May Day fest hits Garfield Saturday

Garfield will once again be flooded with festival goers Saturday for May Day. Festival events are planned downtown and at the city park.

“We’re banking on sunshine,” said Kelly Conklin, director of this year’s May Day.

Returning this year will be the three-on-three basketball tournament which will begin at 9 a.m. The basketball event will be revived after being shelved “years ago,” according to previous festival directors. Conklin hopes the tournament will grow into a larger event in which players of many ages can participate.

Players can sign up at 8:30 a.m. downtown. Registration fee will be $10 per person and $35 per team.

“I think it’s a way to draw in kids and adults to compete in a fun way,” Conklin said.

The Boy Scout breakfast will be served at the school from 6 to 10 a.m., and the Farmers’ market will be at the LaDow Grange from 8 to 4.

A 5K run will start at the Garfield City Park at 8 a.m.

Garfield’s annual May Day parade will begin at 11 a.m.

Food vendors will set up their booths in the town park from noon to 4 p.m.

Smokin’ Papa’s will be the scene of a chili cook-off. Local chefs will attempt their finest recipes. Members of the crowd will have an opportunity to taste-test entries.

“You vote on which one you like best,” Conklin said. Interested chefs can register on site for the contest.

Live entertainment will be offered at the park.

Conklin said they rented an 18-wheel flatbed this year for the high school and junior high bands to perform. The Garfield Community church choir will also perform.

A bounce-house for kids will be in the park.

A full schedule of May Day events is listed on page 9.