Schedule Announced for 30th Annual Watson Homecoming

The schedule is in place for the 30th Annual Watson Homecoming.

The Homecoming will take place Friday and Saturday, May 23-24 in Watson, centered around the Watson Civic Center.

Here's the schedule:

FRIDAY, MAY 23

--5-10pm--Food and craft vendors, Civic Center Grounds

--5-8pm--Tonns of Fun Bounce Houses, Civic Center Grounds

--6:30pm--5k Run/Walk, Race Day registration starts at 5pm at Watson Baptist Church, contact Colby Higgs at 217-347-7297

--6:30pm--Lawn Mower Races, behind Civic Center

--7pm--Memorial Service, Lucas Shelley officiating, Watson Cemetery

--7:30-10pm--Tress and the Mixers Band, Pavilion

SATURDAY, MAY 24

--7-10am--Breakfast, Civic Center

--9am-10pm--Food and Craft Vendors, Civic Center Grounds

--11am-Noon--Power Wheel Derby (Kids Demo Derby), Basketball Court

--Noon-4pm--Tonns of Fun Bounce Houses, Civic Center Grounds

--9am--Registration for Fun Run at Danny's Quik sak (leaves at 11am), contact Jim "Spanky" Dial, 217-663-8014

--10am--Free Throw Contest, sponsored by T.J. Hodges and Roses From Linda

--Noon-2pm--GW Variety Show Band, contact Gary Beck, 757-816-6589 to participate, Pavilion

--2:30-3:30pm--Hot Dog/Watermelon Eating Contest, contact Blake Faber, 217-994-1734, Pavilion

--3:30-4:15pm--Watson History Program, inside Civic Center

--3:30-4:30pm--Andy Rueter Band, Pavilion

--4:30pm--Parade, lineup starts at Watson Baptist Church at 3:30pm, contact 217-536-6711 (our own Greg Sapp and Wayne Moran will serve as parade marshals)

--5:30pm--Willow Park Dedication, Willow Park (following the parade)

--7-10:30pm--3 River Roll Band, Pavilion

--9:30pm--Fireworks by J&M Displays-VFW Color Guard-National Anthem by Abby Hagen

   There will also be craft and food vendors throughout the event, games for the kids, and free family entertainment.

   For more information, phone Watson Village Hall at 217-536-6711.

   A reminder that funds are still being received for the completion of Willow Park, being developed in memory of Willow Long.  To make a donation, mail it to Fifth Third Bank, Attn: Willow Park Fund, 200 E. Jefferson Ave., Effingham, IL 62401.

   For more information about Willow Park, contact DeAnna McWilliams at 217-663-3137.