Plans for annual Good Ol' Days already under way

The Good Ol' Days Steering Committee is working overtime to plan for the 2008 celebration set for June 7 and 8. This year's festival will include many exciting events.

In response to numerous requests, Good Ol' Days 2008 will include a carnival. All Season's Amusements will operate Thursday evening, Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday during the festival. The rides and games will be in the west Skubitz Plaza area, near the Street Fair on Old Fort Boulevard.

A new contest will make an appearance this year. The First Annual Wiener Dog Costume Contest and Race is being planned. Those who own, or are owned by, a dapper dachshund will want to stay tuned for the details. Everyone else will want to be on hand to enjoy the fun.

Now is the time to begin singing practicing for the Third Annual Fort Scott Idol contest. It will kick-off the Good Ol' Days on Thursday, June 5, at Memorial Hall. Contestants may enter in one of three age categories: 4-10, 11-17, as well as 18 and over.

The second annual Kiss the Pig contest will take place Friday after the parade. The lucky "winner" will again kiss a live pig. Those who witnessed last year's kissing may recall that the pig was reluctant. Perhaps this year's pig will be more willing.

The Railroad Exhibit will once again be at the Scottish Rite Temple. Onlookers will be invited into the world of trains to enjoy several operating model railroads and a display of railroad memorabilia.

The Gospel Tent will return to a familiar location this year. It will be in the parking lot at Third and Main on both Saturday and Sunday. Southern Gospel music will entertain all who stop by.

Live entertainment is being booked for the downtown stages. Once again, street dances will fill Friday and Saturday nights with toe-tapping music.

Fort Scott National Historic Site is lining up re-enactors and performers to make the 1842 fort come alive. As usual, admission to the fort will be free during Good Ol' Days weekend.

Applications for Street Fair booths will be mailed out soon. The committee anticipates four blocks full of arts and crafts items. Also, food booths will provide a broad range of delectable eating possibilities to satisfy the tastes of hungry visitors.

By going to the Web site www.fortscottgoodoldays.com frequently, people can stay up to date with what festival plans.

The Steering Committee hopes everyone is as excited about the upcoming celebration as its members are. Good Ol' Days 2008 will be here before we know it. The committee encourages everyone to invite friends and relatives to visit Fort Scott and enjoy the 27th annual festival on June 7 and 8.