Whoopee Days shoot for broader appeal in 113th year

BRIGHTON — Kids are sure to be excited about this year’s Whoopee Days in Brighton, where the Chamber of Commerce has arranged for an array of new activities catered to the younger crowd. Some of the highlights include various inflatables, games, and a kiddie parade.

Brighton Chamber Board Member Johnathan Bartholomew said new members of the group made it a priority when planning for this year’s festivities from June 16-18.

“We’ve had so many kids move into the community, and we wanted to make Whoopee Days about the kids again,” he said. “So there’s more events for the kids than we’ve had in the past.”

The lineup includes plenty of fun for adults as well. In addition to already-popular staples like the parade and mud run, Bartholomew said Whoopee Days would feature a mechanical bull-riding tournament this year for participants ages 16 or older.

The theme for Whoopee Days this year is “Honoring Veterans.”

While the annual affair has a long history for the small town in Washington County, Bartholomew said it felt uniquely important to bring folks together this summer.

“There’s been a lot of contention recently with different issues, such as the fire department,” he said. “I think this will be something that can unite the community. It’s a lot more conversation together between the Chamber, businesses and city council. There’s even more communication between us all, working together and trying to throw a good event.”

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