Many other events planned

From rustic and patriotic to traditional and nostalgic, Marion County offers a wide array of other dynamic and family-oriented events this summer.

JUNE

Community picnic

An annual fundraiser picnic on the lawn of the historic Harvey House Museum in Florence is planned for 5 to 7 p.m. June 25.

Fried fish and mountain oysters, seasonal vegetables, homemade rolls and a variety of salads and desserts will be served. Donations will be accepted. More information is available at (620) 878-4296.

Garden tours

Those who want to tour four different gardens may want to attend Marion City Library’s Country Garden Tours from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 24. Tickets and more information are available at (620) 382-2442.

JULY

Independence Day

Peabody’s 96th annual Independence Day celebration and fireworks display will be a multiday festivity with plentiful family activities, entertainment, and dining.

A 5K run, dog show, sand volleyball and horseshoe tournaments, parade, karaoke, poker tournament, dance with a live band, and carnival highlight activities. Multiple food vendors will be available.

The event climaxes with what the community bills as the largest ground fireworks display in the state.

More information is available at (620) 983-2174.

Also on July 4, the town of Ramona will sponsor Redneck in Ramona. The celebration will begin with a country breakfast at 8 a.m. and continue with various activities throughout the day, including a redneck-themed parade, redneck run, an obstacle lawn mower race, pie-eating, and spam-carving contests, and fireworks at dark. About $700 in prizes will be awarded. More information is available at (785) 366-0931.

Aulne will have a belated independence celebration starting with a program at 7 p.m. July 9, followed by an ice cream social at 8 p.m. and fireworks at dark at Aulne United Methodist Church. More information is available at (620)382-3749.

Hog roast

An annual hog roast is planned for 6 p.m. July 15 with multiple family activities at Burns Community Center. More information is available at (620) 726-5819.

County fair

Agriculture aficionados can expect a veritable smorgasbord of down-home entertainment July 24 to 29 at Marion County Fair in Hillsboro. The fair features numerous family activities and events, including a parade, demolition derby, rodeo, dodge ball tournament, and celebrity goat-milking contest. More information is available at (620) 367-2229.

Glowing runners

A glow-in-the-dark walk and run around the county fairgrounds at 9 p.m. July 28 will benefit efforts of the new group Hillsboro Young Professionals to empower young people who live, work, learn, or play in Hillsboro.

Two courses will be offered — one mile and five kilometers. Registration for $20 includes a T-shirt and glow gear, while supplies last. Children ages 4 to 10 qualify for a $5 discount. Additional glowing swag is available for $5 more.

More information is available at (620) 947-3506.

August

Historic machines

Smack-dab in the dog days of summer, Country Threshing Days will feature a vast array of agricultural and historic Ford products Aug. 4 to 6 in Goessel. Ventriloquist Greg Classenn will perform at 7:30 Aug. 4 at Goessel High School. Throughout the weekend, Food and family activities will abound, including a parade and a children’s tractor peddle pull.

Run, run, run

In the ninth annual “Run 4 Your Momma,” participants can choose to run a half marathon or a 5k fun run/walk. Cash prizes will be awarded to top finishers. Strollers and dogs are welcome. The half marathon will start at 6:30 a.m. The 5k fun run/walk will start at 7:30 a.m. More information is available from mopsofmarion@outlook.com.

SEPTEMBER

Labor Day

The 80th annual Florence Labor Day celebration will be the first weekend in September. Citywide garage sales are planned for Sept. 2 with evening entertainment starting at 7 p.m. and a street dance at 9 p.m. Face painting and other family activities are free with purchase of an event button.

An 1880s vintage baseball game, ice cream social, watermelon seed spitting contest and fireworks will highlight activities Sept. 3, while a parade, mutton busting, FFA barnyard Olympics, and kids’ games will take place Sept. 4. More information is available at (620) 382- 6434.

Get crafty

Sept. 16 will offer two events for arts and crafts lovers.

Hillsboro Arts and Crafts Fair is a downtown event featuring myriad booths offering goods created by artists and food vendors from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. More information is available at (620) 947-3506.

Occurring simultaneously, Marion’s annual Art in the Park and Craft Show, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., will offer art, entertainment, drawings for gift certificates, and shuttle bus service to Marion’s Central park from designated parking lots. More information is available at (620) 382-3425.

Old Settlers

Marion’s Old Settler’s Day on Sept. 30 is a traditional homecoming for people who grew up in Marion. The celebration will feature a parade on Main St. along with food, entertainment, and games in Central Park.

Class reunions are typically conducted this weekend, and alumni graduating classes are honored during the community celebration. More information is available at (620) 382-3425.