Royal City Summerfest returns this year
ROYAL CITY — After being canceled in 2020, Royal City Summerfest returns for 2021 with plenty of activities.
“Double the Fun in 2021” is the theme.
Traditionally, events are scheduled for Friday night and all day Saturday, and the 2021 schedule follows tradition. Events begin July 9, with a barbecue dinner from 6-8 p.m. at the pavilion in Lions Park, 105 NW Camelia St.
Dale Roth will provide music from 6-6:30 p.m., and from 9-10:15 p.m.
The annual talent show and lip sync contest is scheduled from 6:30-7 p.m. in the park. Free, same-day registration for the annual Light the Darkness Glow Run is from 6:30-9 p.m., with the race starting at 9:15 p.m.
Participants run (or walk) around the 5-kilometer course through Royal City, wearing and carrying glow sticks. Volunteers will be out on the course to ensure people are going in the right direction.
The evening winds up with the annual fireworks show after the Glow Run.
Activities on July 10 begin with a pancake breakfast from 6:30-8 a.m. in Lions Park. Breakfast is cooked and served by teachers, aides and staff from the Royal School District.
Anyone who wants to get a little morning exercise — maybe work off some of those pancakes — can participate in a yoga class at 8 a.m. near the basketball court in the park. Erin Murphy is the instructor. Participants are encouraged to bring a towel, blanket or yoga mat.
The Grand Parade heads down Camelia Street at 10 a.m. The 2021 grand marshals are former Royal City Police Chief Darin Smith and his wife Angie.
Parade participants assemble at 200 Calla St., and entrants can start checking in at 9 a.m.
The annual horseshoe tournament begins at 11 a.m., right after the parade, at the Royal City Moose Lodge, 105 Camelia St. The quilt show opens at 11 a.m. at New Life Church, 117 NW Camelia St., next to the park. Admission is free.
Owners of great rides are invited to participate in the annual car show, which begins at noon. Cars will be on display at the park, but will assemble at the old Grant County Fire District 10 fire hall, 331 NE Camelia St., prior to the parade.
Categories include best of show, best pre-1990, best tuner, best truck and best late model. Judging will be at 3 p.m., and the awards announced at 3:30 p.m.
Games for kids will be going on throughout the day in the park, including a bevy of bouncy houses. Kids can play all day, the games and the bouncy houses, with the purchase of a $3 wristband.
The day ends with live music in the park. Clave 509 and Chepe y sus Muchachos will play 6 to 10 p.m.
