Washington Chamber of Commerce
Main Street Washington
WEDG
City of Washington
Summer Classic 3 Day Summer Kick-Off
Thank you to our Presenting Sponsors:
Thank you to our Sponsors:
Washington’s Summer Classic is 3 day kick-off to summer festival that highlights everything our town stands for — featuring agriculture, family, local shopping, music, food and more.
This festival began in 2014 with the 175th anniversary celebration of the City of Washington and has continued in a condensed version since then. Always held the first weekend in June, we kick-off the weekend with 3 days (Thursday-Saturday) of Ridiculous Days sidewalk sales, deals and bargains from retailers, Family Day on Friday night and Ridiculous/Ag Day on Saturday; all of which are located in Central Park.
Check out the ridiculous sales on our Facebook page!
With different activities and over a dozen food trucks, there is something to please everyone!
Check out the 2023 Schedule:
Thursday, June 1st –
10am-5pm: Ridiculous Sidewalk sales
5-7:30pm: Farmers Market
6-7pm: Thursday Night Live featuring Mad Creek Mudcats
8-9pm: Municipal Band
Friday, June 2nd –
10am-8pm: Ridiculous Sidewalk sales
1-5pm: FREE swim at the Washington Family Aquatic Center
5-8pm: Pony rides, bounce house, Oz Medley, touch-a-truck, live music, magician, Oz Badge Activities & more
8:30pm: Movies on Main: Moana
Saturday, June 3rd –
8am-5pm: Ridiculous Sidewalk sales
10am: Washington Public Library’s Writers’ Workshop
11:30am: Public Reading with Sarah Prineas at Public Library
Noon: Picnic in the Park with the Municipal Band
1-5pm: Plinko, Pony Rides, Bubble Booth, Bounce House, Face Painting, & Magic Show
1:30pm: Oz Look-Alike Contest, register 1 hr prior
2:30pm: Toto Look-Alike Contest for pets, register 1 hr prior
2:30pm: Kiddie Pedal Tractor Pull, register at 2pm
5pm: Ridiculous & Antique Tractor Parade arrives downtown
6-11:30pm: Flightline Live featuring Dog on Skis & The Schmidt Brothers. FREE Entrance for all ages & beverage tent
Sunday, June 4th –
7-11am: Fly-in Breakfast at the Washington Municipal Airport
Frequently Asked Questions
SIGN-UP FOR THE PARADE:
There is no cost to participate in the parade, but those who wish to enter the float competition can do so for $10 and compete for a traveling trophy and a 50/50 cash prize. The parade is set to arrive downtown at 5 pm. Floats are encouraged to incorporate the theme of There’s No Place Like Home, which is a partnership with the upcoming performance at the Washington Community Theater, The Wizard of Oz.
REGISTER YOUR TRACTOR FOR THE TRACTOR PARADE:
Tractors can arrive at the fairgrounds and register around 2-4 pm. The tractors will depart at 4 pm from the fairgrounds. Please contact Jerome Vittetoe at 319-430-0797 with any further questions.
THE RIDICULOUS DAY AND ANTIQUE TRACTOR PARADE IS SCHEDULED TO ARRIVE DOWNTOWN AT 5PM ON SATURDAY, JUNE 3.
OZ AND TOTO LOOK-A-LIKE CONTEST (1:30-3PM):
Do your kids have a heart, brain, or courage? Parents, get out your “witchy talents”, gather your monkeys, and bring your munchkins in their Oz look-a-like costumes to the bandstand 1 hour before the contest to register. Pet owners can get in on the action this year too! Dress your animal up as Toto and show off a trick or two. Oz & Toto-like costumes are encouraged but not required. Participants will be asked if they have a special ‘trick’ or ‘talent’ and all participants are welcome to join in the parade that day at 5pm.
KIDDIE TRACTOR PULL CONTEST (2:30-5PM):
Round up your kids and pedal away to the Kiddie Tractor Pull Contest. Registration starts 30 minutes before the contest begins.
RETAIL VENDORS:
Let’s get RIDICULOUS! Come and join us June 1 – 3rd for the 76th Annual Ridiculous Day Sidewalk Deals & Steals. Our market is an open invitation to showcase and sell your product. Sidewalk sales are on Thursday, June 1st and Friday, June 2nd from 10am – 8pm, and Saturday from 8am -5pm.
Non downtown retailers are welcome. Contact the Chamber for the vendor registration form by contacting 319-653-3272 by Monday, May 30th.
VOLUNTEER FOR THE DIFFERENT EVENTS:
Did you know our Chamber events are run by volunteers? We appreciate everyone in the community who has given their time. Without you, our events wouldn’t be possible.
We are looking for some volunteers to help with our Summer Classic Events.
Here’s a brief summary of what we’re looking for:
Friday, June 2nd – set up, pony rides, & bounce house
Saturday, June 3rd – costume contest, pony rides, bounce house, pedal pull, parade, Flightline Live, beverage tent & event tear down.
Interested in volunteering? Contact us at 319-653-3272