Parade, duck race, alumni gatherings return to Cambridge City
Canal Days organizers hope to keep area residents’ attitudes sunny in September with an “Endless Summer” theme for this year’s festival.
Visitors will notice an extra block of vendors stretched along U.S. 40 heading west toward First United Methodist Church, which offers an ice cream social, said Beth Leisure, Cambridge City Chamber of Commerce president. Most of those booths will offer crafts.
Leisure said demand has been high for spaces this year, and many vendors are new to the festival.
Shoppers can stay well-fed all day, because meals and snacks can be found at the local eateries along the path. Food trucks and non-profits will offer everything from ice cream to barbecue.
Friday
While the main events take place Saturday and Sunday, American Legion Post 169 will start the weekend off Friday with Scott Ross providing music from 8-11 p.m. Friday at no charge.
However, that’s not the Legion’s only contribution. Members will offer breakfast from 7-11 a.m. Saturday at 25 W. Church St., and ends the night with a concert by Sean Lamb and Janet Miller Band. Both public events are $5 each. From noon-6 p.m. Sunday, the Legion offers a beer garden, food and raffle.
Saturday
Traditional kickoff events include New Day Kiwanis’ Golf Tournament at 8 a.m. Winding Branch Golf Course in Pershing; the Lincoln High School Alumni Breakfast at Golay Community Center for Class of 1981 and earlier; and a co-ed slow pitch softball tournament.
Vendors will provide arts, crafts, food and games along U.S. 40 from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday.
A couple blocks north of downtown, Cambridge City Volunteer Fire Department again will organize a hog roast at 11 a.m., featuring sandwiches, meals, hamburgers, hot dogs and fries while supplies last. From noon-2 p.m. Saturday, kids can touch a truck at 127 W. Maple.
The Methodist church at 238 W. Main will offer ice cream and pies from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and a community choir will perform at 2 p.m., followed by the Chords of Friendship dulcimer/string concert and Strum Alongs at 3:30. The ice cream social has the same hours Sunday.
A children’s zone with blowup amusements will be offered from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m., along with Western Wayne Heritage’s mum sale at Vinton House and a seating area to hear tunes from Special Request DJ. On Sunday, the kids’ zone returns from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., and the DJ keeps the music playing from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Lincoln’s 1970s alumni will gather at the LHS cafeteria from 7-11 p.m.
Sunday
Activities include churches and cars, with all congregations welcoming visitors for worship.
The 10th annual car show at Creitz Park starts at 9 a.m.
Downtown vendors open at 10 a.m. and close at 2 p.m., when the parade starts.
This year’s grand marshal is businessman Gerry Gerard. For about 25 years, Gerard was a funeral director along with the late David Howard. They entered additional ventures as business partners, purchasing Hi-Way Springs fishing lake, a Citgo gas station and car wash, and K&J Drive-In, which is now the home of Pizza 3.14.
Gerard currently divides his time between Florida and Cambridge City. The Gerard family gives back to Western Wayne Schools through a scholarship for graduating seniors.
This year’s senior queen is Jodi Johnson, a retired Lincoln business teacher who continues to volunteer in the community, such as offering one-on-one appointments at Cambridge City Public Library for those who need help with job applications, resumes or using a computer.
Chamber volunteers will sell tickets from 9 a.m. -6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday for the rubber duck race that helps fund annual projects such as fireworks. Tickets are $3 or two for $5. Top prizes of $400, $250 or $100 go to those whose duck crosses the finish line first. The regatta takes place at 4 p.m. Sunday at Creitz Park’s swinging bridge.
For more information, visit cambridgecityindiana.org.
>> Canal Days queen selected
Four entries for Canal Days queen were received from senior Karly Smith and juniors Juliana Losekamp, Katie Osborne and Bailey Bonham. This year’s queen was selected based on an original essay.
Submissions were read by a small panel of anonymous judges, and Bonham was chosen to receive the queen title and a $100 cash prize.
Osborne is first runner-up, Losekamp is second runner-up and Smith is Miss Congeniality.
The crowning ceremony took place Sept. 2 at Lincoln’s home football game, but the quartet will be found Saturday and Sunday proudly participating in various festival activities for those who wish to extend their congratulations, Carpenter said.