PLUM CITY – The 68^th annual Plum City Summerfest is set to take place July 17-19 with a full slate of events celebrating what makes the little village with the trout pond special.

Summerfest brings the community together with Legion Park and Spring Pond Park the hubs for catching up with old friends over pie and ice cream, watching the Blues battle it out on the ballfield, filling up on delicious summer fare

Events kick off Thursday, July 17 with the Ono United Methodist Church pie and ice cream social at 4 p.m. on Spring Pond Park. And if you need to run off those calories, you’re in luck because registration for the EPC Girls Basketball 5K Fun Run/Walk opens at 4:30 p.m. at American Legion Park. You can also register by contacting Adrian Hook at 715-647-2591 ext. 2111 or ahook@plumcity.k12.wi.us

The Classic Car Cruise registration opens at 5:30 p.m. in the St. John’s Church parking lot, with the cruise heading down Main Street at 7 p.m. sharp. While you’re waiting for those spiffy wheels to roll on by, check out the Blue Notes Saxophone Quartet at 5:30 p.m. in Spring Pond Park, food booths opening at 6 p.m. and the softball tourney kickoff at 6:30 p.m. The night is capped off with a giant fireworks display at American Legion Park (Saturday rain date).

Set those alarm clocks early Saturday morning as the Plum City/Maiden Rock/Town of Union EMS Pancake Breakfast is serving up classics from 7-11 a.m. at the Public Safety Building. After you’ve filled up on pancakes and local syrup, head over to Clare Repair Shop to see the Antique Tractor Show at 10 a.m. And if you didn’t get your fill of pie and ice cream the night before, you have second and third chances at 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. The Ono Methodist bakers are working overtime to satisfy the town’s sweet tooths.

Kids have many activities to look forward to Saturday morning at Spring Pond Park, including kiddie train rides, free face painting, hair dazzling, a River Valley Raptor Program and the kids fishing contest at noon for ages 3-12.

The ball field is the place to be Saturday afternoon when Plum City Blues take on the Spring Valley Hawks in a St. Croix Valley Baseball League showdown at noon. The softball tournament resumes at 2:45 p.m.

A highlight of the weekend is the Grand Parade, set to begin at 4 p.m. This year’s grand marshals are Plum City High School graduates Jeff & Ann Bechel.

According to the Grand Parade Facebook page, “Ann grew up above her family’s hardware store, where she learned the value of hard work and serving others from her Dad, Lyle Gilles. Today, she continues to help out at the store, carrying on a tradition that has been a part of Plum City for generations. She has dedicated countless hours to St. John’s Church, the Plum City Lions Club, and the American Legion Auxiliary. Ann has always been just a phone call away, to help someone find the right hardware part or to lend a hand when it was needed most.
“Jeff spent over 50 years as a milk hauler for the community, before recently retiring. But, if you have ever been to a wedding, dance, festival, or celebration around Plum City over the last 50 years, chances are you’ve danced to Jeff and the band. Jeff has helped provide the soundtrack for generations of Plum City memories. Jeff is quick to lend a hand to anyone, especially with his sound equipment or expertise to help make events for the community sound their best.
“Together, Jeff and Ann raised three children in Plum City. It was here where they taught their children the importance of family, community, and hard work. They now enjoy spending time with their grandson, Beni and continuing to support the community that they love.
“Jeff and Ann are grateful to call Plum City home. They have always believed in supporting their community, helping their neighbors, and giving back whenever they could. They are honored to have raised their family here and are so thankful for the friendships and memories they’ve made along the way.”

Sunday’s activities center around American Legion Park. Save room for the BBQ chicken dinner at 11 a.m., complete with potato salad or chips, beans and dinner rolls. Takeout is available for those who prefer to dine at home.

The fan favorite paper plate aerial drop will take place at noon as Andy Wieser and crew fly over the ball field. Kids 12 and under are welcome to participate. More pie and ice cream will be served up by Ono Methodist, accompanied by Music by Jerry & Karen.

The Plum City Care Center/Seasons staff will be recognized at 1 p.m. for their hard work and dedication to local seniors. Then, the Blues take on the Ellsworth Hubbers at 1 p.m., followed by Bingo under the pavilion at 2:30 p.m. (with 100% payback). American Legion baseball teams will take to the field at 3 p.m.

Festivities will culminate with the cash raffle drawing at 4 p.m. The American Legion Post 365 is selling raffle tickets at $20 apiece with only 500 tickets sold and $3,000 in cash awarded. Need not be present to win.