Concerts, family festivals, symphony among the highlights
This weekend, Peabody is the place to be to memorialize those who gave their lives serving our country.
Operation Celebration: The 1940s, sponsored by Peabody Main Street Association, will have displays, demonstrations, parade, and farmer’s market beginning Saturday, downtown Peabody. Go to www.peabodymainstreet.com for more information.
Chingawassa Days
The summer fun begins with Chingawassa Days, June 5-6, downtown Marion.
Many favorites with new sights and sounds are sure to delight young and old.
This year there are two national performers — rock and roll group, Foghat, will perform June 5. Country music favorite, The Bellamy Brothers, will take the stage June 6.
A barbecue will kick-off the weekend celebration followed by an ice cream social and Foghat concert.
The following day will include a poker run, horseshoe pitching tournament, dodge ball tournament, entertainment, amusements, and other activities for kids of all ages.
Food concessions also will be available with a wide assortment.
Buttons for all activities during the two-day festival are $25 through the end of May, and are available at Marion National Bank, Central National Bank in Marion and Hillsboro, Marion Healthmart Pharmacy, City of Marion, Marion Chamber of Commerce, Western Associates, Carlsons’ Grocery, Tampa State Bank, and G&J Video.
Buttons at the gate are $35.
Prelude to symphony
More excitement and one-of-a-kind entertainment awaits visitors the following weekend when Symphony in the Flint Hills kicks off with the Prelude to the Symphony in Florence.
This year’s Symphony in the Flint Hills will be in a pasture near Cedar Point, which actually is in Chase County, but Florence will serve as the “host” community for visitors prior to the main event.
There could be as many as 30,000 people, descending on the county and converging in Florence June 12-13.
The symphony itself, the evening of June 13.
Downtown Florence will be lined with vendors, entertainers, and visitors .
“This is a great opportunity for local and area civic organizations, church and youth groups, and 4-H Clubs who want to have food booths or area businesses who want to sell antiques, crafts, or other unique items,” Huffman said.
Family-oriented entertainment also is on tap with area favorites already committed to performing including The Greenhorns and The Brothers & Sisters.
For more information, contact Huffman at (620) 382-8830.
Blue Grass at the Lake
A bluegrass festival is planned at Marion County Lake from 6 to 10:30 p.m. June 20.
The event is free to the public and will feature The Timber Creek Band and the Greenhorns.
An open stage will be from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. with the best open stage performance winning $100.
There will be food concessions and a lot of music.
Fire Jam
And if all that wasn’t enough, just wait until July when Marion County Fair Board, Marion County Fire Chief’s Association, Cardie Oil Company, and Shawmar Oil & Gas sponsor three nights of country music.
A fund-raiser to benefit Marion County Fire Chiefs’ Association will include three nights of concerts, in conjunction with Marion County Fair, featuring country music recording artists.
Bucky Covington, T. Graham Brown, and Kebo Cyrus will perform during the county fair, July 29-31.
Covington has quickly risen to become a nationally recognized entertainer after his success as a finalist on American Idol. He is enjoying success with numerous hits including “I’ll Walk,” “A Different World,” “It’s Good to Be Us,” and “American Friday Night.”
Brown has been an enduring fixture in the music industry, penning many of his own hits and for other artists. His memorable songs include “The Present,” “Stand Up for Love,” As If You Didn’t Know,” I’m Expecting Miracles,” and “Through the Eyes of a Child.”
Coming from a popular musical family, Kebo Cyrus toured with his brother, Billy Ray, in the 1980s, before striking out on his own. The national recording artist is known for his rocking and energetic performances.
Local favorites, The Greenhorns, will open for Cyrus July 29. Cyrus will be the opening act for Brown July 30 and the opener for Covington July 31.
The fire chiefs’ association has been working closely with Marion County Fair Association to enhance the attendance at the annual fair.
“Marion County Fair Association (MCFA) is very optimistic that bringing in new, exciting entertainment will help increase attendance at the fair,” said Stephanie Richmond, fair manager. “Additionally, we hope to have a wide array of ages attend the concerts and fair. With the state of the economy, we can offer a safe, fun, family environment at an affordable price.”
Ticket prices and how to purchase tickets will be announced at a later date
Marion County Fair begins July 29 and ends Aug. 1 with a demolition derby. The fairgrounds are located in Hillsboro.
“It is important for MCFA to collaborate with other entities because we are able to work together to expand ideas and create change,” Richmond said. “It is important to be able to implement fresh, new ideas so our event options do not become stale.”