Elnora seeks more participants for 125th anniversary fun

"The community has really come together, but we want more," said festival committee member Nikki Mathios. "We want this to be the kickoff to build Elnora up again to where we want it to be."

To ensure that happens, the town's Quasquicentennial Committee has extended deadlines to allow more bands, more contestants, and more fun.

"It will be great to come together and celebrate the honoring of our heritage," organizer Michelle Hooker said. "We have a lot of fun things planned. Come and enjoy our hometown pride."

Events kick off this Saturday, with a 3 p.m. battle of the bands at the intersection of Main and Odon streets.

A $20 entry fee buys local groups the chance to compete for $125 and the chance to open for John Danner and the Roosters at 8 p.m. on July 31.

So far, four bands have signed up: Doc Sinister, Wikker Elefant, Jillian Reed and Corey Stranton. More spaces are available.

Saturday's show also offers the opportunity to enter in several contests to be held during the Quasquicentennial, including:

* The Elnora Parade, which presently has about 20 entries, and will march about three-quarters of a mile from the Elnora Fire Department to the post office at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, July 30.

* The cornhole contest, held through July 30 and 31, which charges a $10 entry fee for teams of two players. The winner of the contest will receive half the entry fees.

* The "Elnora Idol" contest, held at 3 p.m. on July 31, with a $5 entry fee for the kids under 18 division and the adult division. Winners receive a trophy.

* The baby contest, held at 6 p.m. on July 31. There is a $5 entry fee, and winners receive a free 8-by-10 photo from Factory Girl Studios.

* The Lil Miss and Mister and Mini Miss and Mister contests, held at 7 p.m. on July 31. The Mini Miss and Mister is for kids ages 3 to 5, while the Little Miss and Mister is for kids ages 6 to 9. There is a $5 entry fee, and winners receive a free 8-by-10 photo from Factory Girl Studios. Boys who win also receive a top hat embroidered with their contest's title, while girls win a sash and tiara.

Event registrations, which begin Saturday, will continue until the actual events are held the following weekend, committee member Mathios said.

Those seeking further details to enter pageants or contests can contact her at 582-0022.

Several 12-foot-by-12-foot spaces for vendors remain, with applications accepted through the start of the Quasquicentennial July 30. Fees are $25 for non-food booths and $50 for food vendors.

To reserve a vendor space, contact Hooker at 699-0489.

FESTIVAL EVENTS

FRIDAY, JULY 30, 2010

5 p.m. -- Best beard contest

5 p.m. -- Parade lines up at Elnora Fire Station

5:30 p.m. -- Parade begins

6 p.m. -- Cakewalk

6 p.m. -- Cornhole tourney begins

7 p.m. -- Kade Puckett performs in concert.

8 p.m. -- Cakewalk

9:30 p.m. -- Free family movie under the stars: "Up"

SATURDAY, JULY 31, 2010

9 a.m. -- Cornhole tourney continues

10 a.m. -- Cakewalk

11 a.m. -- Baking contest

Noon -- Cakewalk

Noon -- Pie-eating contest

1 p.m. -- Wacky the Clown

2 p.m. -- Abraham Lincoln impersonator

3 p.m. -- "Elnora Idol" talent show

4 p.m. -- Cake walk

5 p.m. -- Karaoke

6 p.m. -- Baby Contest

7 p.m. -- Mini & Lil Miss & Mister Pageant

8 p.m. -- John Danner and the Roosters concert

SUNDAY, AUG. 1, 2010

9:30 a.m. -- Community outdoor church service

11 a.m. -- Fellowship luncheon. All are asked to bring a dish

2 p.m. -- Fearless Delivery gospel singers

3 p.m. -- Pig chase, ages 12 and under. Winner will keep the piglet.