ve received from the community, from sponsors reaching out to help fund specific events and just genuine encouragement.”
SEVERAL late additions to the schedule promise to keep attendees of all ages entertained.
A community dinner hosted by Allen County Farm Bureau kicks off the festivities at 5 p.m. Friday. At the same time, Trevor Holman and the Haymakers will play for a street dance that runs until about 9 p.m.
Meanwhile, Allen County Regional Hospital will host an ice cream social, while Miss Chelsea’s Dance Academy has a number of races and other games planned.
All the while, Derryberry Breadery will be open all day Friday with karaoke music until 11 p.m.
And even without the carnival, Saturday’s calendar is brimming with activity, starting with a fun run sponsored by Russell Stover Chocolates at 8 a.m.
Live music and DJs will set up shop on the free stage lining Jefferson Avenue at that time, with entertainment running until 4 p.m.. Scheduled to perform are Miss Chelsea’s Dance Academy at 10:15 a.m. and In Step Dance Academy at noon.
A car, truck and motorcycle show and tractor show both begin at 9 a.m., and a petting zoo is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The parade, carrying a “Travel Through Time” theme, kicks off at 11 a.m.
Afternoon activities include a number of inflatables on the courthouse lawn from 1 to 4, and an adult cornhole tournament starting at 2. A new addition, free laser tag games, run from noon to 4 as well.
LARKEY spoke about the frenetic run-up to this year’s celebration.
“The Farm-City Days committee meets all year long to bring one weekend of fun to Allen County,” he noted. “Have we had a perfect Farm-City Days yet? Probably not, but that’s not gonna stop us from trying!”
