Spring is finally here and that means summer is coming soon as well! The Annual Heart of Ohio USA Days has a “new and improved” festival planned this year that truly has something for everyone! Remember that admission is free as well as parking!
The Wednesday night opening has been dropped this year and will open at 5 pm on Thursday, June 20th. There will be the usual rides, midway, “fair food” and more! Kicking the evening off will be the annual Little Miss Liberty and Little Uncle Sammy Pageant at 7 pm, sponsored by the Heart of Ohio Women’s Club.
The Lip Sync Contest will be held Thursday evening at 7:30 pm. The contest will be held for four age groups. Children up to age eight, preteens from nine to twelve, teens 12 to 17 and adults 18 and up! Entrants must bring their music selection on a CD or MP3 on a USB drive. They must arrive in costume and the song should be 3 to 6 minutes. It is preferred songs be closer to three minutes.
All age groups may preregister by calling Candy at 740-501-6144 or at 6 pm on the night of the contest in the stage area providing there are still slots open. Total acts are limited to only 20! In order to keep our event “family friendly” written lyrics may be requested. No rap, questionable, inappropriate or foul language may be used! The committee reserves the right to deny entry due to inappropriate lyrics, attire or dance movements! Duets or groups may enter within the category of the oldest member. One individual may participate in one group performance and one solo.
Scoring will be done on a 40-point scale with 20 points for creativity/originality, 10 points for appearance and 10 points for lip sync. Prizes will be awarded in each age category of $75, $50 and $25 for first, second and third, respectively. There will also be two special $50 Director awards for the entire group of contestants for Best Overall Performance and Best Costume!
Friday, June 21st will also open at 5 pm with something brand new for adults! There will be a “beer garden” just across the drive by the stage to allow band viewing. It will be enclosed and is not adjacent to the rides or kid’s areas. There will be some rules in effect to prevent any problems. It is hoped that this will add to the festival in a positive way as well as generating funds for the festival budget. Jason and Teresa Harter of the 1834 Midway Tavern in Centerburg are sponsoring this endeavor.
At 6 pm, back from last year is the all-girl group Spinning Jenny! These talented sisters from Pittsburgh were greatly enjoyed last year and will be sure to get your hands clapping and feet tapping!
Then at 8 pm we will welcome the Moonbats band from Columbus. They will also guarantee you a fun evening! You are sure to hear many songs you know and love!
Saturday, June 22nd is always the big day! The annual parade kicks off at 11 am from the Church of Christ beside the high school and moving on to the park. This year’s theme is “Support Our Troops” honoring both veterans and those currently serving. Mike Hebenthal, Superintendent of Centerburg Schools, will be the Grand Marshal with any veterans or serving military as Co-Grand Marshals!
The park will open at noon after the parade and a short concert by the Centerburg High School Band as the flag is raised.
Calling all Princesses! This year the lovely Belle from “Beauty and the Beast” and Rapunzel from the movie of the same name will be on hand. They will begin at 1 pm on stage to sing their signature songs and have a short singalong and dancing with the children! Then they will head over into the shady area and happily talk to the aspiring princesses as well as pose for pictures.
At 2 pm POUND will be on stage. This is a revolutionary exercise program for anyone! You use special weighted drumsticks to do many types of moves. There will be 20 sets of sticks so you can try it out for yourself and watch the demonstration!
At 4 pm the stage welcomes TnT Duo who will play their guitars and sing for you. Grab a seat early! At 6 the Alan Carl Band will take the stage and get the place rocking with their country music flair! We hear the AC Posse will be on hand! At 8 they will be followed by the southern rock superstars Free Bird! For the best music you will want to hear all three groups for sure!
Also at 6 pm is the second annual kids’ State of Ohio Sanctioned Tractor Pull will begin. Registration begins at 5 pm. Winners move on to the State of Ohio finals at the Hartford Fairgrounds and if they win there they can move on to the Nationals at the Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota! One of last year’s contestants made it through the state finals and went to the Nationals! This is open to both girls and boys.
At 10 pm the annual fireworks extravaganza will take place. The hill of the park is roped off for parking which allows everyone to bring their blankets or lawn chairs for the prime viewing area! Patriotic music will accompany the show!
Mark your calendars now! You won’t want to miss a minute!