Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
PIERCETON – Pierceton Days will be Friday and Saturday, July 17-18.
The theme is "Stars, Stripes & 250 Candles," celebrating America's 250th birthday. Throughout the weekend, the spirit of patriotism, community and the volunteers who make small-town America such a special place to live will be celebrated, according to Madison King, Pierceton Days Festival coordinator.
Friday, from 5 to 9 p.m., will be Food Truck Friday, a free community dinner and live music by The Strays.
On Saturday, the festivities start with the Pierceton Fire Rescue pancake breakfast from 8 to 10 a.m.
From 9 to 11 a.m., there will be the cornhole tournament with a cost of $20 per team.
At 11 a.m., the parade lineup starts at Pierceton Elementary School. The patriotic parade starts at noon.
Live music by Big Meow will be from 2 to 7 p.m.
The car show with DJ Nathan Arnold will be 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday. The car show awards, 50/50 drawing and raffle drawing will be at 8:30 p.m. Cost of the 50/50 raffle is $1 per ticket or $20 for a wingspan of tickets.
Throughout the day Saturday, there will be free bounce houses, kids carnival games, Touch-a-Truck, children's book signing, petting zoo, horse & pony rides, face painting and car smash fundraiser.
“This year, we intentionally selected Pierceton (Acting) Fire Rescue Chief Jared Smith as our grand marshal. More than anything, we wanted to shine a light on the incredible volunteers who protect our community. Like many volunteer departments, Pierceton Fire Rescue has faced significant budget reductions while also experiencing a decline in volunteers. Every firefighter serves our community while balancing full-time careers, family responsibilities, and countless hours of volunteer service. They have struggled to secure funding for equipment that is critical to protecting our residents during fires and emergency situations. Despite reaching out to local businesses for assistance, the support simply hasn't been enough. Because of that, the Pierceton Days Festival Committee made a conscious decision to make this year's festival a significant fundraising opportunity for the fire rescue. Earlier this year, our committee volunteered at their annual fish fry, and throughout the festival we've created several ways for the department to generate funds,” King said via e-mail.
The fire rescue fundraising opportunities include a free-will donation sausage, egg and pancake breakfast from 8 to 10 a.m. and the cornhole tournament Saturday. There will also be car smash fundraiser with all proceeds benefiting the fire rescue.
Cutie Contest winners will be announced on the Pierceton Days Festival Facebook page and will have the opportunity to ride in the parade on a float featuring a custom winner banner printed by the Pierceton Days Festival Committee. They will also receive their prizes during the parade awards ceremony at the Pierceton Days information booth immediately following the parade, King said.
Parade awards will recognize Best Patriotic Theme, Best Church Entry and Best Band, with winners announced at approximately 1 p.m. Saturday at the Pierceton Days information booth.
The Car & Motorcycle Show will recognize top 25 cars and trucks, top three motorcycles, best of show, and people's choice, along with numerous door prizes throughout the afternoon.
In addition to the food, entertainment and activities, guests will enjoy a variety of retail vendors, local organizations, children's activities and community exhibits throughout the festival, she said.
“Pierceton Days has always been about bringing neighbors together, and this year we hope it also reminds everyone of the men and women who quietly serve our community every day. We are incredibly grateful for Pierceton Fire Rescue and hope this year's festival not only raises funds but also inspires long-term support for those who answer the call whenever our community needs them,” King said.
