Historical festival commences in South Bend

Photo Courtesy Sally Kunke - Everyone loves a parade - especially a good one, which South Bend always provides at the "Come and Play On Labor Day celebration. This year's grand parade is Sunday at 1:00 p.m. The theme for the festival is "Cheers to 60 Year

SOUTH BEND - Fun, friends, and fine food are just some of the fixtures of the "Come and play On Labor Day" festival. The 60th rendition, "Cheers to 60 Years" opens Friday and goes through Monday in homey South Bend, "The Oyster Capital of the World."

"The Labor Day Committee is gearing up for another fantastic Labor Day weekend in South Bend," South Bend Mayor Julie Struck told the Herald. "Returning will be the ever-popular Salmon Derby, duck race, oyster van, softball tournament, poker tournament, Color Run Race, kids races and both the Grand Parade (Sunday, 1:00 p.m.) and Kid's Parade (noon, Saturday).

"The musical laser-light show at Milam Field (Sunday, 9:40 p.m.)will also be back," Struck added. "This event was extremely popular last year, was great fun for the whole family and is free of charge to everyone. The poker paddle is returning and new this year is a soccer tournament at Milam Field.

"This is the 60th anniversary year for the Labor Day celebration," Struck pointed out. "Hence, the theme this year is "Cheers to 60 Years". This is a party theme, so if you have a parade entry, decorate accordingly. Our grand marshal this year is Penny Burns of Willapa Harbor Random Acts of Kindness. We are looking forward to another great Labor Day in South Bend. Hope to see you there."

Daily events include vendor booths, the Wood on the Willapa Softball Tourney at Cheney Park, the Scavenger Hunt, the soccer tournament at Milam Field, and the Pitchwood Alehouse Beer Garden at Cheney Park.

Magician Jeff Evans performs Saturday (1:30 p.m.) at Mary Rogers Pioneer Park.

Don't forget to purchase your Labor Day Button.

The 2023 Labor Day Committee consists of Mayor Struck, Lucas Stigall, Zoe Sowa, Lisa Olsen, Debra Bostwick, Alyssa Olsen, Sue Scott, Sarah Sheary, Ashly Fuller, Kenny Betrozoff, Brian Morley, Jenny Penoyar, Peggy Nussbaum, Patti Paterson, Aimee Betrozoff, and Susie Webber.

The Labor Day Committee is looking for a volunteer to take over the role of chairperson. Struck has announced the beginning of her transition into full retirement. Struck said she "will work hand-in-hand with whoever volunteers to take on the position for next year's celebration."