All systems are go for what promises to be a memorable Farm-City Days celebration, which launches Friday, hits full orbit on Saturday and splashes down with a bull bash Saturday evening.
A bulk of the festivities will carry this year’s theme, “Out of this World,” and kick off with a community dinner at 5 p.m. Friday on the courthouse square, hosted by Allen County Farm Bureau. Free-will donations will be accepted.
All the while, an assortment of activities will keep the kiddos occupied as part of Family Fun Night, including a pedal tractor pull, face-painting and temporary tattoos and cosmic mini golf.
Inflatable races start at 7, with participants of all ages donning assortable inflated garb for a series of races.
Two added attractions: Allen County Regional Hospital will offer an ice cream experience, while A&W will host a root beer garden.
A DJ will offer music through the evening as well.
SATURDAY’S festivities begin bright and early with a 5K fun run and walk starting at 8 o’clock at 1001 S. Washington, near the Elm Creek Pedestrian Bridge. The route will take participants along the Lehigh Portland State Park Trails.
Registration starts at 7:30, with races starting at 8. A suggested $10 donation will benefit Hope Unlimited, which assists victims of violence and abuse.
The action returns downtown from there, with vendors setting up shop through the morning, about the same time hot rods, trucks and other modes of transportation will arrive for the annual car show. A petting zoo will be open as well.
620 Athletics will give what promises to be a memorial gymnastics performance at 9:45 along Jefferson Avenue, followed immediately by the Allen Community College cheer and dance teams.
Miss Chelsea’s Dance Academy is next at 10:15.
The parade launches at 11 o’clock, followed by a performance from In Step Dance Academy on Jefferson.
A number of inflatables will be available from noon to 4 p.m
A youth scavenger hunt will have youngsters searching for a mini-medalion. (It should be noted that as of Wednesday afternoon, the official Farm-City Days Medallion had yet to be discovered.)
The action continues at 2 o’clock, with several marching bands performing at Riverside Park.
At the same time, an adult cornhole tournament begins on the square.
