30th Annual Watson Homecoming Begins Today

The 30th Annual Watson Homecoming opens tonight with a variety of events, new and old, and a special commemoration on Saturday.

The event will be centered in and around the Watson Civic Center.  Several long-time events in the Celebration have a new start time this year.  A highlight is expected to be the dedication of Willow Park, a park being developed north of the Civic Center in honor and memory of Willow Long, the young girl who lost her life in Watson last fall.  The dedication will begin at 5:30pm

Here's the schedule for the weekend:

TODAY

5-10pm--Food and craft vendors--Civic Center grounds

5-8pm--Tonns of Fun Bounce Houses--Civic Center grounds

6:30pm--5K Run/Walk--registration begins at 5pm at Watson Baptist Church

6:30pm--Lawn Mower Races--Civic Center grounds

7pm--Memorial Service at Watson Cemetery--Lucas Shelley officiating, with Taps by Glenn "Lip" Lewis

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

SATURDAY

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)

10am--Free Throw Contest--Basketball Court

Noon to 2pm--GW Variety Show Band--Pavilion

2:30-3:30pm--Hot Dog/Watermelon Eating Contest--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 3:30pm at Watson Baptist Church)

5:30pm--Willow Park dedication--Willow Park, north side of the Civic Center

7-10:30pm--3 River Roll band--Pavilion

9:30pm--Fireworks...VFW Color Guard...Abby Hagen presenting the National Anthem

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