After the forced hiatus last year, Clarion’s annual summer fun event Festival in the Park is back for 2021. This year, the events sponsored by the Clarion Chamber will all be on Saturday, June 12. The festival as usual is centered around Gazebo Park.
The event is being organized by new Chamber Director Lydia Schroeder. She said she is excited to be at the helm of her first festival, even though events might be a little scaled back compared to past years as things continue to return to normal.
Saturday kicks off with the Firemen’s Pancake Breakfast from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Fire Station. Next is everyone’s favorite event- the parade, which will take place at 10 a.m. People can submit entries for the parade until June 1st, said Schroeder. Candy can be thrown from floats.
At the park throughout the day, there will be lots of fun vendors and exhibitors to visit. Schroeder said they will have several food vendors, including many new ones this year. Arts and craft vendors have also been flooding in. Schroeder also added that festival-goers can expect various informational interactive booths as well.
Though there is no live stage entertainment this year, Mojo Productions will be providing DJ services all day to keep the park rocking. Iowa State Extension and Outreach is bringing the fun for the kiddos. They will have their Conservation Station set up all day with fun demonstrations and activities.
The Clarion Ministerial Association has decided not to sponsor a community worship service on Sunday this year.
Schroeder said she hopes people are looking forward to the festival, even if it’s a little smaller this year. “I’m excited for it. I think most people think it’s time to start easing back into some normalcy and this great community event can do that.” Since it’s her first year planning it, Schroeder added that she hopes the festival continues to grow and evolve in the next several years.
Clarion Mayor Duane Asbe is also looking forward to the event. “Festival in the Park is a good way to kick off our summer activities and be connected with community members, family and bring back Clarionites from out of town. Last year, all the events canceled left a void for many people and towns. Now I think people are excited to get back to enjoying something that we have for many years.”
Schroeder said that people interested in entering the parade or becoming a vendor of any sort can contact her at the Chamber at 515-532-2256 or chamber@clarioniowa.com or find the forms at clarioniowa.com. Applications will be taken until June 1.
