Olpe ready for annual festival
Downhome Days celebration is Saturday
By Scott Rochat
Monday, July 9, 2007
The Downhome Days are due again.
Saturday marks the return of Olpe’s annual celebration, and it’s promising to be a busy day. On the schedule for this year’s Olpe Downhome Days are:
- 6 a.m. — Breakfast at the Olpe United Methodist Church.
- 7 a.m. — Check-in for the fun run/walk at Olpe Jones Park. The race starts at 7:30.
- 8 a.m. — The Emporia Arts Council will offer children’s projects at Olpe Jones Park while a co-ed softball tournament begins at the south ball field.
- 8:30 a.m. — The contributions of Olpe’s men and women in uniform will be acknowledged at the Olpe Jones Park Monument.
- 9 a.m. — A kid’s fishing derby will be held at Father’s Pond. At the same time, a car show will start at the north shelter house of Olpe Jones Park, and craft booths and children’s games will start up in the park itself.
- 10 a.m. — A historical presentation will be held at the Olpe Methodist Church. At the same time, a drug dog demonstration will be given in Olpe Jones Park.
- 10:30 a.m. — The Midwest LifeTeam’s medical helicopter will be on display east of the Olpe High School track.
- 11 a.m. — The Bluestem Swingers Square Dance will begin at the south shelter house of Olpe Jones Park. Also, a pool tournament will begin at the Dog Gone Brothers Saloon.
- Noon — The First Baptist Praise Band will perform at the south shelter house of Olpe Jones Park.
- 1 p.m. — Camp Alexander canoe rides will be offered at Father’s Pond.
- 1:30 p.m. — A demonstration by Sunflower Gymnastics will be held in Olpe Jones Park.
- 2 p.m. — A Texas hold-em poker tournament will start at the Branding Iron Bar & Grill. In Olpe Jones Park, the clown “Bubbles” and her friends will offer entertainment.
- 2:30 p.m. — A demonstration by Sherry’s Dance Workshop will be held at the south shelter house of Olpe Jones Park. In the park, the ice cream social will start.
- 4 p.m. — Parade, beginning in front of Olpe High School.
- 5 p.m. — A barbecue will be held at the fire station. A prize drawing will be held downtown.
- 6:30 p.m. — The Downhome Challenge begins in the downtown.
- 8:30 p.m. — A street dance will begin downtown, with entertainment by country-rock musician Blaine Younger.