The Our Days Steamboat Festival will return to La Center at the end of July to provide the community a chance to once again celebrate together.
The festival, which hasn’t been held since 2019, will take place on Friday, July 29 and Saturday, July 30.
Organizer Sam Glackler looks forward to seeing La Center citizens and others enjoy the plethora of festivities that are scheduled. Most of the events will take place at Holley Park.
This year’s theme is “Under the Big Top,” which is based on circuses. Curly the Camel will make an appearance and the Our Days parade will also return at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, July 29.
The parade will feature Exit 16 Brewing, the Clark County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Team, and Power Pep Bandwagon, among others. It will travel from the middle school to the La Center Church.
“We’re hoping that the parade in the evening will be a pretty fun event for everybody and there’ll be a lot of entries in that,” Glackler said.
The movie Dumbo will be screened on Friday, July 29 at the amphitheater in Sternwheeler Park following the parade.
In addition to the other circus-themed attractions, on July 30, magician J.W. Magic will perform tricks for kids. There will also be bounce houses and a cake walk.
“We’re pretty excited,” Glackler said. “We really hope that we’re going to have a huge turnout of people. We got a good number of vendors, like lots of vendors that are going to be there selling their merchandise and putting their stuff for sale in the park, so we’re excited about that.”
Glackler said the vendors will serve cotton candy, shaved ice and popcorn to fit the circus theme.
The festival will also feature its staple barbecue event, a 5K race and other events in the park.
The 5K, which starts at 8 a.m. on Saturday, July 30, will feature shirts that coincide with the circus theme.
The beautiful baby contest will take place at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 30. Contestants will be judged based on their personality, smiles and their overall demeanor.
Archery World will also help teach kids and families how to shoot arrows at the festival.
“There should be plenty for everybody to see and do,” Glackler said.
Glackler’s favorite part of the festival is the 5K run, as it creates “a little bit of competition” and brings walkers and runners together. Participants can also bring their dogs.
“I just think that’s a great way to start the day,” he said.
The proceeds from the 5K will be given to the parents of La Center High School’s Class of 2023 for a “safe and sober” graduation party.
A car show that features hot rods, motorcycles, and other vehicles is set to take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 30.
“(There’s) lots of opportunities for trophies,” Glackler said.
More information about La Center’s Our Days Steamboat Celebration and the full schedule can be found online at lacenterourdays.com or on the Facebook page titled “La Center Our Days Celebration.”
