Grimes Funtastic Days Starts Thursday
June 11th, 2008, 7:37 pm Hobby Shops
More than anything, Rick Hutcheson is hoping for good weather for Grimes’ Funtastic Days. He’s also hoping he has time to visit the tenderloin stand for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Hutcheson, of Grimes, is in charge of vendors for Funtastic Days, which will be held Thursday through Saturday at Waterworks Park in Grimes. Hutcheson said this year’s celebration will feature more vendors than ever - including the return of the tenderloin stand he liked so much last year.
Everyone who attends the festival will be able to find a vendor who appeals to one of his or her hobbies or interests, Hutcheson said.
“We’ve got it all, from places like Pampered Chef and Tastefully Simple right down to churches, restaurants and places that sell T-shirts and fuzzy sandals,” Hutcheson said. “People won’t be bored, that’s for sure.”
In addition to visiting nearly 50 vendor spots, visitors to Funtastic Days - a Grimes staple since the early ’80s - can participate in a volleyball tournament and 5K walk/run and one-mile fun run, play bingo, ride carnival rides provided by Sam’s Amusements, enjoy a beverage at the beer garden, or browse through classic cars at the fifth annual charity car show.
There’s also a parade and entertainment ranging from local bands and dance studios to the Ankeny Country Jammers. Fireworks cap off the celebration on Saturday night. And with the exception of carnival rides, food and beverages, and entry fees for events such as the 5K, Funtastic Days activities are free.
“It’s not all about getting dressed up or having to spend a lot of money- we just want people to come out and have a good time,” Hutcheson said.
Brian Buethe, director of the Grimes Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development, said this year’s Funtastic Days is gearing up to provide residents and visitors with an old-fashioned good time in a small town.
“There is an effort to improve it and make it bigger and better every year,” Buethe said. “There are more rides than ever, as I understand it, and we’re trying to get as much local talent involved with two local dance studios and bands that are made up of kids from the high school. We want folks to feel like this celebration really belongs to them.”
Buethe, who was involved with last year’s festival as well, said the organizing committee has made improvements to this year’s event, including installing a new sound system to make it easier for patrons to hear events being announced. A greater number of events also are being held in conjunction with the event but away from the park, he said.
“Grimes United Methodist Church is having its annual concert with several Christian bands, the Lions Club is holding a pancake breakfast, and City State Bank is holding an ice cream social in the parking lot,” he said. “We’re also seeing the 5K run really take off and become popular. It’s nice to see the whole town do things around Funtastic Days.”
Buethe said he also appreciates the way the town chips in to make Funtastic Days come together. Money comes from Grimes area businesses as well as city government offices and donations. Local organizations pitch in to volunteer.
“The city of Grimes, especially, is a huge sponsor,” Buethe said. “They give us so many things people wouldn’t think about, portable toilets, trash Dumpsters, things like that. And the Boy Scouts really step up and do quite a bit to help us every year.”
Buethe said he’ll be glad to enjoy an evening at Funtastic Days eating, visiting with neighbors and taking in the sights and sounds - but probably not venturing onto a carnival ride.
“I learned my lesson last year,” he said. “They got me on one and I got off as fast as I could after turning three shades of green.”
Tags: amp, breakfast lunch, carnival, charity car show, classic cars, dance studios, fireworks, food and beverages, funtastic, good time, good weather, grimes funtastic days, Hobbies, hutcheson, lace, local bands, staple, vendor spots, waterworks park, weatherRelated posts
