Raspberry Fest returns Saturday
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The 11th Annual Raspberry Festival returns to Webster City Saturday with a full day of entertainment and events scheduled at 7B Ranch. There is no charge to walk into the festival, but there is a $5 charge for parking for those who choose to drive into the festival.
The day begins with an "all you can eat" pancake breakfast from 7-11 a.m. in the tent on the 7B grounds. Tickets are $5 for adults, and $2 for children under 10.
Those with entries in the dessert contest can drop off their tasty creations starting at 9 a.m. in the barn.
Wristband and activity ticket sales get underway at 10 a.m. Inflatable activities cost $1 each or a $10 wristband will give children unlimited turns on the inflatables. Other children's games are 3 for $1.
During the morning, those attending can witness the building of Hy-Vee's biggest raspberry dessert under the tent, or watch chain saw artist Gary Keenan in the barnyard. A variety of refreshments and food will be on sale and the shuffleboard and sand volleyball courts will be open for free play. Area residents can also take a leisurely canoe ride around Otter Lake throughout the day.
Participants will have a chance to test their mettle and fortitude in the hot dog eating contest, dessert-eating competition, laughing contest and a free throw contest throughout the day.
The winners of the Raspberry Dessert Contest will be named at 1:45 p.m. and the public will have a chance to select a People's Choice winner after sampling the desserts.
Local entertainer Patti Treibel will entertain at 11 a.m., and the Dance Connection will perform at 1 p.m. in the tent. Guitarist and soloist Von Ketelsen is on the bill at 2 and 4 p.m., and Elite Tumbling will perform at 3:30 p.m. The Boone River Boys will play at 5 p.m.
A Rock Band Contest will be held in the big tent at 7:30 p.m. Capping off the evening will be a gigantic fireworks display at 10:15 p.m.
For more information on the festival, visit the www.raspberryfestival.com
