OBSERVER Staff Writer
What an absolutely gorgeous evening it was for everyone who came out and enjoyed the opening night of Gowanda's Pioneer Days.
From 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday event goers enjoyed "carnival preview" night. Many attractions were up and ready to go in downtown Gowanda, from the super slide and other rides to the first bite of the season's fair food delicacies.
Thursday's main event was the Youth Talent Show found under the Firemen's Tent. Around 20 kids performed in various acts like singing and dance.
Contestants included: Brianna Twogun's hula-hooping act; Emily Kibler and Katelynn Stapleton baton routine; Lexi Latona and Mackenzie Wheeler duet; Lucas Brawdy, Kelsey Eddy, Shawn Myers, and Brook Strauter in an instrumental routine; Brittany Hunt and Alyssa Goss dance routine; Mayson Phillips, Abbey Phillips, Meagan Gominiac, and Sam Sanderson dance routine; and singers - Skyler Capozzi, Kallie Bain, Allison Catalano, Melody Catalano, Gabby Lay, and Casey Harrison.
Coming in third place was Kallie Bain, in second place was Allison Catalano, and in first place was the dancing act of Mayson Phillips, Abbey Phillips, Meagan Gominiac, and Sam Sanderson who danced to the music of pop singer, Ke$ha. The three acts received their choice of prizes but everyone who participated received a certificate and a treat.
After the show kids took to one of the several rides or games, such as ball toss, I-Got-It, and darts to name a few.
Today's activities will feature a Crafts and Artisan Show beginning at 10 a.m. The carnival will again be in full swing from 5 to 10 p.m., and the "Archives" will perform in the Firemen's Tent from 8 p.m. to midnight. The Masons will also be offering a free ID program for children (on Saturday as well).
The carnival will open at noon on Saturday.
Also on Saturday, there will be a Tricycle Race at 10 a.m.; Webkinz Pet Show at noon; a Battle of the Cookies Bakeoff, also at noon; Cloggers Dance Demonstration at 2 p.m.; a dance demonstration, featuring jazz, ballroom and hip hop will take place at 4 p.m.; and at 6 p.m. crowds will enjoy one of the largest parades in Western New York, which will focus on the circus theme; the Bloodmobile will roll into town, a fundraiser to rebuild Tri-County Memorial Hospital will be held, and "Bogus Otis" will be performing in the Firemen's Tent from 8 p.m. to midnight.
Sunday's events will include a Craft and Artisan Show; the carnival opens at 1 p.m.; Dennis Crouse 5K Challenge starts at noon; there is the Newtown Dancers (Native American) Demonstration at 3 p.m.; and a bicycle giveaway at 4 p.m.
For more information on this year's Pioneer Days celebration, and a complete schedule of events, or to enter a competition, call the Gowanda Area Chamber of Commerce at 532-2834, or visit the chamber's web site at www.gowanda-chamber.org
Comments on this article may be sent to mrukavina@observertoday.com
