By Jeana Tetzlaff
Special to Gladstone Dispatch
GLADSTONE — Gladfest 45 will be Friday through Sunday, Oct. 4 to 6, at Linden Square, 602 NE 70th St.
The theme this year is “Deep Dive into Gladfest 45.”
In addition to the carnival, there will be new events and other activities for adults and kids to participate in this year.
Area businesses and organizations can get involved in the 2024 Gladfest Scarecrow Contest. They can display a scarecrow at their business and then at Gladfest. Festivalgoers can vote on their favorite scarecrow.
Also new this year is a Kids Bike Rodeo starting at 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, for kids in kindergarten through sixth grade. Kids will learn safety tips and other information about bike riding. An adult must be present to sign a consent form.
The Little Mr. and Miss Gladfest will start the festival Friday evening at 6 p.m. Oct. 4.
Children ages 3 to 5 will compete for the titles of Gladfest Prince and Princess and the older kids, those ages 6 to 8, will compete for Little Mr. and Miss Gladfest.
For the adults, there is a wine-tasting event by Fence Stile Winery/Nyx Lounge. They will also have wine available for sale.
The Grove Church will enhance the information area with a lost and found, first aid, a hospital tent and a private area for breastfeeding.
Local artists and crafters will have their items for sale in the arts and craft booths. Marketplace vendors will also be available for festivalgoers to browse and shop. Barbecue, funnel cakes and turkey legs are just a few of the foods that will be included for everyone to enjoy.
On Friday night, School of Rock take the stage at 7:30 p.m. at Linden Square. And on Saturday night, Superstar Mafia plays at 7:30 p.m.
The fourth annual Gladfest Pep Rally will bring the community together to celebrate area schools, organizations and citizens of all ages as well as the coming fall. The pep rally will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday morning, Oct. 5, at Linden Square.
Throughout Saturday afternoon, on the Linden Square stage, there will be entertainment.
Oakhill Day School will be hosting Kids Corner this year. They have fun activities for the kids to do.
Every year, a miniature train show has been in the Gladstone Community Center for all ages. There’s even a smaller version for little kids to play with on the floor. The train show will be on Friday and Saturday as well.
For more information, check out the special guide printed in this edition of the Gladstone Dispatch, produced in partnership with the Gladstone Chamber of Commerce.
