Ionia expands annual festival to two days, beginning Friday

By Bob Fenske, editor@nhtrib.com

Ionia Fun Day has become plural this year as organizers have turned it into a two-day festival that will kick off on Friday.

“We thought we would give it a try and we’re really excited,” said Fun Days Committee member Heather Hackman. “We think we have two days packed with a lot of activities for everyone.

“School is just around the corner and it is kind of that one last fun bash before reality sets in,” Hackman said with a laugh. “We’ve put a lot of hours and manpower into this as a committee, and we think we’re going to draw a big crowd.”

Friday’s activities kick off with the Little Mister and Little Miss Ionia pageant at 7 p.m., and a 5K glow run, beginning at the Ionia Public Library at 8:30 p.m., and from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Jesse Allen and his band will perform on Main Street.

The 5K glow run, meanwhile, is replacing the 5K run that has been held on Saturday morning, and while the race distance remains the same, the course has changed a bit.

“We want to make sure that we keep everyone safe,” Hackman said. “We’re getting help from our Fire Department and others. It’s going to be a fun event for everyone.”

There’s still a ton on the schedule for Saturday, as well, starting with a freewill donation pancake breakfast at the Ionia Fire Department from 8 to 10 a.m., the parade at 10:30 a.m., a host of activities on Main Street throughout the afternoon, the Hansen Family Jugglers at 5 p.m., the Ionia Newlywed Game at 7:30 p.m. and DJ Tommy Friend on Main Street, beginning at 9 p.m.

The annual Fun Days softball tournament will still be played in the park.

“We’ve got a lot of stuff for kids in the afternoon,” Hackman said, “but then again, we have a lot of fun things for everyone both days. We can’t wait.”

The only thing organizers can’t control is the weather.

“But we’ll make it work no matter what the weather is. We have backup plans at the fire station and the Hideaway, but we’re keeping our fingers crossed that Mother Nature will cooperate,” she said.