Aledo Antique Days is Sept. 12

Robert Blackford/Editor
Aledo Artist Michael Clark works on one of two new murals that are set to be finished during the eighth annual Antique Days in Aledo. These murals are on the west facing wall of Essley Noble Museum, located at 1406 NE 2nd Ave., Aledo.

The eighth annual Antique Days celebration is Saturday, Sept. 12, in Aledo.  "We are hoping for a successful, dry, Antique Days," said Aledo Main Street Program Director Pam Myers.

Last year the event was rained out.

This year, Aledo Main Street, which is sponsoring the event, is looking for a dryer outcome.

The festival is free for visitors to attend.

Antique vendors will be set up around the courthouse square. Close to 40 spaces have been sold to vendors for the event.

There will be pioneer demonstrations going on during the day. There will be entertainment ongoing at the band shell from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m.

Breakfast

The event will start that morning with a pancake breakfast at the Aledo Fire Station from 6 a.m. until 10 a.m.

Car Cruz

The Car Cruz will begin at 8 a.m. All years, makes, models of cars and trucks are welcome. There is no entry fee. One lucky entry will be awarded the 2009 Mayor's Choice Award.

Contack Nick Seefeld, 309-221-9097 for more information or aledomainstreet.com.

There will be two blocks coordinated for the car cruise with the hope that it will be bigger. "We had 65 the last time we did it" said Seefeld. "We are hoping to double that."

Tractor show

There will be a tractor show on the east side of the square along with children's activities in front of the former Henderson Auto building.

Historical walking tour

There will be a historical walking tour of the city at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Local historian Jim Runyon will portray historical figure Hugh Morris for the day. The tour will begin at the Central Park Fountain.

Horseshoe pitching

There will be the opportunity to pitch horseshoes between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. on the west Side of the Salon on Second building. There is not a contest, just the opportunity for visitors to get the feel of one of the pioneer's pastimes.

Book sale

The Friends of Mercer Carnegie Library will hold a book sale from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

The Kiwanis Club will be selling pork chops in Central Park and there are several restaurants open in downtown area to give visitors a variety of choices of what to eat.

Essley Noble Museum

To celebrate its 50th anniversary, Essley Noble Museum will have a wheelright demonstration at 11 a.m. and have pioneer era demonstrations throughout the day. The museum will also be the site of two new Aledo murals as local artist Michael Clark will lead a Wall Bash at the site.

Farmer's Market

There will be a Farmer's Market on the Thursday prior to Antique Days as well as one on that Saturday in the Central Park parking lot. The parking lot will also be home to an engine show that day. 

Cinema at Central

Saturday  evening is the final Cinema @ Central event. The movie at dusk that evening will be "Remember the Titans."

Aledo Main Streed design committee members took to the street corners Thursday, Sept. 3 to decorate before Labor Day. Old bicycles, became part of most corners' staging. Decorators from left are Ila Bertrand, JoAnn Blaser, Oz Karch, Janice Hall and Cam Otten.