Junction Days features a ‘groovy’ theme

RED OAK — A “Groovy Red Oak” will be the theme of the 32nd annual Red Oak Junction days June 25-27.

The weekend of fun starts Friday night with a kick-off supper and pie and ice cream social at the Red Oak High School Cafeteria. Both events are hosted by the Red Oak Senior Center.

Following an opening ceremony at 6 p.m., the high school auditorium will be the site of a Friday Night Fever Variety Show, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

A Tiny, Little, Junior and Miss Red Oak Contest will then take place at 7 p.m. in the auditorium.

Also at 7:30 p.m. Friday, the Wilson Performing Arts Center will host a performance of “The Wizard of Oz.”

Saturday’s lineup of events starts early with a Rotary Club pancake feed from 7-9:30 a.m. Proceeds from that event will help pay for the Rotary Club’s ongoing project of replacing the basketball cage, in partnership with the Red Oak school district.

At 7:30, a 10K/two-mile run and walk starts in the Fountain Square Park, followed by a flight gear display by Red Oak native Eric Artzer from 8-10:30 a.m.

At 8:30 a.m., the Red Oak Tumbling Academy will perform, followed by a 9:15 a.m. performance by the Mini-Star Cheerleaders.

A parade starts at 10 a.m., with Larry and Marty Barnett serving as Grand Marshals.

A dodge ball tournament sponsored by RMPKA will start at 11 a.m. in the middle school, and the Red Oak Minisingers will perform on the square from 11 a.m. to noon.

A tractor display is scheduled for 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., as well as an ugliest truck contest at the same time. The tractors will be on display on 2nd Street between Reed and Coolbaugh, while the ugly trucks will parked on Reed Street between 2nd and 3rd streets.

A children’s carnival, sponsored by the Red Oak Junior Class, will be available from 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., as well as mini-train rides by D & J Express.

A soap box derby on East Reed Street from 8th to 4th street starts at noon, as well as a hot dog eating contest from noon-1 p.m. in the Fountain Square park.

Eric Artzer will be signing copies of his book from noon-2 p.m. inside the Pudgy Pumpkin Patch Gift Shop, while a talent showcase is scheduled to start at 1 p.m. on the stage.

Bingo will be offered at the Firehouse Restaurant at 310 E. Washington Street from 1-4 p.m., while water fights will take place on the square at 2 p.m.

Red Oak native Joel Kinser will perform from 3:30-4:30 p.m., followed by the Rhythm Kings from 4:30-7 p.m. During the Rhythm Kings performance, the Mills/Montgomery County Cattlemen Association will offer dinner in the park, hosted by the Chamber Association.

Saturday night, “The Wizard of Oz” takes the stage again at 7:30 p.m. at the Wilson Perfoming Arts Center, while a DJ plays music for a street dance from 8 p.m. –midnight outside the Pit Stop Bar and Grill. A beer garden will also be available.

Also throughout the day Saturday, a vendor fair is scheduled from 8 a.m.-6 p.m., on Reed Street between 3rd and 4th streets. Food vendors are scheduled for 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m., and the Montgomery County Jail will be available for tours from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Sunday’s events include a tractor ride from Red Oak to Emerson, starting at 8 a.m.

A final presentation of “The Wizard of Oz” will take place at 2:30 p.m. at the Wilson Performing Arts Center.

Pre-registration is required for some Summer Fun Day events, including the Tinny Miss, Little Miss, Junior Miss and Miss Red Oak Contest on Friday, the 10K/two-mile run/walk, vendor fair, soap box derby, hot dog eating contest, talent showcase and water fights on Saturday.