Archway Days organizers say their 35th festival will be Centerville’s largest in many years.
One example of that spirit: More than 100 vendors have registered for the event in Maplewood Park taking place from 3-11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25, and 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26.
Booths will offer handmade items and crafts, food and information from local organizations. Nearly 40 stations will be set up along Crown Creek Boulevard, just north of the stoplight at U.S. 40 and North Morton Avenue.
An inflatable slide, bounce houses, games and rock-climbing wall will be open from 3-9 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday. A $10 wristband provides all-weekend access.
Friday’s additional highlights include a car show from 4-9 p.m. and concerts by Fire and Ice (classic rock) from 5-7:30 and Dyslexic Funk (classic rock to country) from 8-11 at the stage. Bringing a seat is encouraged.
On Saturday morning, Centerville police are sponsoring a pedal tractor pull from 9:30-10:30 a.m., followed immediately by a stun gun demonstration, then Cookies with a Cop and a giveaway of child DNA and fingerprint kits from 11-11:30. Centerville Fire/Rescue will demonstrate skills from noon to 2 p.m.
Those who need to dissolve stress can swing a sledgehammer five times per $1 between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. to smash a car.
In contrast, Wayne County Railroaders will celebrate what they’ve built. Members will cut a ribbon at 11:30 a.m. for their new outdoor garden railway outside the caboose they previously restored.
Hoosier Corners Square Dancers will do-si-do from 2-3 p.m. before the 4 p.m. Main Street parade. Soon after, Bratton and McClain Band take the stage from 5:30-7 p.m., and Sean Lamb Janet Miller Band performs from 7:30-11 p.m.
Some Centerville organizations also will offer fundraisers near the park that weekend while crowds are large.
Friends of Centerville Public Library again will offer their book sale from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the library, 126 E. Main St.
Boy Scout Troop 16 will serve all-you-can-eat pancakes Saturday morning for $8 for adults and $5 for ages 3-10 at Centerville United Methodist Church, 112 S. Morton Ave. The unit annually contributes more than 2,000 hours of community service and support to veterans in Wayne County.
And, the church is celebrating its 200th anniversary at 10 a.m. Sunday with Pastor Ted Chalk riding in on horseback, portraying a circuit rider.
Those attending are encouraged to share photos on social media using the hashtag #cawd23. More information can be found at archwaydays.org.
A version of this article appeared in the August 23 2023 print edition of the Western Wayne News.