 Angie Cyrulik, one of the planners, says the committee has worked
hard to provide lots of
fun and entertainment that will attract folks of all ages. "The game
show is a big draw
every year," she said. "And the celebrity pie auction should be fun.
This is where people throw pies at some of our local celebrities
(Saturday, 2 p.m.). That should bring some people out!"Our
traditional Saturday night chicken dinner was replaced this year
with a fish fry, so
that's new. And the bands are really good."
Featured bands are Poprock, a group that performed at last year's
festival, and Elvis Himselvis previously performed at the Illinois
State Fair. The Elvis performance is at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, followed
by Poprock at 8.
The entertainment lineup also includes Chris Camp the Whip Guy,
who is always a favorite with all ages. Chris is scheduled twice on
Saturday, noon and 5 p.m., and will also be in the parade.
The parade, which begins at 1 p.m. on Saturday afternoon, will
use the same route as before, beginning at North Washington and
proceeding through the festivities downtown.
Also new this year will be some television viewing at the beer
tent. On Thursday night, the
opening game of the 2008 NFL season will be projected on a large
screen, which has been
donated by Farmer's Bank. If all goes well, the committee also hopes
to show the Saturday night Illini game.
The amusement rides will be hosted by a new vendor this year, and
advance tickets can be
purchased at Buff's Family Restaurant on the square while supplies
last. Rides will open at 4 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and at 9 a.m.
on Saturday.
If you like contests but rides aren't your thing, there's
something for you, too! Contests for Cutest Little Farmer, Little
Miss Mount Pulaski and Junior Miss Mount Pulaski will be on Thursday
evening at 6:00, 6:30 and 7 p.m. respectively. Contestants must be
from the Mount Pulaski School District, and registration was due on
Saturday. Forms were available at Farmer's Bank and Johnson's Food.
[to top of second column] |
 Other contests:
-
A 3-on-3
basketball tournament begins at 8 a.m. on Saturday. Entry forms
and fees were due by Labor Day.
-
"Are You Smarter
Than a Fifth Grader?" features adults and fifth-graders alike.
If you
would like to sign up, call Corey Leonard at 217-671-0189.
Preliminary rounds will be on Friday at 7 p.m., with the finals
on Saturday at 6 p.m.
-
The classic car and hot rod cruise-in
will be from 9 a.m. until noon on Saturday. No need to
preregister, just come to the Illinois National Bank at 205 E.
Jefferson St., on the northeast side of the square, for
directions on where to park. There will be cash prizes for top
entries.
Other contests that do not require
registration:
-
Doughnut eating
contest: Friday at 6 p.m.
-
Chili and pie
contest: Saturday at 11:30 p.m. at the INB tent
-
Kiddie tractor pull: Saturday at 2 p.m.
The Mount Pulaski Historical Society is also presenting the
Calvary Band and a re-enactment of the "Cast-Iron Tombstone Trial"
in which Lincoln participated in 1854 for the 8th Circuit Court. The
trial will be presented in the courtroom of the Mount Pulaski
Courthouse. Five jurors will be selected from early arrivals. The
cost is $5 for adults, with free admission for children and
students. Proceeds will go toward the 2009 celebration of Lincoln's
200th birthday.
Organizers state there won't be a moment of down time all weekend
and invite everyone to come and see and enjoy the festival.
[Jo Hilliard; Mount Pulaski news
release]
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