Festival in the Park anticipation is rising! The annual event is back this year on Saturday, June 11. The Clarion Development Alliance (CDA) has a day full of fun activities and events planned.
As usual, the day will start bright and early with pancakes! The Clarion Fire Department will again be hosting their pancake feed at the fire station, serving from 6-10 a.m.
The famous Festival in the Park parade starts at 10 a.m. This year’s parade marshal is Tom Simmons. (Check later this month for a story about Simmons). CDA officials say that people and businesses interested in having a parade entry do not need to sign up beforehand but are asked to start lining up behind the middle school at least a half hour in advance. Larger vehicles such as semis should line up further back, closer to the pool.
The CDA is excited to welcome back live entertainment on the Gazebo Park stage during the day on Saturday. Simmons and his sons will be sharing their music, back by popular demand. Iowa Specialty Hospitals’ band will be rocking the park. The kids from Little Angels Daycare will delight the crowd with a couple of songs. CDTA studio’s dancers will show off their skills on stage as well.
The Clarion Development Alliance is also happy to welcome award-winning magician Keith West and the Illusioneers to the Festival for the first time. His exciting performance will be sure to amaze people of all ages. (Check back closer to Festival for a full schedule of the stage events).
Throughout the park, visitors will be able to enjoy a number of food stands ranging from tacos to smoked food to ice cream. Craft and retail vendors will also line the walkway and offer fun shopping opportunities. The CDA folks added that there is still room for more food and craft vendors. Interested parties can get more information by contacting them at 515-532-2256 or chamber@clarioniowa.com.
Besides events on Saturday at Gazebo Park there will be more fun going on around town as well throughout the weekend. On Friday, Fuel will be hosting their annual anniversary party that will include live music by Courtney Dickinson. Timbukbru will also have music that weekend. On Friday, brewery favorites Brad & Kate will perform there. Another act Saturday is being planned as well. Chad Elliot will be performing Saturday night at Chappy’s. Also, check out the fun retail businesses downtown throughout the weekend.
This year’s Festival in the Park is being planned by a committee of volunteers. The CDA is excited to get the Festival back to its former glory with live stage entertainment this year and then expand even more in future years.
Additionally, the CDA looks forward to introducing their new director that Saturday. She will be starting her new role later this month and will be helping with Festival in June. (Check back later this month for an introduction story).
Check the Monitor and the Clarion Development Alliance’s Facebook page in the following weeks for more detailed information about the 2022 Festival in the Park!
