Atkinson ready for Heritage Days
Fun for all ages is planned at the 37th annual Atkinson Heritage Days.
The weekend of festivities will be Friday, Aug. 24 and Saturday, Aug. 25.
Residents take a step back in time to pay tribute to their roots each year during the two-day celebration in Atkinson, as many of the activities are reminiscent of days gone by.
According to Janis Smith, representing the Heritage Days committee, the car show has always been a popular part the annual weekend and this year will be held on Saturday, Aug. 25, “rain or shine,” in the downtown area. In previous years, the cars were displayed at Veterans Park.
Chuck Lawson, chairman of the show which includes antique cars and street rods, said, “All makes, models and years are welcome.”
Registration for the car show is from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. with judging from 11 a.m. to noon. Awards will be presented at 12:30 p.m. and include top 25 show plaques; trophy and $50 for best engine; trophy and $50 for best paint; four-foot trophy and $100 for Best of Show award; and plaque for People’s Choice award.
For more information about the car show, contact Lawson at (309) 507-0189.
Atkinson Heritage Days will include a rolle bolle tournament in the downtown area. Teams will be mixed, with both men and women on each team.
Smith said, “We try to bring back the old times and introduce our Belgian heritage to a new generation.
“The mission of the celebration is to advance the civic, commercial, educational, recreational, and general interest of our village and the prosperity of the community as a whole,” she said. “Above all, the Heritage Days activities celebrate small town life, and always are in the fall, to celebrate the agricultural heritage of the village.”
Food will be available during the celebration at Atkinson restaurants and on Aug. 25 in the park sandwiches and drinks will be served by Rebuilding Together Henry County, 4-H members will serve tacos and pie and ice cream will be served by St. Anthony’s Church. Food vendors will be in the downtown area.
All activities are in Veterans Park unless otherwise noted:
Friday, Aug. 24
• 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. – Jordan Rahn Forever Young Run race packet pickup at the park.
• 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. – Community Supper – park shelter.
• 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. – Desserts served by Atkinson Congregational Church members - donations to Rebuilding Together Henry County.
• 6:30 p.m. – Little Miss Flame Pageant
• Dusk – The movie “Coco” will be shown in the park. Those attending are asked to bring lawn chairs, blankets and snacks.
Saturday, Aug. 25
• 8 a.m. – Jordan Rahn Forever Young Run 5K/1Mile Runs.
• 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Vendors in the park.
• 9 a.m. to Noon – Face painting
• 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Atkinson Museum open.
• 9 a.m. - Noon – Music in the park by “Men of Leezure.”
• 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Bounce house, obstacle course, bungee run, and wrecking ball co-sponsored by Atkinson Public Library and Heritage Committee.
• 10 a.m. to Noon – Kid’s carnival.
• 10 a.m. – Kid’s tractor pull limited to through age 12, sign up prior to the event at southeast corner of park.
• 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Tractor Show - preregister for drawings for toys by contacting John and Diane Lawrence at 945-5503.
• 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. – Car show in downtown.
• 11 a.m. – Free yoga sponsored by Inspired Life.
• 11 a.m. –Sign-up for Atkinson Firemen’s Parade –northeast corner of park.
• 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. –Miller’s Petting Zoo.
• 2 p.m. – Firemen’s Parade.
• 2:30 p.m. – Registration deadline for Bean Bags Tournament - Cash prizes for first, second and third place winners.
• 3 p.m. – Atkinson Women’s Organization Pie Auction - all entries in by 11 a.m. at St. Anthony’s Church Hall, Main St.
• 3 p.m. – Bean Bag Tournament at State Street Boulevard.
• 4 p.m. – Cash Bingo games in downtown.
• 5:30 p.m. – Pizza-eating contest- downtown – sign up at The Barn by Thursday, Aug. 23.
• 7 p.m. – Rolle Bolle Tournament – Exchange Street courts.
• 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. – Street dance downtown featuring “Soul Storm.”