(Posted March 11, 2016)
By Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor
The festival scene in Mount Sterling looks different this year. Instead of a few separate events spread out through the year, several groups are coming together to present one big festival June 9-11.
Called the Community Days Festival, the event will take place primarily at the Mount Sterling Community Center and Veterans Field. In addition to the community center, other groups involved are the Mount Sterling Chamber of Commerce, Mount Sterling American Legion and Auxiliary, village of Mount Sterling, Mount Sterling Public Library, and Mount Sterling Eagles Youth League.
“It’s been a lot of fun to have all of these people come together and to see all of this excitement generated,” said Annie Tomlinson, executive director of the community center. “It’s becoming a real community celebration.”
The idea to create one big festival came about after the Tri-County Fire Fighters Auxiliary announced they will not hold the Fire Fighters Homecoming this year. Last year, it took place in May.
“It seemed like the right time to try something new,” Tomlinson said of the consolidation concept.
Traditionally, the community center holds a Let Freedom Ring event in late June. Instead, they will include many of that event’s features in the new Community Days Festival: a laser light show, parade, rock-n-roll trivia, car show, art and quilt exhibits, and bounce houses. Tomlinson is working on securing an obstacle course and climbing wall, as well.
The Legion Auxiliary is coordinating a Little Mr. and Miss Festival contest and a decorated bicycle contest. Bands will perform each night. The center is sponsoring Harold Stewart and the Blueshounds on Thursday and Buckshot on Saturday. The Legion is sponsoring Undivided on Friday.
Concessions and vendors will be set up all three days, as will the Knights of Pythias fish fry. The Chamber hopes to organize business open houses and a scavenger hunt. Other activities and features are sure to be added as the festival committee continues to make plans.
Adding to the fun atmosphere, the Mount Sterling/Plains alumni banquet will take place at the community center on Saturday night of festival weekend.
