Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
PIERCETON - Drummer John Finken returns to his hometown with two bands on two consecutive nights during the town festival this weekend.
"I haven't played there since about 1984," he said of performing with Moxie Friday night and CODA Saturday night in Brower Park.
The concerts are free.
Finken and bass guitarist Steve Sahagun are in both bands. The musicians have played together for 17 years in CODA.
"Moxie is a little more classic, with dance, funk and rock music," said the 1982 Whitko High School graduate. "CODA is a little more heavy rock."
His last appearance was with a band called Profile during the 1984, or maybe 1985, Pierceton Days.
Finken's mother and most of his family still live in town.
Members of Moxie also include Tom Burley, Randa Franklin, Dave Colquitt and guest singer Dave Hardy. CODA players are Jon Ness, Rick Hoffer and Steve Walker. The sound tech for both bands is Doug Murphy.
CODA formed in 1987; Burley and Finken are original members. Moxie formed in February.
Finken's 14 drum students rarely get to see him play out since they're younger than 21 and he plays in a lot of bars. CODA was the opening band when the Animals appeared last year in Central Park and it was a rare opportunity for his students to attend a concert.
There are plenty of things to do prior to the concerts, according to organizer Kim Rose.
"We're hoping it doesn't rain and everyone is on their best behavior," she said.
The Pierceton Fire Department will have extrication equipment on display at the town garage Friday evening and demonstrate the equipment in the town parking lot Saturday.
South of the railroad tracks, Ind. 13 will close at 4 p.m. in preparation for the car show. Registration is from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
The annual parade begins at 4 p.m. Saturday.
There currently are 30 parade units and more are expected.
Jimmy Parks is this year's grand marshal.
Lexie Stephens and her family will ride and walk beside the "Old Lady In A Shoe"-themed float. Stephens has 16 children and one adopted son, 45 grandchildren and 53 great-grandchildren.
Bill Dixon of radio station WAWC Hoosier 103.5 will announce the parade.
Activities begin Friday with an antique flea market at the Pierceton Library.
At the first responders' and firemen's tent there will be free blood pressure checks, grill, bike raffle tickets for sale and free balloons both days.
At noon on both days, vendors in Brower Park open for business and William's Kiddie Land rides open.
Boy Scout Troop 761 will offer a dunk tank and car smash.
Friday is all-you-can-eat fish day at the American Legion.
Starting at 4 p.m. the Pierceton Lions Club will offer chicken barbecue and pork chops.
Also at 4 p.m. the fire department exhibit opens behind the senior center.
The car show registration is from 5 to 6:30 p.m., entry fees are $10 per car the day of the show.
From 5 to 8 p.m. DJ Steve Hann plays music outside the American Legion. Bingo games will be offered inside the Legion.
Moxie performs in Brower Park from 8 to 11 p.m.
At 8:45 p.m. the car show winners will be announced in front of the Legion. The pretty baby contest winner will be announced at the Brower Park grandstand.
On Saturday, from 6 to 10 a.m., the Pierceton Lions Club Igala Mission Team will serve an all-you-can-eat breakfast in the community building. The cost is a donation.
From 8 to 10 a.m. is the Pierceton Lions Club's walk-a-thon around the Pierceton Elementary School track. Free water and juice is available. There is a prize for the person who raises the most money.
The bike race registration begins on Catholic Street at 8:30 a.m.
The bike race starts at 9 a.m. There are categories for children up to age 15. Sparky the Firedog will be at the finish line and will present race awards at the Kiddie Tractor Pull, which follows the race.
At 10 a.m. is a gospel sing in Brower Park.
At 11 a.m. Brower Park vendors open and William's Kiddie Land rides open.
Inclognito Cloggers perform in Brower Park at 11 a.m.
From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. is a chicken-and-noodle dinner at the Pierceton Senior Center.
From noon to 2:30 p.m. is the Pierceton Presbyterian Church Missions cake walk at Brower Park
Tri County Kickers Line Dancers perform at Lake City Bank at 2 p.m.
At 3 p.m. the parade line-up begins at Pierceton Elementary School and proceeds north on Ind. 13.
4 p.m. - Movie Memories-themed parade. Parade winners announced about half an hour after the parade.
5 p.m. Open house and Bingo at the American Legion. Brian Kosher performs at 8 p.m.
6 to 7:30 p.m. - Pierceton Fire department extrication demonstration in the town parking lot.
From 5 to 9 p.m. - Free horse-drawn carriage rides are scheduled from uptown to the ball park.
ReMax hot air balloon rides will be available at the ballpark, weather permitting, from 6 to 8 p.m. All donations go to Riley Hospital for Children.
CODA performs in Brower Park from 8 to 11 p.m.
