Summerfest will showcase Scott City

The 36th annual Scott City Summerfest kicked off Thursday night with the opening of the fair grounds and illusionist Chad Bles. But the main events of the festival, which runs through Saturday, are coming to Scott City Park this weekend.

Scott City Parks Department director Phyllis Crump said the summer carnival is an important event for community development.

"I think it brings people closer together. You come out and have a lot of fun, but you get to meet so many folks and make new friends," Crump said. "I like to think that, when visitors come in to town and experience our community, this festival proves just how great Scott City is. It's an important event for everyone here."

Tonight's events include a pageant show at 6 p.m., adult karaoke contest at 7 p.m. and a washers contest, in which contestants attempt to toss the small, doughnut-shaped washers two holes 20 feet apart, beginning at 8 p.m. On top of that, there is also a bevy of rides, games and food.

"It's just as fun as the big SEMO District Fair, but easier on your wallet," said Jennie Sides, who has attended Summerfest for more than a decade. "And it's evolved in many ways. It used to be this two-day small thing in the park. Now, it's become a real carnival. My kids always love it."

Paul Schock, owner of Scott City bar Schock's, said Summerfest is more than a carnival; it's also a great fundraiser.

"Summerfest does big things for the entire community. Without it, we wouldn't have all the programs and events in the park throughout the year," Schock said. "And it not only raises money for the parks and programs, but it helps several groups get funds to improve the community. The businesses in town, like my bar, get a great jump in customers, too. It's a plus in all directions."

Crump said that they have worked to improve Summerfest every year, and thinks that effort will be noticeable this weekend.

"Our carnival rides keep getting bigger and better and the food booths continue to get tastier stuff. But the surrounding acts we get always give Summerfest an extra boost of fun, and what we have this year is great," Crump said. "Everyone always loves the pageants and the talent shows, but we always love to mix it up with some of the other things like music. And with the rides and games, the parents can let the kids do that while they go and watch some music or the talent show."

Saturday's events include a parade down Main Street starting at 3:30 p.m., talent show hosted by comedian "Doc" Dave beginning at 5 p.m. and local musicians the Matt Irvin Band on the Rodney Holloway Memorial stage at 7 p.m. A dance party and partner washer tournament will follow up the music, and fireworks will close out the festivities around 10 p.m. Schock said that ultimately, the hope is to show off the community and make visitors want to come back.

"We have such a great city with so many great people, and this is a tool for us to bring Scott City to the forefront," Schock said. "But the food and fun of Summerfest is pretty cool, too."

For the events schedule and more information, go to www.scottcityparks.com/summerfest.html.

jsamons@semissourian.com

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Pertinent address:

Scott City, Mo.