This is the 36th year for Centerville’s Archway Days, and the festival will have about seven dozen vendors and activities.
The festival will take place from 3-11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23, and 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, in Maplewood Park, just a couple blocks north of the stoplight at U.S. 40 and Morton Avenue.
All ages can browse the arts and crafts vendors, local organizations serving causes such as youth, animals and veterans, and many food options ranging from barbecue to Chinese dishes and sweets.
A variety of free and low-cost entertainment is planned.
Both days, mechanical bull rides will be offered ($5 each or three for $10), along with an inflatable slide, bounce houses and games ($10 wristband for weekend). Juggler Vic Greasy will wander the crowd.
On Friday, the car show takes place from 4-9 p.m. Brian Benedict, the Singing Fireman, performs at 5 p.m., followed by karaoke with Centerville Police Department from 7-8 p.m. Fire & Ice then takes the stage until 11 p.m.
From 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, guests can relieve stress through five sledgehammer swings to smash a car for $1.
Hoosier Corners Square Dancers warms up the entertainment stage with a 9:15 a.m. Saturday demonstration.
A pie-eating contest is planned at noon Saturday for those 15 and older, followed by the Collins & Gross Show, a mock accident and extrication demonstration, and the 4 p.m. parade on Main Street.
Magician Tony Truitt performs at 5, followed by a battle of the bands at 6 p.m. and a community dance from 7-11 p.m.
Throughout the weekend, at least two community groups offer nearby fundraisers. Friends of the Centerville Library will sell books, puzzles, DVDs and other items for $1 or less both days from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Scouts BSA Troop 16 will offer pancakes, sausage, biscuits, gravy, fruit and beverages from 6:30-10:30 a.m. Saturday at Centerville United Methodist Church, 112 S. Morton Ave. Tickets ($8 adult, $5 ages 3-10) can be purchased in advance at Sales@Troop16CAC.org or at the door.
More information is available at archwaydays.org.
A version of this article appeared in the August 21 2024 print edition of the Western Wayne News.