The small town of Whitten is set to celebrate big Saturday as it hosts its annual Whitten Day event.
The public event features games, contests, races, a 1 p.m. parade, street dances and fireworks. It is the third time the Hardin County town of 150 people has hosted the one-day event.
"We're a small community and we wanted to bring the town together and do some fun events," said event organizer Lezlie Reel.
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CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
A crowd gathers for games and food in the park during last year’s Whitten Day. The annual celebration returns this Saturday in Whitten.
A new event this year is the sand volleyball tournament at 11 a.m. This competition will be held at the newly-created sand volleyball court in the city park.
"We're hoping it will be used in the future as well," Reel said of the new court.
Those with a sweet tooth won't want to miss the ice cream social from 4 to 6 p.m. featuring beef burgers, homemade pies and ice cream.
Fact Box
Schedule of Events
Saturday
7 a.m. - Garage sales/multi market
8 a.m. - Tractor ride
11 a.m. - Co-ed sand volleyball tournament
1 p.m. - Parade
After parade - Kids games, contests, races
2:30 p.m. - Kids water fights
3:30 p.m - Kids tractor pull
4 to 6 p.m. - Church ice cream social ( Beef burgers, homemade pies and ice cream)
6:30 p.m. - Auction
7 to 9 p.m. - Street Dance with Papa Jimmy and Angela with Martin Downs
Dark Fireworks and raffle drawing
9:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. - Street Dance - CPR
Reel said as many stores and buildings close in small towns, celebrations like these are a way to keep the community going.
"It's very important for many people to get involved," Reel said.