Grab your hat, put on some comfortable duds and get ready to have a good-ole? time at Saturday’s (Oct. 14) 5th Annual ‘Barn Daze? at Friendship Park.
Sponsored by the Orion Township Parks & Recreation Dept., the event takes place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Jennifer Rowe, recreation program supervisor for the past six years, said the event has grown steadily and she expects another excellent turnout Saturday.
‘Last year we had about 7,000 to 8,000 people come out,? said Rowe. ‘It’s really grown.
‘We realized we were onto something after the success of the first year,? she said. ‘This is a community event that appeals to everyone, especially the kids.?
Rowe recommends that anyone who hasn’t attended the event in the past, join in the fun this year.
‘This is a lot of fun and it gets better every year. It’s a blast!? she said.
Among the activities for young and old are hay wagon and pony rides, a petting farm, face painting, children’s games and inflatables, live demonstrations and lots of food.
The finger-lickin? cuisine includes cider and doughnuts, kettle corn, baked goods, meat pastries, pizza, subs and more.
The youngsters can also scale the popular climbing wall, while adults enjoy the Chili Challenge, a Husband Calling Contest at 4:30 p.m., horseshoes, antique tractors or the entertainment provided by the Sweet Briar String Band which performs at noon.
And if all these activities don’t tickle your fancy, the event includes a Civil War encampment and re-enactment (featuring the 8th Arkansas/22nd Michigan Company K Infantry), woodcarver Gary Elzerman (author of ‘Connor the Carver?), the Skymasters Model Airplane Buddyfly and tours of the historic Porritt Barn sponsored by the Orion Historical Society.
Rowe added that the Pig Throwing Contest at 4 p.m. will make a return visit this year by popular demand. She emphasized that ‘real pigs? will not be thrown.
‘We promise that no real pigs will be injured,? she said. ‘My only concern and biggest wish is that we have fabulous weather.?
Friendship Park is located in Orion Township at the corner of Baldwin and Clarkston roads. Admission is $5 per vehicle. Call 249-391-0304, ext. 143 for more information or directions.