City’s 175th celebration opens today

August 19, 2011

    Decatur's long-awaited 175 Anniversary Celebration officially kicked off today, starting a 10-day run which coincides with the annual Kekionga Festival.
    Citywide garage sales and a co-ed slo-pitch tournament are today's opening events. Two performances of the "Cuties of Decatur" were held Wednesday and Thursday, and a dinner-play performance is scheduled tonight.
    Following is the schedule through the weekend:
    
Today
    Citywide garage sales.
    MBBA co-ed slo-pitch softball tournament begins three-day run at the Monmouth diamond.
    "Cuties of Decatur," with dinner at 6:30 p.m. and the play at 8 p.m. in BMS cafetorium. Admission is $15 per person.
    
Saturday
    Citywide garage sales.
    9 a.m.—Youth fishing contest at the Woodcrest pond.
    10 a.m.—Unveiling of the Thomas Archbold cemetery marker in Reynolds Cemetery.
    11 a.m.-5 p.m.—Drive to Thrive vehicle show on The Bridge Church parking lot on Winchester Rd.
    1-4 p.m.—Kids' carnival to benefit James Whitcomb Riley Children's Foundation, held at Eagles Lodge, 1039 S. 11th St.; facepainting, a bounce house, dunk tank, games, food, etc.
    1 p.m.—Showing of "Hoosiers" in Erekson Theater, with its director, Decatur native Dave Anspaugh, as special guest.
    5 p.m.—Hog roast and draft beer supper at Eagles to benefit Riley Children's Foundation. Tent admission will be $5; must be 21. The first band will play at 6 p.m., the Lost Vegas band at 8, and the Huckleberry Blues band at 10.
    7 p.m.—Showing of "Rudy" in Erekson Theater, with Anspaugh as special guest.

Sunday
    9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.—Day of Fire at Common Ground Church:
    • 9:30 a.m.—coffee and doughnuts.
    • 10 a.m.—worship service.
    • 10:30 a.m.—motorcycle and driver blessings.
    • 11:30 a.m.—freestyle stunt riding by former local resident Josh Borne.
    • Noon—First band performs and free food.
    • 1 p.m.—parade through Decatur by motorcyclists.
    • 2 p.m.—more stunt riding by Borne.
    • 2:30 p.m.—loudest pipes contest.
    • 3:30 p.m.—last band performs.
    At 2 p.m., the "Cuties of Decatur" will be performed on the BMS stage; $8 admmission.