Get ready to run, walk or ride to SummerFest 2012 on Saturday, June 30, at Wilson Park. Last year’s event drew about 5,000 people.
 
Before this year’s SummerFest begins, a 5K Race will be held starting at 10:30 a.m. at the West Carrollton Middle School. Race winners in several categories will be recognized at the beginning of the festival, which will be held from noon to 6 p.m.

“We’ve been involved with SummerFest in the past, but we’re excited to host this event and hope that it becomes a regular part of the festival each year,” said Nicole Agnew, of the West Carrollton YMCA. Proceeds from the event will benefit the YMCA’s Strong Kids program.

Other new activities for SummerFest 2012 include: a Boy Scout-sponsored balloon launch; dueling dunk tanks by the West Carrollton High School football team and cheerleading squad; free throw basketball contest; and the Ohio National Guard spider tent and obstacle course.

“Each year, we aim to have activities for every age group,” said Peg Rinaldi, festival coordinator. “We’re excited to add to the list of activities that might appeal to teenage kids and young adults,” she said.

Returning popular activities will include: a petting zoo, Kidzone, pony rides, Pumpkin Vine railroad, car show, veteran’s recognition, American Cancer Society smash-a-car, Army climbing wall, and National Guard pedal cars.

The schedule for the main stage entertainment is as follows: noon 5K Run awards ceremony; 12:30 p.m. veteran’s recognition; 1:30 p.m. Wright B fly-over (weather permitting); 1:30 p.m. Just’n Tyme band; 3 p.m. Valor Academy martial arts demonstration; and 4 p.m. Special Delivery blue-grass band.
 
Food vendors such as Bessie’s Homemade Noodles, The Cone, Dawg Sled, Comb’s Kettle Corn, Hawaiian Five OH Shaved Ice, Missouri Avenue BBQ, Rismiller’s Funnel Cakes, and Chuck’s Festival Foods will be on hand.

Several community groups will have informational booths and activities. The festival will also have more than 100 raffle prizes available. Each year the committee has given a portion of the raffle sales back to the local community.

“Last year we were proud to present more money than we’ve ever been able to give away,” Rinaldi said about the $3,150 that was donated to 10 different community organizations. “These are groups that helped with our festival and organizations that we feel can really benefit,” she said.

For more information about the festival or vendor opportunities, call (937) 859-1505 or see www.wcsummerfest.org
 
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