The 45th Annual Pony Wagon Days celebration returns to St. Paris this weekend, with several days of activities planned throughout the community.
The festival begins Thursday, September 10, with a JSP Fire Association Chili Supper from 5 to 8 p.m., opening ceremonies at 5:45 p.m., and the annual parade at 6 p.m. A basket auction will follow the parade.
Friday features the Saint Paris Farmers Market from 3 to 6 p.m. at the St. Paris Municipal Building.
Saturday’s activities will take place throughout downtown St. Paris, beginning with a Community Breakfast from 8 to 11 a.m. The Pony Wagon Museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., while the First Baptist Church Chicken Noodle Dinner will be served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
From noon to 4 p.m., visitors can take part in the free “Ride Through History” Historical Wagon Tour, highlighting the 1883 Great Fire and 1995 Flood, historic churches and homes, the 1865 Lincoln Funeral Train stop, the community’s carriage-making history, and how St. Paris became known as “Pony Wagon Town.”
Historical exhibits will also be available from noon to 4 p.m.
Saturday will also feature a Craft and Vendor Show from noon to 6 p.m., along with food trucks, axe throwing, kids’ activities, arcade games, and DJ Sounds of Champaign from noon to 8 p.m.
Square dancing by the Concord Cloverleafs is scheduled from 1 to 3 p.m., followed by a pizza-eating contest at 3 p.m. Khaos United Wrestling will perform from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., with The Dark Horse Band closing the evening from 6 to 8 p.m.
Pony Wagon Days concludes Sunday, September 13, at GYAA Park, 370 E. Main St. Car show registration begins at 11 a.m., with DJ Sounds of Champaign and food trucks running from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Pony Wagon Days Car Show will be held from noon to 5 p.m.
Organizers say the weekend is an opportunity to celebrate St. Paris, its history, local organizations, businesses, and the people who make the community special.
