Convoy festivals have 80-year history

VW independent/submitted information

CONVOY — Today’s Convoy Community Days has been more than 90 years in the making.

The first community event, the Convoy Fair, began in 1923 and was a two-day event with displays of poultry, grain, vegetables, fruit, baked goods, fancy work of all kinds, horses, mules, rabbits and dogs. There were also concessions, horseshoe pitching, and other special features.

The fair died out due to the cost and loss of interest, but in the early 1960s the Convoy Lions Club began “Lions Days” in the month of June as the new summer festival offering concessions, rides, and lots of activities for the entire family in downtown Convoy. The event later moved to the grounds of Crestview High School and then returned to the streets of downtown Convoy.

In 1974, Convoy celebrated its 100th birthday, but, due to road construction, the Centennial Celebration was postponed until 1975, with proceeds to be used to purchase acreage to build a community park. Several years later, Convoy, “The Little Town That Does Big Things”, continued a weekend event as Convoy Community Days and continues to provide entertainment for the entire family. In 1999, Convoy celebrated its 125th anniversary by moving the event to September.

Community Days is a time to visit with old friends and family in a relaxed and fun atmosphere, not to mention it’s a great opportunity to meet and make new friends as well. Since fall is just around the corner, with vacations over and school back in session, the festival is the one last hoorah of summer.

No matter what a person’s age is, there is sure to be something to peak one’s interest. Maybe it’s the children’s entertainment, with kids games, a magic show, animal show, kiddy tractor pull, clowns, or the Convoy Fire Department’s demonstration of fire equipment and the appearance of the Samaritan medical transport helicopter. Or maybe it’s shopping at the market on Tully Street and at downtown merchants.   How about a little basket bingo, archery, and the parade, with the theme “No Place Like Home” and featuring the 2016 Crestview state champion softball team.

Maybe it’s a performance by the Bottom of the Barrel Boys at the park for your enjoyment or training in self-defense might be of interest. Or maybe it’s fun at the lawn mower drag races or a reverse raffle.

There’s also plenty of good food at the firefighters’ breakfast at the park, D’s walking tacos, and The Tavern’s grilled burgers and dogs, while Knight Pizza will have pizza by the slice, and there will also be baked goods and much more.

More information can be found at www.villageofconvoy.com.