Ridiculous Days return this weekend, shooting for broader appeal

WASHINGTON — This weekend is the first in June, which means a decades-old tradition is back in Washington.

Ridiculous Days, now in its 77th year, has always featured “ridiculously priced” sidewalk sales, and long included a line of weekend activities downtown. This year, organizers hope to expand the appeal with more events, aimed at different crowds.

A “ridiculously cool car show,” in partnership with the Corn Country Cruisers will debut Friday night at 5, complete with live music, food trucks and the opening of a beverage tent in Central Park. At 8:30 p.m., Movies on Main will overlap with the fun, screening the Pixar film Cars. The former FlightLine Live Concert has been renamed the “Ridiculous Day Street Dance,” and will also happen in Washington’s central park, at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday.

Also on Saturday, a new kids parade will precede the typical procession of floats, running at the front of the parade lineup, and returning to the crowd once the route reaches Washington State Bank. On Sunday, a church service in the park represents yet another new activity, followed by performances from various worship bands.

“This year, we decided to unify the weekend,” Washington Chamber of Commerce Director Michelle Redlinger said. “We had a committee of partners that helped us evaluate responses (to a survey) and figure out how we can branch out and engage more with the community.”

The litany of other festivities at Ridiculous Days remain on the lineup as well. That list includes a farmers market and kiddie tractor pull Thursday night, a free Friday afternoon swim at the YMCA outdoor pool, and all sorts of free activities downtown on Saturday. A full lineup of May 30-June 2 events is available on the Chamber website.

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com