VOLLEYBALL … A volleyball tournament took place during Metamora’s Party in the Park on Saturday, June 14th. The tournament kicked off at 10:00 a.m. with players drawing in people to watch.
FUN … Children were able to have fun with a bounce house during this year’s Metamora Party in the Park.
(PHOTOS BY JACOB KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
DUNK … A dunk tank was set up at this year’s Metamora Party in the Park event. Volunteers sat and waited for others to throw the ball and knock them into the water.
By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
The 4th annual Party in the Park was held June 13th through 15th, offering a full weekend of food, games, music, and small-town celebration.
Organized by the Metamora Chamber of Commerce, the event has become a summer favorite and helps raise money for local scholarships and community projects.
The weekend kicked off Friday with a full lineup of activities, including ball games, a tractor show, and live music from Sweet Tea.
Food and drinks were available throughout the evening, and the beer tent added to the relaxed, festive atmosphere.
Saturday’s schedule was packed with family-friendly attractions. A car and motorcycle cruise-in brought in a steady crowd, and entry prizes were given away every 15 minutes between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Separate raffles were also held for bigger-ticket items like a Blackstone grill, a television, and a bistro patio set, all thanks to generous support from local businesses.
As usual, kids had plenty to do throughout the weekend. Face painting, balloon twisting, snow cones, and ice cream from a local church were all part of the fun.
The Cub Scouts offered rocket launching, and tournaments for volleyball, cornhole, and wiffleball were also on the schedule. Sunday included a special Father/Child cornhole game to mark Father’s Day.
This year, organizers chose not to include outside merchant vendors. Instead, the focus was on creating a fun, relaxed event centered around the community. One of the weekend’s biggest hits, the chicken dinner, started with 700 meals and was on sale until gone.
The obstacle course that had been planned was postponed, but families can still enjoy it during the Metamora Fire Department’s open house on June 21st.
Even with a few changes to the schedule, the weekend brought out strong support and reminded everyone why events like this matter.
Party in the Park continues to be a highlight of summer in Metamora, a chance for neighbors to connect, relax, and enjoy what makes their town special.