CALLAWAY – Callaway’s annual Pioneer Picnic will swell the bellies and spirits of all who attend June 24 through 26, marking another salute to summer in Morgan Park. The theme this year is “Bring On The Rain,” and promises to be thunderous entertainment.
The celebration guarantees activity for all, according to Callaway Chamber of Commerce President Ken Pitkin.
“The Chamber tries to do something for all age groups. There are car shows, a little kids’ carnival, bouncy houses, and obstacle courses for the high schoolers,” Pitkin said.
The festival kicks off Friday with an Seven Valleys Rodeo Association (SVRA) Rodeo, at 7 p.m., and an 8:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. street dance.
Saturday features the 10:45 a.m. parade on Kimball Street, a 12 p.m. Auto Show, Kids’ Carnival, Wine Tasting, a Cornhole Tournament at 12:30, and live music and dancing from 8 p.m. to midnight.
Sunday holds Toad and Turtle Races at the park, an open swimming pool, and concludes with another SVRA Rodeo at 7:30 p.m. at the rodeo grounds on Highway 40.
Pitkin credits its community of volunteers’ strength and dedication for making the celebration possible. “For us, it’s not one volunteer. There are hundreds of volunteers in the community. Everybody does something. We have a great community of volunteers.”
In addition, Pitkin said the Seven Valleys Museum has captured the town’s history and is a great hit during the Pioneer Picnic.
“We’re very proud of our community, we want to showcase our community. We believe we have lots of positive things going on in Callaway and we want you to come visit but we want you to be exposed to a place that [makes you think] ‘this is where I’d like to live!” Pitkin said.
Below is a more detailed itinerary for the weekend.
Friday, June 24
7 Valleys Museum, Open Swimming Pool, SVRA Rodeo, Street Dance feat. TraynR Band
Saturday, June 25
Fun Run at Morgan Park, Parade at 10:45 on Kimball Street, Auto Show, Kids’ Carnival, Dodgeball, Bingo, Cornhole Tournament, Wine Tasting, Rodeo Pageant, Street Dance feat. Graham Nancarrow
Sunday, June 26
SVRA Rodeo Slack, Open Swimming Pool, 3-on-3 Basketball, Toad and Turtle Races, SVRA Rodeo
