SPARTA, Mich. -- Organizers of the 83rd annual Sparta Town & Country Days are expecting big crowds this weekend, with favorable weather forecasted
Elizabeth Morse is Sparta's Downtown Development Authority director. She says they're expecting big crowds this weekend, with favorable weather forecasted for Saturday and Sunday.
Thursday was titled Family Farm Night in Rogers Park, which includes kid's games, a petting zoo, the haybale toss competition, and live music.
The carnival midway opens at 4 p.m. Friday at Balyeat Field, and runs through Sunday at 6 p.m. It has moved to a location adjacent to the old carnival site.
"The good thing is, we have 200 or so extra parking spots right next to the carnival now. And we also have an expanded footprint, which means there are more carnival rides than ever before," Elizabeth Morse said in a telephone interview with WOOD Radio. She is Sparta's Downtown Development Authority director.
There will be a grand parade on Saturday at 11 a.m. along State Street.
"We've got dozens of parade entries coming through downtown Sparta and handing out, of course, all of the candy and goods that you typically find at a parade," Morse said.
The Scottville Clown Band will perform Saturday at noon in Rogers Park. At the same time, the Sparta Lion's Club chicken dinner will be held in the Civic Center.
"It's $12, and it's a great fundraiser for a great organization that really gives back to the community," Morse mentioned.
LIve music will be performed at various locations and there is a full slate of activities.
"So, several days of fun. Lots of opportunity to get out and see what's going on in downtown Sparta," Morse said.
###
The events location layout for Sparta Town & Country Days.Photo: Courtesy: Sparta Chamber of Commerce