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9 a.m. Saturday
5K Run/Walk
Begins at 9 a.m. Saturday; check-in at 8 a.m. Plus a fun run for children up to 12. Winners on the stage at 10 a.m. Questions? Ann Tottingham at 417-967-3711.
Begins at 9 a.m. Saturday • Car show
(Location updated): Welding program at Piney River Technical Center to sponsor a car show on Saturday near Grand Avenue and Main Street in front of the Texas County Administrative Center. Begins at 9 a.m. with awards at 12:30 p.m. Entry fee: $15 per vehicle with proceeds going to welding program. Information? avandiver@houston.k12.mo.us
Grandstand Entertainment
Entertainment at the grandstand at Pine Street and Grand Avenue. Featuring Kirk Pierce (11 a.m. to noon), James VanKirk (1 to 3 p.m.), the HHS Jazz Band (3:15 – 4:15 p.m.), the STARS Foundation and short skits by all the clowns. Meet Stasia Kelly, daughter of Kelly Sr., along with Chris Berry of the Circus Historical Society. You’ll also find Sparkie the Clown.
Here is a detailed schedule:
10 a.m. – Sparkie welcome
5K winners recognized
10:30 a.m. Letter from Gov. Mike Parson; Mayor Viki Narancich speaks
10:40 a.m. Clown Skit
11 a.m. – noon Kirk Pierce
Noon – 1p.m. STARS Foundation: Cloggers and Musicians
1 p.m.- 3 p.m. James VanKirk
3 p.m. Clown skits
3:15 – 4:15 p.m. Houston High School Jazz Band
4:20 p.m. Clown Skits
Recognition on stage is expected for the chili cookoff, art students and clown parade winners.
11:30 a.m. Saturday
Chili Contest
Applications at city hall. Chili must be at festival (main stage) at 11:30 a.m. Saturday for tasting. Entry fee is $10 per crock pot with proceeds benefiting the HHS Band. Prizes awarded. Need information? etapen@houston.k12.mo.us.
1 p.m. Saturday
Downtown Parade
Clowns fill downtown Houston for the annual parade. Shriners from Springfield will attend, along with fan favorites. Prizes presented to clowns for most creative, best costume and funniest. (Sign up at the grandstand table)
Biopic Featured
A short French-made biopic of Emmett Kelly Sr. will be shown at 2, 2:30, 3, 3:30 and 4 p.m. Saturday at the Melba Performing Arts Center in downtown Houston.
7 p.m. Saturday
Willy Wonka Broadway
The Stars Foundation presents, “Willy Wonka Broadway” at the Melba Performing Arts Center on Grand Avenue in downtown Houston.
Window Contest
$250 prize from Houston Herald for top window display at business in Houston. Call city hall at 417-967-3348 to register for judging.
Vendors
Lots of vendors are registered for this year’s festival, celebrating the 125th birthday of Kelly. Forbes at 100 N. Grand Avenue will serve pulled pork sandwiches and desserts. An art coloring contest is planned. The drawing can be picked up in advance. Red noses also are available.
T-shirts, other items
Don’t forget to get your collectible T-shirt for this year’s festival! Inflatables at the Lone Star Plaza. A quilt raffle is underway. You can purchase tickets at the grandstand table. Proceeds benefit an art scholarship for an HHS senior.
Need information? Contact Summer at Houston City Hall, 417-967-3348.