Prairie Days under way in Prairie City

Prairie Days are back again this weekend in Prairie City, and event coordinators say this year’s event will be better than ever.

From the 50/50 raffle and bingo to a fireworks display, a high school dance and a frog jumping contest, Prairie City Days has something for everyone. Events began today and will continue throughout the weekend.

“We’re bringing in a zip line this year for the first time, so we think people are really going to enjoy that addition. It’ll run on the south side of square. We’re still going to have all of the carnival games and inflatables that we’ve done before,” Prairie Days chairwoman Christy Lindsay said.

“If you’re not from here, coming for the entertainment and relaxing in our beautiful town square would be a great way to get to know Prairie City. The city crew has been working hard at Garden Square to make it look beautiful,” Lindsay said. “The birds are chirping down there, the sun has been shining and the weather looks like it should be great for the weekend … We look forward to a nice turnout.”

All evening on Friday, attendees can sign up for the 50/50 cash and prizes raffle, use the carnival inflatables, play bingo on the northeast side of the square and visit the food stands and open market.

Saturday's events include:

9 a.m. – Grandma Marilyn’s Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Contest at the bandstand and Coffee Time on the Square.

9:30 a.m. – Kids’ Parade, lining up in front of City Hall at 9:15 a.m.

10 a.m. – Fire station open for tours.

10 a.m. – Kids’ games and races on the North side of the square.

11 a.m. – 9 square in the air at the west side of the square

11 a.m. – noon – bags tournament registration and practice at the north side of the square.

11 a.m. – Animals, Animals, Animals, - a presentation by the Blank Park Zoo at the bandstand.

Noon – Frog jumping contest at the west side of the square, bring your own frog!

Noon – The bags tournament begins on the north side of the square.

1 p.m. – Flag raising ceremony.

1:30 p.m. – Spelling bee at the bandstand, all ages welcome.

1:30 p.m. – What’s it to you? In the PCM Middle School Auditorium.

2:30-5:30 p.m. – Gospel entertainment.

3 p.m. – Water games for all ages.

5 p.m. – Evening parade registration and line up.

6 p.m. – Parade.

7-10 p.m. – Finnders and Youngberg bluegrass band at the bandstand.

9 p.m.-Midnight – High School Dance

10 p.m. – Fireworks at the Prairie City Rec Complex

Sunday morning will have several community events including a community prayer walk at 7 a.m., a community breakfast on the square at 8 a.m., and community church service on the square at 10 a.m.