BOTKINS — As Shelby County revs up the festival season, many people look forward to the Botkins Carousel. The Carousel will be held June 8-10.
On Friday, June 8, at 6 p.m. rides and vendors will open to start the festivities. Also, from 6 to 8 p.m., the beer stand will open. Ride wristbands will be available for $15.
The Carousel Pageant will begin at the Botkins school at 7 p.m.
Children’s activities will begin in the Kid’s Activity tent at the same time.
Karma’s Pawn, taking the stage at 9 p.m. will be the musical entertainment for Friday evening.
“Karma’s Pawn is a party band entertaining the entire West Central Ohio area. The group is a unique lineup, that includes 2 lead guitars, keys, 2 male & 1 female lead vocals, tight harmony, and an over-flowing amount of experience on rhythm. This combination allows Karma’s Pawn the ability to play a wide variety of rock and roll: From the classics of the 1970’s (and earlier), to the college rock & pop metal of the 1980’s, to the alternative and grunge of the 1990’s, to modern adult contemporary, to today’s hottest hits. Experience a Karma’s Pawn show soon … You will not be disappointed!” says karmaspawn.com.
Although the Hometown Proud 5k starts at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, the rides do not begin until noon. The dodgeball tournament also begins at noon, but you must register at 11 a.m.
A new event this year is the Beer Tray Relay. Teams will have a tray with a beer on it. The teams will run the relay, and the team with the most beer left will win. The relay will begin at 6 p.m. There is a $25 charge for each 4-person team.
Other events on Saturday include a kid’s tractor pull from 1-3 p.m., the Face Paint Crew from 1 to 7 p.m., a Euchre tournament at 4 p.m. (registration at 3:30 p.m.), and a kids’ water balloon battle at 4 p.m.
Saturday’s band is Tricky Dick and the Coverups.
“Tricky Dick & the Cover-Ups will take any nightclub, wedding, or corporate event to the next level. Fans and friends of this top-rated pop/rock band know to expect a gigantic variety of songs performed back to back for a non-stop, high energy party. They also know to expect a professional and dynamic light show, transforming any venue into a concert atmosphere. Every show, Tricky Dick & the Cover-Ups has one mission: to make sure everyone has as much fun as possible. An ever-growing song list that is updated weekly ensures that fans will never see the same show twice. Members of the band rotate instruments and lead vocals on songs, allowing for a fresh and exciting mix throughout the performance,” says the band’s website.
Sunday’s festivities begin with rides opening at noon.
The annual parade starts at 1 p.m. with a group for grand marshal.
“The theme for this year’s parade is: Fun and Games at the Carousel Parade. The Grand Marshal is Botkins High School Boys Soccer team and coaches for their WOSC League champs 3 years in a row,” said Keith Buehler, Botkins Carousel Parade Committee member.
Barbecue chicken dinners by the Botkins Community Club will follow at 2:30 along with Thick and Thin musical entertainment.
“We are two musicians with a long history of entertaining in West-Central Ohio and beyond. We have a lot of fun and we make sure you’ll have a great time, too,” states the Thick and Thin website.
The festival will round out with Kid’s Kick Croquet and a bean bag tournament starting at 3 p.m. Registration for the bean bag tournament is at 2:30.
Kid’s activities and pony rides are free from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday.
