The annual tradition of the Hendricks Summerfest will commence on Wednesday with the highly anticipated Parade of Flags. This event could not be more fitting to kick off the week's patriotic activities, as Summerfest participants will honor past and present military personnel on our nation's independence day.
Following the parade will be the Community Spirit Award Ceremony and a town picnic with meals provided by the Hendricks Community Foundation. Jen Olson, Summerfest Coordinator and Community Club member, says Summerfest has turned into a big event that draws locals, alumni, family and friends to celebrate the 4th of July with a jam-packed itinerary of family fun and a wide array of events to please all interests.
The list of planned activities draws eager participants to the lake and park each year, with many reunions of families and classmates. "It's all geared around being together, simple pleasures, children, patriotism and small-town charm," said Olson.
Thursday brings a dunk tank to Cedric's on South Main Street, the Country Cookout, and a teen dance from 8-11 p.m. On Friday the competition will rev up with a Kiddie Tractor Pull, an eating contest, and the "Distinguished Young Woman" scholarship pageant starting at 7:30 p.m. in the school gymnasium. Saturday's festivities will include a boat parade, a homemade boat race, kickball and the 7th annual Hendricks Idol talent contest.
"The cookout is new this year, as well as the Kiddie Tractor Pull," said Olson.
Summerfest's Country Cookout on Thursday will be covered live by the radio broadcasts of KCountry 102.3 FM and Ranch AM 910.
Sunday winds down Summerfest with a community church service in the park and a brunch fundraiser organized by the local Parent Teacher Organization. Various artists will also perform in the park starting at 11 a.m.
As people make their way to the Hendricks Summerfest for this week of patriotism and family fun, the Hendricks Community Club is to thank.
"Summerfest is sponsored by the Hendricks Community Club," said Olson. "The Community Club is a vital part of what makes Hendricks a very unique town. They strive, along with other groups, to make Hendricks Summerfest a little piece of yesterday we all need to hold onto."
Schedule
Wednesday
8-11 a.m. Pancakes in the Park
10 a.m. Parade of Flags
11:30 a.m. Community Spirit Award
Ceremony
Noon Community Picnic
Thursday
11a.m.-1 p.m. Country Cookout
*West Lincoln St.
1:30 p.m. Parade
4 p.m. Dunk Tank *Cedrics
8-11 p.m. Teen Dance
Friday
1-4 p.m. Fun in the Park
2 p.m. Kiddie Tractor Pull
3 p.m. Eating Contest
5 p.m. Whopper Feed
7:30 p.m. Distinguished Young Women
*School Gymnasium
9 p.m. Firemen's Dance
Saturday
8 a.m. Fun Run
10 a.m. Home Run Derby
10:30 a.m. Volleyball Tournament
Noon Boat Parade *View from beach
1 p.m. Homemade Boat Race *Beach
2:30 p.m. Family Kickball
4 p.m. Bean Bag Tournament *Cedric's
6:30 p.m. Hendrick's Idol
9 p.m. Karaoke *Cedric's
9:30 p.m. Movie
Sunday
9 a.m. Community Church Service
10 a.m.-noon Brunch
11 a.m. Entertainment
All events take place at the park and ballfield area, unless otherwise noted (*)