Spencerville Summerfest kicks off today

SPENCERVILLE - Forget any superstitions you may have about the number "13."

This year marks 13 seasons for the annual Spencerville Summerfest, said Summerfest committee chairwoman Ida Kay Keller. With rides, entertainment, and a huge fireworks display, Keller said this year's festival will be the best yet.

The Spencerville Garage Sales will kick things off today, Keller said. Happening through Saturday, the numbers of participants and prospective buyers for the sales are high.

"I do know the garage sales draw people," she said. "I've had people ask when they're going to be."

Keller said other crowd favorites at Summerfest include the Cruiser Car Club Car Show, which features cars, antique tractors and motorcycles.

"They have a variety," Keller said of the show. "They don't limit it to anything."

Registration for the car show (which will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with awards at 4 p.m.) costs $8. For details on the car show, call 419-647-6180.

Summerfest also has live entertainment aplenty, Keller said. The bands at the adult beverage tent will include Candi's X and Midnight Dave Kill and the Fox River Band on Friday, as well as blues band The Hipsters and classic rock group The Hipnotix on Saturday.

Summerfest's two main attractions, however, are Saturday's parade and fireworks display, Keller said. The fireworks in particular are some of the best in the area, she said, with 30 to 40 minutes of nonstop color in the sky. Those who wish to watch the fireworks, which begin at 10 p.m., should bring a blanket or lawn chair.

With plenty to see and do and its proximity to other towns, Keller said Summerfest will make a great "stay-cation."

"We're located close to a lot of different towns," she said. "We're close and we've got something for everyone in the family."

Spencerville Summerfest

WHEN: Today, Saturday and Sunday

WHERE: Downtown Spencerville

COST: Free

FOR MORE INFO:

Call 419-647-4258 or visit http://spencervilleoh.com/Summerfest/Summerfest.htm to learn more.

Highlights

Today

9 a.m.: Garage sales begin

4 p.m.: Rides, concessions, food stands open

6 p.m.: VFW Little Miss Summerfest, Miss Summerfest Contest

6 p.m.: Adult beverage tent opens

7 to 9 p.m.: Candi's X (adult beverage tent)

9 p.m. to midnight: Midnight Dave Kill and the Fox River Band (adult beverage tent)

Saturday

7:30 a.m. Registration for the Canal Stop Run

9 a.m.: Garage sales begin

9 a.m. to 6 p.m.: American Legion craft show

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Cruiser Car Club Car Show

Noon: Rides, concessions open

Noon to 4 p.m.: Bingo on the Lawn (Roselawn Manor)

Noon to midnight: Adult beverage tent opens

5 to 9 p.m.: The Hipsters (adult beverage tent)

6:30 p.m.: Parade

9 p.m. to midnight: The Hipnotix (adult beverage tent)

10 p.m. Fireworks

Sunday

3 p.m.: Duck race fundraiser