First Friday downtown Warsaw in July will be a “Hometown Picnic.”
Janice Anne Straley, a hometown girl and country music artist, will perform with her band Country Heart from 7 to 9 p.m.
First Friday coordinator Paula Bowman said Straley – maiden name Keeton – grew up in Warsaw. In her 20s, Straley went to Nashville and worked with Barbara Mandrell and Dottie West. When she had children, she moved back to northern Indiana. After her children grew up, Bowman said Straley decided to get back in the country music business.
“She’s very excited about coming back,” Bowman said.
Before or while Straley takes the stage, enjoy free hot dogs and watermelon from 5 to 9 p.m. or until they’re gone. They are provided by Owen’s Supermarket and Old National Bank.
A local church also will provide ice cream.
Downtown merchants will be open, and First Friday food vendors will be on hand in the food court.
The remote control car show and shine and drag race is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. Registration is required to participate and will begin at about 5 p.m.
Bowman said a remote control club will have a 100-foot track for the drag racing. There will be different categories for the show and shine, just like a real car show.
“There will be cool prizes,” Bowman said.
Crossroads’ Kids Zone will not be available for First Friday in July.
Event sponsors include Old National Bank, Owen’s Supermarket, city of Warsaw, Dr. Dane and Mary Louise Miller Foundation and Warsaw Community Development Corp.
