Summer Celebration ready to sizzle
Annual event runs Aug. 4-6 in the City With a Heart
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Casey Muessigmann headlines Saturday night's concert and dance sponsored by the Hartley Fire Department.
The most anticipated weekend of the year in Hartley is about to ignite.
Summer Celebration kicks off Friday and runs through Sunday. A variety of new attractions and old favorites will have guests buzzing, and organizers are excited to welcome the masses.
"We try to keep a basic schedule so people know what to expect, and then sprinkle in some new things to keep everything interesting," said Summer Celebration Committee member Rachel Wilson. "We're hoping there's a little bit for everyone this year like always."
Things kickoff Friday night at Neebel Park with a sweet corn roast and meal served by the Hartley Lions Club. Cow Pie Bingo, regular Bingo and a horseshoe tournament also headline the slate, as do antique fire truck rides, a silent auction, and an outdoor market featuring area artisans and vendors.
Capping the evening is the Glow Party for kids and teens starting at 7 p.m. Local youth can dance in glow foam while tunes from DJ Metro Machines fill the air.
Additionally, the Hartley Community Daycare Center will be running a food stand during the event to keep bellies from running empty.
"Everyone can play in the foam while they dance, and I really feel like it's going to be fun for the kids," Wilson said.
Saturday's schedule stretches from 7 a.m. to midnight. Featured in the morning are a 5K run/walk, bike ride, pancake breakfast, Hartley High School alumni coffee and Bloody Mary bar at the Stoplight Lounge. The parade will cap the morning's events and kicks off downtown at 10:30 a.m.
Things then shift to Neebel Park. Several attractions like food trucks, inflatables, kids' games, youth pedal pull, live music, cornhole and volleyball tournaments, silent auction, and outdoor market will be available to guests. Additionally, a chainsaw artist will be on hand and a burn out contest is slated for 3 p.m.
The evening concludes with a performance by Casey Muessigmann and special guest Ted Stockton sponsored by the Hartley Fire Department.
Sunday's schedule wraps up with a community worship service, omelet breakfast and all-vehicle fun run. Wilson was eager to get things started this weekend and looked forward to a big crowd.
"We've been getting a lot of positive feedback in recent years and we're hoping everyone turns out to support Summer Celebration again this year," she said. "We want everyone to have a good time and we're really excited about our schedule."
