EDITOR’S NOTE: The editor regrets erroneously publishing that a pancake breakfast would take place. It will not be held this year.
The 10th annual Wayland Main Street Celebration will be held from noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 20, downtown.
The festival will include the Minerva and Athena artist market, kids’ activities, a “Superhero Kids Train,” the Critter Barn petting zoo, the annual bean bag tournament, a dunk tank, a 5k run, barbecue cookoff, silent auction for a donated leaf blower from Starr Lawn and Garden, beer and food tents, and live entertainment.
“One exciting highlight of the event this year is the Wayland Crosswalk Project being led by Vicki Gless,” said new Main Street Director Julia Sturvist. “There will be 16 dedicated volunteers working in shifts to paint the crosswalk while the streets are closed for the festival.”
Natalie Garcia, who volunteers through the Wayland Main Street promotions committee, explained that “We’re just keeping that theme going with the murals and the dahlias, because it has sparked community involvement from businesses and the residents of Wayland.”
Designs were created by Wayland Union High School art students using a motif by Tori Theel that continues the theme of Wayland as the Dahlia City.
This year’s barbecue cookoff features a $1,000 grand prize. as well as other cash prizes.
The family friendly Wildcat Dash 5K Fun Run/Walk will start at 8 a.m., with proceeds befitting Wayland Union High School track and field and cross country teams. The course runs through downtown Wayland, beginning and ending at the four corners.
Most of the activities will get under way downtown at noon. Live entertainment includes Magician PJ Weber, Macy Crew, Kari Lynch, Innuendo, Plain Jayne, FrankenGarry and Be Kind Rewind.
The Main Street Celebration is the heir of the old-time Cowbell Days and Summerfest celebrations held annually in the village and city downtown.
As a side note, there is not a pancake breakfast this year