Viola Gopher Count Events
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Family Night/Talent Show: Wednesday, June 20th 2012. Family Fun Night kicks off the Gopher Count celebration. The 5K Run/Walk starts at 6:15 P.M. Proceeds from the Run/Walk go the Eagles Cancer Telethon. A talent show featuring local talent will begin at 7:00 p.m. Concessions and inflatables will be open from 6:00 – 9:00. Click here to download our talent show form. Following the Talent show is our Fireworks Display. This years fireworks are being provided by J&M Displays.
Parade: Plan on attending the Viola Gopher Count Grand Parade Thursday. The rain or shine parade starts promptly at 10:00 AM. A favorite among those watching is the “Family Float” division. Prizes are awarded for winners of each parade division. Parade entrants are asked to arrive prior to 9:00 A.M. Businesses and individuals are invited to enter the parade by contacting Parade organizer or call 545-2766 Free shuttle rides are available for all spectators, before and after the parade.
Food and beverages: The Gopher Count Food Stand is home of the famous grilled cheeseburger. The food stand provides a full array of “fair food” items. Make sure to try the home-made cheese curds. They are a "must-have". Back by popular demand, will be our very own BBQ chicken! The beer tent opens at noon on Thursday and continues through the night.
Souvenirs: The Viola Gopher Count has a number of souvenir items for sale including hats, t-shirts, sweatshirts, mugs, magnets, and history books. These items are for sale throughout the celebration in front of the town hall.
Tractor & Equipment Show: This years featured line of equipment is the International Harvester “IH” brand. The tractors and some of the equipment will be featured in the parade and will also be displayed following the parade. For more specific information and entry forms contact us at Parade organizer or call 545-2766.
Soap Box Derby: Races are held East of the Town Hall, on Thomas Street at 11:30. The Soap Box Derby is open to kids under 12 who construct their own derby cars. Extra cars will also be available for those kids wanting to "take a ride". It’s hard to tell who has more fun at this event, the kids or the spectators!
Crowning of the Royalty: Royalty is selected from senior citizens who reside within the township. Crowning takes place at 12:30 on the main stage under the tent. Township residents who are interested in voting for royalty may contact us at violagophercount@hotmail.com .
Doll buggy parade: The doll buggy parade is held on the big stage under the tent beginning at 1:00P.M. This one of a kind tradition among the youth and preschoolers, needs to be seen to be appreciated! Generations of local families take great pride in creating unique entries.
Contests/Races: Thursday afternoon is filled with a variety of contests and races. Contests include: Ladies Nail Driving Contest, Pie Eating Contest, Tug-of-War, Sack Races, Three-legged Races, and Foot races. These races are open to all ages. Events begin under the tent 2:00 P.M. Come enjoy a leisure afternoon watching longtime family and friends competing against each other.
Street Dance: Viola Gopher Count welcomes back Troubleshooter to the Street Dance. Troubleshooter will be joined by local band Standby to provide nonstop music from 7:30 to 1:00. Come out for two great bands under the big tent. Admission: $10. Remember rain or shine... the dance goes on!!!!