Chingawassa Days begins Friday
Little River Band takes the stage at 9 p.m. Saturday
A weekend filled with events is on tap for Marion residents and visitors with the culmination at 9 p.m. Saturday evening when Little River Band performs.
The Australian band rose to fame in the 1970s and '80s with 22 albums released, fueling 13 "top 40" singles, and 10 "top 10" hits. They have sold more than 20 million albums worldwide.
The band's greatest hits are "Reminiscing," "Help Is On the Way," "Lady," "Cool Change," "Happy Anniversary," "Man On Your Mind," "Lonesome Loser," "Take It Easy On Me," "Night Owls," and "The Other Guy."
Concert buttons are required for the Saturday evening events.
Buttons are available at local businesses, City of Marion offices, and at the gate for $7, general admission not including the concert, and $25, general admission and does include the concert.
Various musical acts will be performing throughout the weekend starting Friday evening with The Union Jacks and 3 Ring Circus.
On Saturday, local acts will take the stage during the day beginning with Marion High School Drum Line and Prairie Goose Stompers.
The opening act for Little River Band will be Polly, Esther and the Pleasures, performing memorable hits from the 1970s, '80s, '90s, and today.
And then finally, at 9 p.m., the band button-wearers have been waiting to see — Little River Band will take the stage.
Festival-goers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for comfortable seating. Souvenirs and concessions will be available throughout the evening.
No coolers, pets, or alcoholic beverages are allowed in the park anytime during the weekend.
During the day on Saturday, various food vendors will be selling festival favorites and some new menu items. Other vendors also will be selling products and services including a massage therapy booth.
Pre-registration is required for Bed Rock 'N Run bed races at The Tampa State Bank.
Events requiring registration to participate are Case and Son Rhino Run, Marion National Bank Grab for Cash, Midlands Farm Services/Scully Estates games, Deer Trail Implement, Inc. Pedal Tractor Pull, remote control car race, and horseshoe pitching tournament.
St. Luke Hospital is sponsoring a dinky duck race to raise funds for transition costs. Ducks may be "adopted" individually for $5 each and in groups for a special price. The ducks will be "released" from the north bank of Luta Creek with winners receiving various prizes.
On Sunday morning, a community church service sponsored by the Marion Ministerial Alliance will complete the fun-filled weekend. The service will feature a community choir comprised of musicians from local and area churches.
The festival is made possible by the donations from local businesses, individuals, City of Marion, Marion Chamber of Commerce, and button sales.
Steering committee members are Gene Winkler, Chris Costello, Dave Crofoot, Marc Grout, Jan Helmer, Dave Hett, Randy Kelsey, Sharon Kelsey, Jandee Moore, Mike Powers, Paige Schneider, Roger Schwab, and Margo Yates.
