Chingawassa Day supporters come back every year for the festival because they look forward to the longtime favorite events such as the Marion National Bank Barbecue, the St. Luke Hospital Dinky Duck Races, and the anvil shoot. But they also come back each year to see new acts and activities.

This year will not disappoint with an assortment of new events.

Hypnotist Brad Clark will be the entertainment June 4, following the barbecue, ice cream social, and a performance by bluegrass band Timber Creek. Clark is billed as a “comedy stage hypnotist” and is a popular performer.

Instead of tricycle or bed races on Main Street, as seen in the past on the Saturday of the annual event, this year there will be toilet races.

Here’s how it will work. There will be two toilets, complete with seats, provided for two-person teams. One person will ride, the other person will push. The Marion ambulance crew will sponsor the event.

For the first time since 1997, the Marching Cobras from Kansas City, Mo., will perform. The group was a popular attraction more than a decade ago, with lively and unique dance routines.

Later that day, Jake Schmidt will perform country and gospel music.

The traditional Scully games, crowd favorites, will be played with some new ones added to the mix.

Sumo wrestling is also new and involves contestants donning inflated costumes and wrestling on a mat.

A texting contest is sure to attract youngsters and teens to test their speed and skill.

Other competitions are being planned and will be announced later.

Athletes and those who want to just have fun can participate in a number of events June 5.

• Rhino Run, 5-kilometer or 2-mile fun run.
• American Legion Rider Poker Run.
• Horseshoe Pitching Tournament. Sign up the day of event.
• Chinga Chuck.
• Texas Hold’Em Tournament.
• Rock-Paper-Scissors Contest.
• Spam Carving Contest.
• Dodge Ball Tournament. Sign up prior to festival.

Main attraction

The festival will be capped June 5 when local favorite and national recording artists 38 Special performs. The rock band was the headliner eight years ago and had remained one of the favorite bands of Chingawassa supporters.

Opening acts for 38 Special on June 5 will be the band Vegetable, featuring former Marion resident and Marion High School alumnus Oliver Good, and the band Rain.

38 Special will take the stage at 9:15 p.m.

A community church service will be at 10:30 a.m. June 6 in the USD 408 Performing Arts Center, Marion.

Food concessions will be available.

Buttons for all activities during the two-day festival are $25 for adults through May 30. Buttons then will be $35. Children 10 and younger will be admitted free with an adult.

A Saturday day pass will be available for $6, allowing attendees to enter the park until 5 p.m. The pass does not include Friday activities or Saturday night’s concert. The pass will be available at the gate.

Buttons will be available next week at Marion National Bank, Tampa State Bank, Central National Bank in Marion and Hillsboro, Marion Health Mart Pharmacy, City of Marion office, Marion Chamber of Commerce, Western Associates, Carlsons’ Grocery, and G&J Video.