Afton readies a weekend of celebration

AFTON - The biggest weekend in Afton is just a few days away, with fireworks, inflatables, boogies and more celebration being kicked off on Friday.

Events organized by the Afton Community Club, East Union alumni and the Afton Lions Club will be a major reason to stop by the east side of Union County this weekend. With an unofficial name of the Afton Weekend Celebration, it’s sure to be a busy weekend.

Dedication to these events comes from volunteers working through their free time just to celebrate their local communities. President of the Afton Community Club Devon Springer said she’s grateful to the people around her.

“It’s all volunteer work,” Springer said. “We have a great group of girls, it’s not a very big group. A lot of people have full-time jobs. When they help, it’s a lot of free time to spend.”

The weekend kicks off with two new events on Friday, June 27, held by the Afton Community Club. A fireworks show from Top Notch Fireworks will signify the start of the Afton Weekend Celebration, lighting up the night sky with explosive color. Fireworks will be shot near the Union County Fairgrounds at 9:15 p.m.

Afterwards, those sticking around the rec field can enjoy a drive-in movie. Starting around 9:30 p.m., those in Afton can experience “The Sandlot” on a sandlot. The rec ball field will be converted into a drive-in space for the movie. Popcorn and snow cones will be available.

This will be Afton Community Club’s first time holding a drive-in movie, and some technical issues may arise. Springer recommends sticking together in groups due to limited space.

“We’re planning on setting the projector screens in the west field dugout area,” Springer said. “There’s plenty of grass space; bring blankets and chairs.”

Heading deeper into the weekend on Saturday, 65 years of East Union will be celebrated during the day’s All School Reunion. A tour of East Union Community School will be held at 2 p.m., and a 4 p.m. 65th birthday party for families and kids will be celebrated at The Roost.

A trivia battle for East Union history buffs will also be held at The Roost at 4:30 p.m. Other events around Afton include a golf tournament at Lakeshore Golf and Country Club and a “65 in 65″ award show for EU alumni.

Those planning to attend these events can learn more and RSVP at the East Union Alumni Association’s Facebook page.

Later that night, Kansas Street will be the place to boogie. The annual Kansas Street Boogie will feature Garrett and the Relics once again, alongside musician Drew Fry who will open the street dance for an hour at 7 p.m. New to this year is a larger area for the dance, taking over the full south side of the square and Kansas Street.

Finally, on Sunday and organized by the Afton Lions Club, the annual Pre Fourth Celebration will take over the Afton square. The vendor fair will begin at noon Sunday and will feature activities for families and kids of all ages.

Wristbands are required for park activities starting at 1 p.m., including carnival games, water fights (organized by the Afton Volunteer Fire Department) and inflatables. After a full day of letting kids smash a car, local emergency response teams will demonstrate “jaws of life” technology which helps save those trapped in their vehicles after an accident.

Live music will be held by the Mike Walsh band starting at 3 p.m. Local food trucks and a donation dinner at 5 p.m. will provide some tasty meals made by community members.

For Afton, the weekend of events is the largest congregation of local community and families the city will see all year. As a chance for celebration, there’s no better time.

“It’s a really good weekend for all ages,” Springer said. “We might run into issues and problems, but that’s how we grow through things. It’s a lot of work, but you get to see the fruit of your loom laid out. I hope people appreciate that.”