The Zwolle Tamale Fiesta will celebrate its 50th anniversary with four days of festivities beginning Thursday, Oct. 8, and continuing through Sunday, Oct. 11, with live music, carnival rides, contests, a parade, fireworks and other activities planned.
The celebration begins Thursday, Oct. 8, with Senior Citizen Day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Vendors will open at 10 a.m., followed by bingo at 10:15 a.m., lunch at 11:30 a.m., special recognition at noon and door prizes at 12:30 p.m.
Festival gates will open at 4 p.m. Thursday with $2 admission. The Kick-Off Supper will be held from 6 to 9 p.m., with opening ceremonies beginning at 6 p.m. The program will include the presentation of Fiesta Royalty, recognition of dignitaries, special guest entertainment and an in memoriam recognition of past board members.
Studio B Dance Company will present a 50th anniversary special at 6:30 p.m., followed by special entertainment at 7 p.m. Next of Kin Band will perform at 7:30 p.m., and the evening will conclude with 50th anniversary fireworks at 8:45 p.m.
Activities continue Friday, Oct. 9, with Third Grade Educational Day from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Festival gates will open at 4 p.m. with $5 admission.
Friday’s entertainment includes Dillion Etheridge and band from 4 to 5:15 p.m., followed by Henry Reggans & the Louisiana Side Men from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. A 50th Anniversary Dance Contest will be held from 6:50 to 8 p.m., followed by Horace Trahan and the Ossun Express from 8 to 11 p.m.
The celebration continues early Saturday, Oct. 10, with registration for the one-mile run and 5K beginning at 7 a.m. The 5K starts at 8 a.m., when festival gates will also open. Saturday admission is $10.
The annual parade begins at 10 a.m. A Treasure Hunt offering a $500 savings bond prize will also be held, with contest registration opening at the main stage.
Midwest Rides and concessions open at 11 a.m. The Toledo Cruisers Car Club Car Show is scheduled from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Main stage activities around midday will include the Tamale Eating Contest, Spanish Costume Contest, arm wrestling competition and tamale judging.
The Mud Bog begins at 2 p.m. Coolers will be allowed in the Mud Bog grounds only for a $25 fee, while Mud Bog tent spaces will be available for $40.
Saturday’s live music lineup includes Mark Reeves and Twisted X Band from 2 to 3:15 p.m., Kyle Richardson and The Sabine Sound from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., Bad Moon Rising from 5 to 6:30 p.m., One Trick Pony from 6:45 to 8 p.m. and Nik-L Beer from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m.
The 50th anniversary Zwolle Tamale Fiesta will feature tamales, carnival rides, concessions, vendors, souvenirs and entertainment throughout the celebration. Additional festival information is available through the official Zwolle Tamale Fiesta website.