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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. Souvenirs are also available by mail for cost plus
shipping.
Family Night/Talent Show/Fireworks:
Wednesday, June 18th 2008. Family Fun Night kicks off the Gopher Count
celebration. A
talent show featuring local talent will begin at 7:00 p.m. The new 5K
Run starts at 6:15 P.M. Concessions
and carnival rides will be open from 6:00 – 9:00.
Fireworks will cap off the evening at dusk. Rain date
is Thursday night, June 19th at dusk.
Concessions: The Gopher
Count food stand is home of the famous grilled cheese-hamburger. The
stand and others provide a full array of “fair food” items. A beer tent
opens at noon and continues through the night. Make sure to try the
home-made cheese curds. They are a "must-have".
Parade: Plan on attending
the Viola Gopher Count Grand Parade which starts promptly at 10:00 AM,
rain or shine. A favorite among those watching is the Family Float
division. This
will again be the case in 2008. Parade entrants are
asked to arrive prior to 9:00 A.M. Businesses and individuals are
invited to enter the parade by contacting gophercount@worldnet.att.net
or call 545-2766.
Case Tractor & Equipment
Show: In recent years the Viola Gopher
Count organization has asked local collectors and tractor enthusiasts
to be a part of the parade by
entering their vintage tractors. This year, we will honor Case tractors
built prior to 1960.
Tractors will be judged in four categories: Oldest,
Rarest, Best of Show, and Furthest Distance Traveled.
All entries will receive a commemorative magnet noting
the occasion. Tractors will be on display briefly following
the parade. If you would like to enter your favorite Case tractor or
equipment, you may contact gophercount@worldnet.att.net
or call 545-2766.
Soap Box Derby: The Soap
Box Derby is open to kids under 12 who construct their own derby. Races
are held on Thomas Street at 11:30. Cars may be provided for those kids
wanting to "take a ride"
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 gophercount@worldnet.att.net
or call 545-2766
Congratulations Harold & Gail Bethke, 2008 Gopher Count King and
Queen.
Doll buggy parade: The
doll buggy parade is held on the big stage under the tent beginning at
1:00P.M. This has become a long standing tradition among the youth and
preschoolers.
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: The gates
to the street dance open at 6:00 P.M. with Troubleshooter providing the
music. Viola’s own Scott Riess will provide music between sets for four
hours of nonstop entertainment. Beer and setups are available. Last
call midnight,
music til 12:30!!! Food concessions and vendors will
also be available. Cost: $8.00
NEW!!! 5K Run & Family Walk: This year mark what will
hopfully become an annual event. The 5K Run will begin approximately
6:15 P.M. on Wednesday, June 18th. Proceeds to be donated to the Eagles
Cancer Telethon. For more information contact: Jerry @ 259-7217. Come
enjoy the beautiful countryside of Viola Township. Stay around for the
Talent Show and Fireworks to follow.
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