The Bexley Labor Day Block Party, scaled back for several years because of budget constraints, returns to a full-day event Sept. 3 from noon to 7 p.m. at Jeffrey Park, 165 N. Parkview Ave.
Parks and Recreation Director Doug Jackson explained that the city wanted to put on a big party because it will be the last year for Mayor David Madison, who is leaving office after 32 years.
Madison and his crew will be on hand grilling barbecue ribs and chicken from noon to 7 p.m. A meal, including baked beans, corn, cole slaw and a roll, will be $6.
Hot dogs, sno-cones, ice cream and other food will also be sold.
There will be two inflatable attractions and a climbing wall for the kids, all free of charge. Games such as an obstacle course will be available from noon to 4 p.m.
A balloon artist will be at the park from 1-3 p.m., and a Living Statue will try to fake out picnickers from 3-5 p.m. There will also be a strolling juggler.
A cornhole single elimination tournament will start at 2 p.m., with prizes for the top players. Open dodgeball will take place from 2-5 p.m.
Admission to the swimming pool will be free, as well. Jackson’s staff has planned games from 3-6 p.m., such as greased watermelon races and an underwater bicycle race.
Messy fun can be had at the egg drop contest at 3, with contestants attempting to eggs dropped from a bucket truck without having them break.
For those preferring more sedate recreation, bingo games will be conducted.
Musical entertainment will be provided by a deejay from non to 6, and the Ray Pauken String Band at noon. The TT&J Band will play from 4-6 p.m.
At 6 p.m., the 45-member Bexley Meadow Music Band will play. A featured selection is "A Mystic Trumpeteer," written by James Curnow, an internationally known composer, in tribute to Dr. Timothy Swinehart, co-founder of the Bexley Meadow Music Association and longtime band director at Capital University.
The piece will be conducted by Gary Tirey.
