Shakespeare Field Day returns June 13 with parade, fish fry and fireworks

Children enjoy inflatable bouncy castles during past Shakespeare Field Day celebrations. The attractions are sponsored by the Shakespeare Optimist Club. Gary West photo

By Gary West

Residents and visitors alike are invited to head to Shakespeare on Saturday, June 13, for the community’s annual Field Day festivities hosted by the Shakespeare Community Athletic Association (SCAA).

The popular event once again promises a full day of family activities, food, games and entertainment as the community comes together for one of Shakespeare’s biggest annual celebrations.

This year’s parade theme is “Life’s a Beach,” and organizers encourage residents, businesses, community groups and horse-and-float entries to take part in the annual parade beginning at 1 p.m.

The day begins bright and early with the firefighters’ breakfast from 8-10 a.m. at the Optimist Hall.

A silent auction will run throughout the day in the hall from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., while the annual soap-box derby gets underway at 9:15 a.m. in the hall parking lot. Organizers say children can register before the races in various age categories.

Ball games on two diamonds begin at 10:30 a.m., followed by parade judging and awards at 12:30 p.m.

Following the parade, memorial presentations will take place near the equipment shed at 2 p.m.

Children’s races sponsored by Shakespeare Presbyterian Church begin at 2:15 p.m., followed by the always-popular frog races at 2:45 p.m.

From 3-6 p.m., the Shakespeare Optimist Club will host its mini-midway on the ball field, complete with inflatable bouncy castles and family activities.

The Shakespeare Opti-Mrs will once again host the kiddie fishpond beginning at 3 p.m., while axe throwing will also be available during the afternoon festivities.

One of the day’s highlights remains the annual fish fry, running from 5-7:30 p.m. under the tents beside the Optimist Hall.

Tickets are available from SCAA members or at the door while supplies last. Organizers will also be selling 50/50 tickets throughout the event.

The evening continues with team-game challenges in front of the bleachers from 8:30-10 p.m. before the day concludes with one of the area’s most anticipated fireworks displays beginning at 10 p.m.

Organizers note the pavilion bar will remain open during the afternoon and evening, with music and entertainment continuing throughout the day.