By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
The biggest party of the summer officially gets underway today in Ellinwood. The 52nd Annual After Harvest Festival is set to begin at 9 a.m. this morning with the Splash Bash at the Ellinwood City Pool. Ellinwood Chamber President Nancy Baird said day one also includes the Community Barbecue downtown at 6:30 p.m. A donation of $5 will purchase a plate.
"We are back for the third consecutive year on the bricks of downtown Ellinwood," Baird said. "It has worked out great to bring that tradition back. Our theme for this year is Hometown Pride-Heartfelt Traditions, so you'll see a lot of the traditional activities that scream After Harvest Festival, and the barbecue is definitely one of those."
The car show also begins at 6:30 p.m. tonight, with Cruise Night to follow at 8:30. Anthony & The Animals will provide free live music at American Legion Post 320 from 9 p.m. to midnight.
Friday's activities include the 5K Family Fun Run/Walk at 7 p.m., and Steel Skarecrow takes the stage at First and Main from 8 p.m. to midnight. That event is free courtesy of Kansas Sidewinders MC.
Saturday's big finale begins with the Fishing Derby at Wolf Pond at 8 a.m., followed by the big parade down Main Street at 10 a.m. Ellinwood Fire Department hosts its annual Duck Run at 2:30 p.m., and Paramount will provide the music Saturday night at First and Main from 9 p.m. to midnight. The price of admission is $10, cash only.
