Stephanie Campbell had a float modeled after hit game Super Mario Kart in the 2024 parade, themed “The 1990s.” Photos by Deb Patterson.

By Maksym Hart
InkFreeNews

PIERCETON — Pierceton Days is set to return for just one day this year on Saturday, Aug. 2, with a full day and evening of celebration, featuring board game-themed parade floats, local vendors, live music, classic cars and fireworks.

Parker Kline has fun watching the 2024 parade.

The events, organized by an open crew of volunteers, take place along Main Street and at Brower Park in downtown Pierceton.

The festival officially kicks off at 8 a.m. with a Pierceton Fire and Police Department pancake breakfast that lasts until 10 a.m. on 105 W. Walnut St.

At 11 a.m. a Fire Department cornhole tournament will be held. No sign-up is required. Team entry costs $20 and prize money is split 50/50 between the winning team and Pierceton Fire Department.

Also beginning at 11, the Pierceton Days Committee will hold a watermelon eating contest, followed by sack races, water balloon toss and three-legged race for kids. Winners of the kids’ games will get free Pierceton Days t-shirts.

Market and craft vendors officially open to the public at 2 p.m. and last until 8 p.m. There will be 29 vendors this year, including Touch-A-Truck.

Attractions include an appearance by the Magic Bus, featuring palm and card readings by Psychic Kayla.

At 4 p.m., the annual parade will roll through downtown following a 3 p.m. lineup at Pierceton Elementary, 434 S. First St., featuring floats and entries decorated with this year’s theme, “Board Games.” Those in the car show that would like to be a part of the parade must arrive 3 p.m. at Dollar General, 521 S. First St.

“It’s just a fun way to bring the community together,” said Matt Brubaker of the Pierceton Town Council.

Immediately following the parade, the festival’s Car and Truck Show go from 5-9 p.m. in the McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel parking lot, with registration from 7-7 p.m. and awards announced at the DJ booth 8:30 p.m at Lake City Bank, 108 S. First Street.

Plenty of vendors will be available for snacks and summer eats at Pierceton Days.

The top 25 winning car and truck entries will receive plaques. Other winning categories are ‘People’s Choice,’ ‘Show Stopper’ and ‘Best of Show.’

From 5-10 p.m., Big Meow will perform classic 80’s tunes at Brower Park.

At 8 p.m., local band River’s End will take the stage for a live performance at The Post, 134 N. First St., leading into the fireworks display at 10 p.m., sponsored by the Pierceton Days Committee. Free pinwheels, glow sticks and bubbles will be available.

Brubaker said the committee hopes attendees walk away with “a feeling of enjoying that small-town atmosphere.”

For more information, or to register for events, contact Pierceton Days Committee member Madison King at [email protected], or call (574) 265-6126.