PLYMOUTH — The coronavirus may have squashed many fairs and festivals across the state, but organizers in Plymouth say they’re determined to have an event this weekend.
The official Firemen’s Festival and Silver King Tractor gathering will not happen. However, the Plymouth Firefighter’s Association, The Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, the Plymouth Library, and the Plymouth Improvement Committee issued a press release Tuesday that states they have joined forces to create some different activities that will still provide fun for all.
This year’s event, called “Summer on the Square” will run from Thursday, Aug. 6 through Saturday, Aug. 8.
As with all activities, masking is highly recommended and social distancing is expected. Centers for Disease Control guidelines will also be posted. But organizers say residents and visitors alike are encouraged to enjoy the weekend’s activities. Organizers said food trucks have already been available on Fridays throughout the summer in Plymouth.
Thursday the focus is on kids. The Plymouth Improvement Committee has organized a “Touch a Truck” night from 6 to 8 p.m. with a wide array of trucks and service vehicles for kids to experience. To add to the fun, the Plymouth Library will host a story walk from 5 to 8 p.m. around Plymouth’s Square that is sure to intrigue ALL ages. A deejay will also be on hand from 5 to 8 p.m., along with food trucks, sponsored by the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce that will open at 4 p.m.
The highlight of the day on Friday is the re-dedication of Plymouth’s Veterans Park at 7 p.m. The Plymouth Improvement Committee undertook the restoration project earlier this spring and it is now complete. A new foundation was laid under the brick pavilion. A mural was created on the wall of the building bordering the park, and medallions honoring each branch of the military have been installed on the northern perimeter of the park.
Plymouth’s historic fountain, which stands at the entrance to the park, has also been restored. The short re-dedication program will include an American Legion Color Guard, the Patriot Guard Motorcycle Group, solos by Rex Kilgore and an official ribbon cutting.
In addition to the Veterans Park ceremony, the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce will make food trucks available on Friday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Plymouth Library will host its story walk throughout the day; and a local artists Roger and Robin will perform on the Square from 5 to 7 p.m.
Although the Silver Kings of Yesteryear will not conduct an officially sanctioned tractor exhibit, a number of local owners will bring their antique tractors to town for a display in the parking lot at the First Lutheran Church on West Broadway (next to the library) on both Friday and Saturday.
Saturday’s premier events include a street market from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the Plymouth Firefighters’ Chicken Barbecue starting at 11 a.m. Members of the fire department will be selling chicken dinners on the square. In addition, The Plymouth Library’s story walk will continue throughout the day, and food trucks will be available from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
A Community Garage Sale is also on tap for both Friday and Saturday, Aug. 7 and 8, starting at 9 a.m. and running until 5 p.m. Participating residences will post signs in their yards and a list of all participating addresses will be available at each garage sale location, on the Plymouth Improvement Committee’s Facebook page, and at Plymouth’s Community Market as well as other local businesses.
For more information, visit the Plymouth Improvement Committee’s facebook page or the Plymouth village website at www.PlymouthOh.org under the “event” section.
