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Violet Festival features music, car show
(by Christine Bryant, Eastside Editor - July 08, 2009)
Music, fireworks, a car show and beer garden will once again attract thousands to Pickerington as dozens of volunteers and area business owners host the 12th annual Violet Festival July 22-25.
Last year, more than 40,000 residents and visitors flocked to the festival that offers a little bit of everything, and organizers say this year's event will once again entertain the crowd.
"Not only is the Violet Festival an opportunity for local businesses to show their appreciation to the community, but it also benefits several community organizations," said Greg Chamblin Sr., president of the festival. "Various church, school, scouting and business organizations receive funds from the festival for their assistance with trash pickup, pouring beer in the beer garden and manning parking lots."
The festival kicks off Wednesday, July 22 with a performance by Delta 88, followed by a July 23 performance by Deep 6, a central Ohio band that plays a mix of rock, old school metal, 80s hair metal and 90s and 00s rock.
On July 24, LoCash Cowboys will perform. The duo was nominated to CMA's Top 10 Ballot for Duo-of-the-Year in 2006. Singing two-part harmony, the LowCash Cowboys offers a hybrid of country, rock and hip hop.
On July 25, Starship, starring Mickey Thomas, will perform. Previously known as Jefferson Starship, the band scored a No. 1 hit with "Jane." Other hits include "We Built This City," "Nothing Gonna Stop Us Now," "No Way Out" and "Sara."
Many other local acts will fill the stage throughout the week as well.
Other festival highlights include a parade, family fun activities and a race.
The Violet Festival Downtown Dash will take place July 24, with registration beginning at 6 p.m. and the dash starting promptly at 6:45 p.m.
The Violet Festival Parade begins at 7 p.m. July 24, and goes through Olde Pickerington. On July 25, a car and bike show will be held from noon to 2 p.m.
Every evening of the festival, visitors will be able to purchase wristbands for unlimited rides for $20. On Wednesday evening, they will be able to purchase individual tickets for $1 each.
"In an effort to help out families in these tough economic times, the Violet Festival committee has been able to secure special pricing for all of the rides at the festival," Chamblin said.
FYI: www.violetfestival.org
2009 Pickerington Violet Festival Schedule
Wednesday, July 22
Blood mobile
4-9 p.m.: Call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE
Main Stage
5 to 6 p.m.: Opening ceremonies and PACC awards
6:45 to 8 p.m.: 88 Keys
8:30 to 10:30 p.m.: Delta 88
Midway Rides
5 to 11 p.m.: $1 ride tickets
Family Fun Tent
6 to 8 p.m.
Beer Garden
5 to 11 p.m. - featuring Eric Solomon
Thursday, July 23
Main Stage
5:30 to 6:45 p.m.: Oblivion Fire
7:15 to 8:45 p.m.: Eric Solomon
8:30 to 10:30 p.m.: Deep 6
Midway Rides
5 to 11 p.m.: $20 ride-all-day wristbands
Family Fun Tent
6 to 8 p.m.
Beer Garden
5 to 11 p.m. - featuring Eric Solomon
Friday, July 24
Violet Festival Parade
7 to 8:30 p.m.
Main Stage
5:30 to 6:30 p.m.: Rock Factory
7 to 8:15 p.m.: HillJax n Jillz
8:30 to 11 p.m.: LoCash Cowboys
Midway Rides
5 to 11 p.m.: $20 ride-all-day wristbands
Family Fun Tent
6 to 8 p.m.
Downtown Dash
6 p.m.: Raceday registration
6:45 p.m.: Race begins
Fireworks
10:30 p.m.
Beer Garden
5 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. - featuring Eric Solomon
Saturday, July 25
Main Stage
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.: Rock Factory
2 to 3 p.m.: 88 Keys
4:30 to 6 p.m.: The Shazzbots
6:30 to 8 p.m.: Zero Times Tardy
8:30 to 10:30 p.m. Starship - Starring Mickey Thomas
Midway Rides
11 a.m. to midnight: $20 ride-all-day wristbands
Family Fun Tent
Noon to 8 p.m.
Car and Bike Show
Noon to 2 p.m.: Registration
Noon to 3:30 p.m.: Car and Bike Show
3:30 p.m.: Awards
Beer Garden
5 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. - featuring Eric Solomon
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