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Washington Evening Journal
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Washington summer classic returns this weekend
WASHINGTON — The 76th iteration of Washington’s Ridiculous Days and all its adjacent festivities is back for the first weekend of June, complete with sidewalk sales, ag displays, live concerts and an iconic parade.
Washington Chamber of Commerce Event Coordinator April Cuddeback said the immense collaboration being the summer tradition gave it staying power.
"It’s a great cooperative effort from businesses and individuals in Washington,“ she said. ”It’s different from craft fairs and things like that … different than sales with individual businesses downtown participating, it’s businesses from all over Washington jumping in to help staff things, donate goods to use for it, to bring activities down.“
This year’s celebration follows several others throughout the summer with a “Wizard of Oz” theme, complete with character look-alike contests (for people and dogs) and participation from the cast of the upcoming play at the Washington Community Theater.
“They’ll help kids earn a badge with heart, and brains and courage, and there’ll be prizes associated with that,” Cuddeback said. “They’re going to be around to help volunteer, help provide some entertainment and games, and we really appreciate their cooperative efforts here.”
The event schedule for Washington’s 2023 Summer Classic includes:
THURSDAY, JUNE 1:
- 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Ridiculous sidewalk sales
- Farmers Market 5-7:30 p.m.
- Thursday Night Live concert at 6 p.m.
- Washington Municipal Band performance at 8 p.m.
FRIDAY, JUNE 2:
- 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Ridiculous sidewalk sales
- 1-5 p.m. free swim at Washington Family Aquatic Center
- 5-7 p.m. Oz Badge Activities
- 5-8 p.m. pony rides, bounce house, Oz Medley, Touch-A-Truck, live music, a magician, and various other activities in the square
- 8:30 p.m. Movies on Main: Moana
SATURDAY, JUNE 3:
- 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Ridiculous sidewalk sales
- 12 p.m. Picnic in the Park with Washington Municipal Band
- 1-5 p.m. Plinko, pony rides, bubble booth, bounce house, face painting, and magic show
- 1:30 p.m. Oz look-alike contest, with registration one hour prior
- 2:30 p.m. Toto look-alike contest for pets, with registration one hour prior
- 2:30 p.m. Kiddie pedal tractor pull, with registration at 2 p.m.
- 5 p.m. Ridiculous and Antique Tractor Parade arrives downtown
- 6-11:30 p.m. Flightline Live featuring Dogs on Skis and the Schmidt Brothers. The show will have free entrance for all ages, as well as a beverage tent.
SUNDAY, JUNE 4:
- 7-11 a.m. Fly-in breakfast at Washington municipal airport
Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com
