Cinder City Days organizers confident their plans are bigger and better than ever

Thursday, June 8, 2017
Samantha West | Leader-Telegram

After more than four decades of Altoona's annual Cinder City Days, this year's event organizers are looking to switch it up for what they hope is the best three-day celebration yet.

"We've expanded our event this year," said Vicki Hagen, Altoona Lions Club president, "and it's going to be the biggest and probably the most exciting Cinder City Days this year, probably ever. People really don't want to miss it."

In its 44th year, Cinder City Days begins today and runs through Sunday at Cinder City Park, 2300 Spooner Ave., featuring events old and new.

But have no fear, Hagen said. Though they've added several new events and attractions, old favorites such as the car and craft shows, the carnival, and softball, bean bag and dart tournaments will remain.

"It is just exciting to see everything come together and to listen to everyone else get excited about ... seeing the new changes," Hagen said.

One new addition to the event that Hagen is particularly excited about is the Smoke in the Valley barbecue contest, which will be from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday and is sponsored by Altoona's own Rump's Butcher Shoppe.

Another highlight added to the festival this year is live music Saturday night by country band Blackhawk. Hagen said it's been years since the festival featured such a nationally known band.

Ray Henning, founder of Cinder City Days, said he's "always enthused" by the entire event but he's even more excited this year for the additions.

Although Henning started the festival, he turned organizing it over to the Altoona Lions Club when it became too much for him to handle on his own.

"We have some new things," said Henning, who remains involved with the event every year. "I think that it's going to be much more family-oriented than it was last year."

Highlights from this year's Cinder City Days include: 

  •  Carnival rides, 6 to 10 p.m. today, 1 to 5 p.m. Friday-Sunday. $17 for wristband.

Friday

  •  Cinder City Sing-off Finale: Qualifiers sing at 8:30 p.m. First place winner receives $2,000 and opens for Blackhawk.

Saturday

  • Pancake breakfast 7:30 to 11 a.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 2245 Hayden Ave.

  • Car and craft shows, both from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 10th Street Park, 2336 Bartlett Ave.

  • Doll & Pet Parade for youth in sixth grade or younger, 11 a.m. This year's theme is "Superheroes and Villains."

  • Big parade, featuring Ronald McDonald, floats and old cars, 1 p.m.

  • Live music by Blackhawk. Gates at 5 p.m., music starts at 7 p.m. VIP tickets are $17, general admission $11.

Sunday

  • VFW all-you-can-eat breakfast, 8 a.m. to noon.

  • Smoke in the Valley BBQ Contest, noon to 6 p.m., Cinder City Park. 

Contact: samantha.west@ecpc.com, 715-833-9203, on Twitter @SamanthaWest196

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