RUSSELLVILLE, Mo. - "Tribute to the American Farmer" is the theme of the Russellville Engine Show and Festival Friday through Sunday.
The three-day event includes three concerts, traditional activities like the chainsaw competition and pedal pull, and the parade will be Saturday morning.
What has expanded is the kids area. In addition to inflatables and games, a strength challenge course and foam jousting has been added, said organizer Rodney Edwards.
Among the expected 25 vendors are several school groups, something the organizing committee has been recruiting.
Proceeds from this year's event will go toward replacement of eight lighted Christmas decorations hung by the city along Route C.
"That's why we have the festival, to do community updates," Edwards said.
Events Friday will be held near the gazebo at Russellville City Park with the exception of the 12U Girls Fast Pitch Softball tournament, which will be played at the middle school field, and the Eugene FFA Truck/Tractor Pull at Russellville Lion's Club field.
The opening ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. with a flag retirement ceremony. The baby show, Little Mr. and Miss pageant and the Miss Teen pageant will follow at 6:15 p.m.
Bourbon Creek Band will perform at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday events begin with the Road Runner 5K, check in is 6:30 a.m. and cost is $25 with proceeds benefiting the Russellville High School Cross Country team.
The parade will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the high school and loop downtown.
The remaining Saturday events will be held at the city park.
A silent auction and craft vendors will open at 9 a.m., and the car cruise at Morrow Funeral Home and kids games in the park will begin at 10 a.m.
Food vendors will be open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. The annual chainsaw and crosscut competition will begin at 2 p.m., and the kids pedal pull event will begin at 2:30 p.m. on Park Street.
The Gazebo will feature the Osage Drifters at 11 a.m. and Robbie Bax at 2 p.m. A live auction will be held at 1 p.m.
The festival weekend will wrap up Sunday with a community worship service at 11 a.m. in the Russellville Elementary School gym followed by a pancake breakfast 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. in the school cafeteria, which benefits the community pool.