By Staff
FUN DAY Butch Stuart inspects one of the paddle boats at Bonita Lakes. Paddle boats will be one of the activities families can enjoy Saturday at Bonita Lakes Family Fun Day and Rock 'n' Roll Showdown. Stuart, the lake's caretaker, organized the event. Photo by Penny Randall/The Meridian Star
By Penny Randall/The Meridian Star
Sept. 21, 2001
Saturday is the Family Fun Day and Rock 'n' Roll Showdown at Bonita Lakes Park. The daylong event will include activities for children and adults alike.
The first annual event was developed by Butch Stuart, who is the park's caretaker.
The Family Fun Day starts at 9:30 a.m. on the back lake, when Chuckles the Clown takes the stage. Performances throughout the day include local karate and dance academy groups.
The Rock 'n' Roll Showdown starts at mid-afternoon when the first of five bands takes the stage.
Children's rides and activities will be located next to the new pavilion on the back lake dam. Although admission to the event is free, the rides, activities and food are priced individually.
Activities will include pony rides, paddle boats, remote control race cars, a space jump, a giant slide, a bungee run and an obstacle course. A rock climbing wall and human gyroscope will also be featured.
Food booths will sell hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, ice cream, snow cones and more. Alcohol will not be allowed at the event.
This year's sponsors include Kabana Productions, the city of Meridian, XPress Lane, Paddle Boats, Quick Prints, Perfect Promotions, Ice Plant Inc., SpecTech Service and Signs, 97 OKK, B-93 "The Buzz", ZKR 103.3, Q101 and Mix 106.
Plans for next year are already under way. "Next year we will open the talent competition statewide," Stuart said. "We should be supporting our talent as much as possible."
Penny Randall is an editorial assistant at The Meridian Star. Call her at 693-1551, ext. 3216, or e-mail her at prandall@themeridianstar.com.
Schedule of events:
9:30 a.m. Chuckles the Clown
10 a.m. Black Eagle Karate
10:45 a.m. Pat Gray Academy of Dance
11 a.m. MCC Variations
11:30 a.m. Pat Gray Academy of Dance
11:45 a.m. Y Pop (contemporary gospel group)
12:15 p.m. Carol Merrill Academy of Dance
12:30 p.m. Heather Garrett (country singer)
1 p.m. Carol Merrill Academy of Dance
1:15 p.m. Scarlett Monsour (pop and country singer)
1:45 p.m. Special thanks and sponsor recognition
2:15 p.m. Roger Crimm (folk and blues singer)
3 p.m. Mr. Tone (blues singer)
3:45 p.m. Rock 'n' Roll Showdown begins
4 p.m. Purification Through Blood Shed (Christian rock band)
5 p.m. Mirror Image (rock band)
6 p.m. Black Water (rock band)
7 p.m. Envy (rock band)
8 p.m. Secondhand Heroes (rock band)
9 p.m. Winner to be announced
9:15 p.m. Encore presentation