Slayton to celebrate Days of ’87

• Days of '87

Submitted Photo As part of his “One Horse Town” Tour, singer-songwriter Chad Elliott is slated to perform Sunday during the Days of ’87 celebration in Slayton.

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SLAYTON — The town of Slayton has been around since 1887. Its residents, however, haven’t always celebrated their heritage.

“The celebration got started sometime in the ’50s,” Miron Carney, mayor and event chairman, said about Slayton’s history. “We went through some kind of metamorphosis in the ’80s and stopped the festivities for a while.”

With this being the third year back from a festivity-lacking slump, next year marks the 125th anniversary of Slayton. More than 20 years went by without a Days of ’87 celebration, and Carney — along with the rest of Slayton — have made sure to make up for lost time.

The first item on the festival agenda is Crazy Days, beginning Thursday at participating local businesses.

On Friday, the Pro Cellular open house in downtown Slayton will offer free pork loin, beans and root beer floats from 3 to 7 p.m.

“We actually close down some streets,” said Carney. “Everyone gets together and has a good time.”

Also on Friday is the annual kiddie parade. Starting at 6 p.m., the event will take place on Broadway Avenue; everyone taking part will receive a prize.

Murray County Speedway races are set for 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Murray County Fairgrounds.

With registration starting at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, the 5K run/walk races get under way at 9 a.m. Proceeds will be donated to the local Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops for improvements on their Scout building.

A new, highly anticipated event this year is the two-day men’s softball tournament. Set to start at 10 a.m., there is a 16-team limit. There is an entry fee, but large cash prizes will be awarded to first-, second- and third-place teams.

Female competitors can take part in the sand volleyball tournament, also scheduled for 10 a.m. at Slaytona Beach West.

During these two events, spectators can enjoy a food stand and beer garden throughout the day.

What’s a town festival without a parade? The Slayton version begins at 11 a.m.

“Our parade has gotten bigger and bigger,” Carney said. “People from the area come, and it’s a really fun thing families can enjoy.”

The Dinehart/Holt House will serve burgers and hot dogs at the conclusion of the parade.

Concluding the competitive events, a double-elimination beanbag tournament will be at Bi-Centennial Park. There will be no pre-registration, and all ages can participate.

New to Days of ’87, the Pinewood Derby will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Bi-Centennial Park. The event will be run by the Boy Scouts, with proceeds going to the Scout building.

At 9 p.m., the Murray County Speedway will host the entertainment for Saturday night. Kayla Daniels and a cover band from Tracy, the Pop Machine, will take the stage.

Sunday will be hardly be a day of rest in Slayton, with a food stand opening at 10 a.m. and a beer garden serving beginning at noon.

In honor of Randy Wynia, the annual Days of ’87 Honor Ride will begin its 115-mile journey through the back roads of Murray County at 2 p.m. Proceeds will go to the Murray County Christmas Project.

Singer-songwriter Chad Elliot will perform at 5 p.m. Sunday in Gullord Park. Elliott will also be on stage for the Randy Wynia Honor Ride gathering at 2 p.m.

Tags: days of ’87, slayton, celebrate