By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
Ellinwood's After Harvest Festival is always a big celebration. This year the party gets even bigger as the city celebrates its 150th anniversary. Festivities reach their pinnacle at the 49th annual event Saturday evening with a performance by Cody Canada and the Departed.
"Our library is doing a 150th hometown roots display all weekend with memorabilia and different displays," said Ellinwood Chamber Executive Director Jordan Waite. "People can go over there and check that out. We are changing the location of the community barbecue and breakfast feed to the Wolf Park bandshell on Main Street this year. We're excited to change things up and celebrate Ellinwood."
Saturday's dance has featured local bands for several years. Cody Canada and the Departed brings a different vibe to this year's festival. Canada is the former frontman of his band, Cross Canadian Ragweed, which had several hits, including "Alabama" and "Sick and Tired," both of which were top-50 singles on the country charts.
"We wanted to bring someone new into the Festival with a different variety of music," Waite said. "We knew some of our listeners and friends here at the Festival are Cross Canadian Ragweed fans. His date was open so we took it."
The 49th Annual After Harvest Festival kicks off Wednesday with displays at the Ellinwood Community Library and Museum of Ellinwood. The Cruise Main Street event begins Wednesday night at 8 p.m.
The community barbecue moves to Main Street Thursday from 5-7 p.m. with live music to follow. The community breakfast will be from 7-9 a.m. Friday morning and Family Funpalooza begins in the park Friday evening.
"We're not having a carnival this year," said Waite. "Because of that, we still wanted to try and find fun activities for our kiddos. We're doing a wristband Family Funpalooza Friday night at our city park where our carnival is usually set up."
Saturday's big finale kicks off with the run/walk at 7:30 a.m. and the fishing derby at 8 a.m. Following the parade at 10 a.m. is the Family Fun Fair in the city park. The Ellinwood Fire Department Duck Run begins at 2:30 p.m. at the city pool. The new Haulin' Axes event runs from 3-7 p.m., and Saturday's dance begins at 8 p.m.
Check out a full list of events by CLICKING HERE.