File photo by Bluff Country Photography
Round up your friends, family, kids and neighbors, and head to Chatfield for four days of “Old West” family fun at the 59th Annual Chatfield Western Days, August 6-9.
Dress in your finest red, white and blue western wear as the community also celebrates the 250th Anniversary of the United States. The Star-Spangled Fireworks Finale, honoring area veterans, will light up the sky on Sunday, August 9.
This year’s Grand Marshal is Deb Hoffman, while Linus and Bernie Hammell of Hammell Equipment will serve as Honorary Grand Marshals. Be sure to wave at them as they pass by during the Spectacular Grand Parade on Saturday, August 8, at 1 p.m.
Favorite annual events include the 26th annual Classic Car, Truck, and Antique Motorcycle Show, the Chatfield Firefighters Activity Association Friday Night Bash, and the Chatfield Saddle Club Activities, including the royalty contest, horse show, and trail ride.
Take in a performance at the region’s premier performing arts center as Wits’ End Productions presents it 22nd annual production, “The Wedding Singer” at the historic air-conditioned Potter Auditorium at the Chatfield Center for the Arts on August 6, 7, and 8.
Don’t miss the Best of the Midwest $20,000 Horse Pull, with free admission on Friday, August 7, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Mill Creek Park.
Western Days truly offers something for everyone. Kids and families can enjoy the Horseshoe Medallion Hunt, free open swim at the city on Wednesday, August 5; Chalk the Walk, pie eating contest, foam party, axe-throwing trailer, video game trailer, fishing tournament, co-ed volleyball and basketball tournaments, kiddie parade, the ever-popular toad races, Family Movie Night featuring “How to Train Your Dragon,” pony rides, a teen bean bag tourney, Family night free carnival rides, the Kick Up the Color run, 5K Stampede, dunk tank, bungee trampolines, and multiple inflatables attractions.
New this year are the Chatfield Lions Club “Duck Races.”
Bring your ATV for the Chatfield ATV Trail Ride through the scenic countryside, or spend time exploring the crafters flea market or the tractor and implement display.
And now, just to tempt your taste buds – the VFW’s Chicken BBQ returns on Saturday, August 8, from 11 a.m. until gone. Then start your Sunday with the Chatfield Wrestling Booster Club Fire Hall Pancake Breakfast from 7-10:30 a.m. Be sure to check out the many other Western Days sponsored food vendors, offering something to satisfy every appetite.
Happy Trails to You!
August Events
• August 5 – Music & Market, Spring Grove, Minnesota
• August 7-9 – Sweet Corn Days, Lime Springs, Iowa
• August 13 – Rhythm by the River, Preston, Minnesota
• August 14-17 – Apollo Music Festival, Houston, Minnesota
• August 14-16 – Canton Day Off Celebration, Canton, Minnesota
Do not forget to pick up your free copy of Visit Bluff Country at one of more than 1,000 locations across 35 counties in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Visit Bluff Country magazine is dedicated to promoting tourism throughout scenic Bluff Country.
For festival updates, travel ideas, and recommendations on where to eat, play, and sleep, visit us online at www.visitbluffcountry.com.
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