The run/walk through town is one of the many events produced during Sparta Town & Country Days, which occurs over four days. Photo via spartafair.com
Thousands of people are expected to visit Sparta next week for its four-day heritage festival.
The 76th-annual Sparta Town & Country Days will be begin on Wednesday, July 19 and continue through Saturday, July 22.
The festival will feature a number of events, attractions and activities, such as live music, a village marketplace with vendors selling handmade items and an antique-powered ice cream machine.
An estimated 10,000 to 16,000 people attend the festival annually.
“A 76-year tradition isn't something that we take lightly around here,” said Elizabeth Morse, director, Sparta Chamber of Commerce. “The responsibility to keep our traditions is a big one, and we are hoping thousands of locals and visitors enjoy the hometown we all love!”
Apart from celebrating the town’s heritage, Morse said Town & Country Days is a great pull for visitors who come and boost revenue for local businesses.
“Sparta has tremendous support from the local municipality, and in return, we host a week-long celebration of the community that allows for visitors to see what the Sparta has to offer,” Morse said.
Sparta Town & Country Days is hosted by the Sparta Chamber of Commerce, with generous volunteer support from the community.
Town & Country Days highlights
Wednesday, July 19
- Lion's BBQ Chicken Dinner, at the Sparta Civic Center, 75 N. Union St., from 4:30-7 p.m.
- Carnival rides, in the village parking lot at 5 p.m.
- Concert in Rogers Park, 152 N. State Street, at 6:30 p.m.
- Free watermelon social in Rogers Park at 7 p.m.
Thursday, July 20
- Friends of the Lark Pet Show, at Meadowlark Retirement Village, 65 Ida Red Ave,. from 12-2 p.m.
- Carnival rides, in the village parking lot at 5 p.m.
- Sparta Block Party: Farm Night! on main street, from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Friday, July 21
- Kids Parade starting at Sparta Variety and ending at Rogers Park, at 10 a.m.
- Kids Day, in Rogers Park, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Alumni Night Entertainment Tent, in Balyeat Field, 190 Olmstead St., from 4-11:59 p.m.
Saturday, July 22
- Pancake breakfast, at Sparta Civic Center, from 7:30-9:30 a.m.
- Run Thru Sparta, starting at Sparta Civic Center at 8:30 a.m.
- Village Marketplace, at 156 E. Division, from 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Pullin' The Ridge Truck & Tractor Pull, in Balyeat Field, at 4 p.m.
- Fireworks at 10:15 p.m.
