‘Mantorville Days’ coming this weekend
Although the annual Marigold Days celebration was cancelled earlier this summer by the Marigold Days Committee because of the COVID-19 pandemic, that doesn’t mean there will not be some activities in town this weekend.
Mantorville Chamber members have put together a Mantorville Days celebration that will start Thursday and continue through Sunday on a reduced scale.
Activities get underway on Thursday, Sept. 10, with a Drive-In Classic Rides Show. Owners of classic cars are invited to bring their classic rides to 5th and Clay Street in Mantorville for display from 6 to 8 p.m.
There are several events scheduled for Friday, Sept. 11, including a 9/11 Memorial Tribute at 6 p.m. The tribute will be at the Relay Lot at the corner of 5th and Clay Street.
Friday evening JT & the Gunslingers will be playing from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. under the big tent at the Saloon. Tickets are available at the Saloon and are $5 in advance and $10 at the door Friday night.
Saturday will feature a beanbag tournament beginning at 2 p.m. under the big tent. The tournament will cost $20 per team with the payout determined by how many teams sign up. Sign up early at the Saloon.
Artists will be exhibiting plein aire painting all day Saturday. Plein Aire is a French expression meaning “in the open air.” Plein aire is painting outdoors with the subject in full view.
Judging of the plein aire works will be on Sunday.
At 2 p.m. on Saturday the Field of Flags honoring armed services personnel, police, fire and first responders and the essential workers keeping everyone safe during the COVID-19 Pandemic will be dedicated.
Saturday concludes with fireworks at Riverside Park. Fireworks start at 8:30 p.m. and viewing them from your car is advised. There will be parking on the streets surrounding the park.
Marigold Days wrap up on Sunday with Designer Purse Bingo under the big tent at the Mantorville Saloon at 1 p.m.
There are a number of events that will be continuing throughout the weekend.
A self-guided driving/walking garden tour will begin on Thursday and continue through Sunday. Maps will be available in front of the Greek Revival House beginning on Thursday.
Prizes will be awarded for best use of marigolds and for the best overall landscaping. All gardens will be viewable from the street.
Mantorville’s 1st Annual Larger than Life Art Show will also be on display through September 16. The works of several area artists are displayed in a large outdoor format throughout the city. Flyers will be available with the locations of the artworks.
And, of course, every celebration requires food and there will be an abundance of edibles as food trucks will be located on Clay Street, Friday through Sunday.
Everyone is invited to come and enjoy the end of summer this weekend in Mantorville.
For all events everyone is asked to follow the guildelines of the Centers for Disease Control. Masks are required at indoor event, social distancing is encouraged and hand sanitizing stations will be available.