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Violet Festival promises family friendly fun
Music, carnival, a car show, beer garden and volunteer opportunities will attract thousands to Pickerington as the 15th annual Mt. Carmel Pickerington Violet Festival kicks off July 25-28.
The event will kick off on a Wednesday with activities including a karaoke contest that features contestants from nine local venues. Participants from qualifying rounds at those venues will compete as representatives at the festival, vying to win the $500-grand prize.
The RG Barry Beer Garden will sell Bud Light purple beer with a percentage of proceeds going to the volunteers who pour the drinks.
Each civic group participating in the event will receive a percentage of the proceeds. Entry into the garden is restricted to 21 and older.
The festival will have a delayed opening ceremony July 27, just after the parade. Recognition of community members and general support will be included in the ceremony.
The festival kicks off, however, July 25 with performances by local acts, Co-X-isT and the Bryan Sheppard Band. On July 26, The Jack will perform.
On July 27, Hotel California will perform. Hotel California is the only recognized, official tribute band to the Eagles.
On July 28, Night Ranger, the classic rock band from the ‘80s, will end the weekend of festivities. With such hits as “Sister Christian” and “Rockin America,” the band will take the main stage by storm.
Festival organizers also will broadcast the Friday and Saturday night performances through a direct audio/video feed into the beer garden.
There will be many other local acts performing throughout the week as well.
Other highlights of the festival include a parade, carnival and a race.
The Diley Ridge Downtown Dash will take place July 27, with registration beginning at 6 p.m. at the Central High School parking lot. The dash will begin the parade at 6:45 p.m. Proceeds from the race will go to fund Pickerington school athletics. The parade will travel through Olde Pickerington.
On July 28, a car and bike show will be held from noon to 2 p.m.
Cost to attend to the Violet Festival is $3 Wednesday through Friday all day and up until 5 p.m. Saturday. Children younger than 12 are free as long as they are accompanied by an adult. After 5 p.m. Saturday, adults are $5 for entry. Parking is free throughout the event. Activities such as the parade and car show are free as well. Weeklong passes are available at the Key Bank Pickerington location for $7.
Visitors may purchase individual rides tickets for $1 each on Wednesday evening, while on all other days, wristbands for unlimited rides are $20.
“This really brings together the community,” board member Jason Heitmeyer said. “It really demonstrates what Pickerington does. It is a great place to live, work and do business.”
For more information, go to www.violetfestival.org.
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