Dairy Days are here again!
The annual Soldiers Grove Lions Club event will be held on June 19, 20, and 21 at the village park and should offer something for nearly everyone.
Things get underway on Friday evening with a Horse Show at 5 p.m.
“We’re going to have open pole bending at 5 p.m. followed by open barrel racing at 6 p.m.,” said horse show organizer Heidi Stovey. “At 7 p.m., we will switch to 4-D barrel racing, which gives people a chance to compete judged in half-seconds.”
There are a few rules to know before you show up with your horse. One, show up with health papers to prove your horse is negative for Infectious Equine Anemia (Coggins test). You must also be a member of the Black Hawk Saddle Club to participate. If you aren’t a member of the club, you can join at the horse show for $5.
Additionally, to participate in the open pole and barrel events, you need to pay a $3 per run registration fee. The 4D barrel racing costs $10 per run.
The winner of the 4D event will receive a full pot payout plus $100, according to Stovey.
In the past, the club has offered a gymkhana show at Dairy Days, but since they already hold the event every Wednesday evening, they decided to switch it up and offer the rodeo crowd something to participate in, Stovey added.
The Men’s and Co-ed Slow Pitch Softball Tournaments gets underway at 6 p.m. on Friday and runs through Sunday afternoon. There is a $100 entry fee with a 100-percent pay back. Brackets will be finalized by Monday, June 15, so interested teams should be sure to contact Nathan McKittrick at 608-632-2179 or by email at nate.mckittrick@gmail.com before then!
In the big tent by the shelter, Renegade will offer up classic rock from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Show up early Saturday morning, because the Crawford County American Legion Pancake Breakfast serves up pancakes, eggs, sausage and coffee from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
Like to play in the sand and the sun? Sign up for the Volleyball Tournament. The tournament will run two to three pits depending on how many teams sign up. Registrations are due by 8:30 a.m., just prior to play. The entry fee is $60 per team. The order of competition will be determined by draw. Those interested are encouraged to contact Doug Heisz at 608-735-4179 or 608-391-0065.
Midwest Pulling will run a Farm, Antique and Open Tractor Pull beginning at 1 p.m.
This is a different pull from the last several years and will take place on the blacktop on Highway 131 south of the park with antique, improved antique, super antique, open, farm, and light open farm, and heavy open farm divisions.
Tractors may be entered in no more than two classes per event and only once per class. Each puller will have three attempts to move the sled. Registration is $20, due prior to the pull. Each class registration will close when the first tractor of that class is hooked to the sled or the announcer calls the class closed.
The Horseshoe Tournament starts at 11 a.m. Saturday play is draw for your partner and Sunday will be pick your own. Interested participants can contact Bob Allen 608-606-0767.
The classic rock band Ontourage will offer the evening musical entertainment from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. in the tent.
On Sunday, everyone who loves a parade will line the route along Highway 131 east of the park at 1 p.m. for the Dairy Days Parade. Prizes will be given for the best dairy float, as well as other float prizes.
If you would like to participate in the parade, contact Rosie McCullick at 608-629-5095 or Chris McCormick at 606-4335.
Following the parade, the Kindschi Pedal Pull will be held. The pedal pull is free and open to all children ages 4-12.
Both Saturday and Sunday will also play host to bouncy houses in the parks, free milk and cheese and a Chicken Barbecue from noon until the last chicken has been consumed!
