VANDALIA – A great variety of family entertainment and live music is slated for the Vandalia Prairie Day on Saturday, Sept. 28.

Ramsey Dickerman, one of the festival organizers for the Chamber of Commerce, noted there will be games and activities for all ages in addition to a performances by four great bands. She pointed out there will also be an emphasis on history – including a contest during the parade where participants can win a cash prize.

The festival gets underway bright and early with a 5K run/walk at 7:30 a.m. Registration begins at the Eastern Missouri Family YMCA at 7 a.m.

Popular contests start at 9 a.m. including the baby show followed by the Little Mister and Miss Prairie Day. Registration for both contests begins at 8:30 a.m.

At 10 a.m. the food and vendor booths will open on Main Street. The YMCA will also begin the 3-on-3 basketball games at 10 a.m. Interested teams of four can contact Pat Connaway for more information at 573-470-0453. The fee is $30 and checks can be made payable to the Chamber of Commerce.

The parade will take place at 11 a.m. Those having entries in the parade should line up at the south school beginning at 10 a.m.

Dickerman noted the Vandalia Historical Society is sponsoring a theme contest for the parade. The organization is hosting a traveling display on the celebration of Missouri’s statehood in 1821. Parade entries that have a historical theme to that era will be entered in a contest to win a cash prize. First place will win $150, second place is $100 and third place will receive $50.
The statehood display will be available for tours at the museum every Saturday in October from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sundays 1-5 p.m.

The Historical Society is also hosting an event on the small stage. The Narrative of Area Pioneers will take place at noon.

The kid’s area, which includes games and a bounce house, will open at 12:30 p.m. and close at 4:30 p.m. There is also fun lined up for adults. A washers tournament will begin at 1 p.m. The event will take place at the Railroad Park. A cornhole tournament will also take place, starting at 2 p.m.

Those interested in taking a carriage ride around town are in luck. Rides will begin at 1:30 p.m. at State Street.

Music lovers will have plenty to enjoy at this year’s event with four bands slated to take the main stage starting at 2:30 p.m. as Country Fever kicks off the concerts. Riverside will take the stage at 4:30 p.m. The Mike Moore band will perform at 6:30 p.m., and then Country Soul will headline at 8 p.m.

In addition to all of the contests, games, entertainment and music – gearheads will want to take part in the festivities with the car cruise. The event wil take place on State Street beginning at 6 p.m.

Find a complete schedule of events for the 2019 Prairie Day festival with this article. Download PrairieDay2019