As the school days are winding down in local school districts toward summer break, area families, students and their fellow community members don’t have to travel far to enjoy a favorite summertime kick-off festival, Pineapple Palooza, set for Friday, June 7.
Zip lining, live music, inflatables, vendors, food trucks, contests and more are part of the festivities in downtown Bellefontaine, presented by event sponsor Four Acre Clothing Co., and their family of companies, Hi-Point Graphics, Hi-Point Business Solutions and All-Around Awards and Gifts.
The Downtown Bellefontaine Partnership’s First Fridays Bellefontaine event has expanded this year and is staged from 4 p.m. to midnight.
“The main attraction, zip lining down Main Street, will be returning, and we’re looking forward to offering a little fun for everyone, closing out with a big concert in the street featuring the Matt Clarkson Band,” Four Acre Clothing Co. co-owner Andrea Wrocklage said this week.
“We’d encourage everyone to come out, as there is something for people of all ages to enjoy.”
Wrocklage said through Four Acre Clothing Co.’s travels to other cities to set up as a vendor at various festivals, they gathered much of their inspiration for Pineapple Palooza, now in its third year.
“We’ve found so many enjoyable activities, and we wanted to bring that same energy and fun to our community. Our goal is for this to develop into a signature event for our town, something everyone marks on their calendars every year and really looks forward to.”
The pineapple in the name is a nod to Bellefontaine and its fountain in front of the Logan County Courthouse, along with the hospitable vibe of the community.
While tickets will be available for zip lining and other all-inclusive activities, Wrocklage noted that community members can enjoy participating in many of the events that evening free of charge, including the concert, staged at Main Street and Chillicothe Avenue. The Matt Clarkson Band performs from 9 to 11:30 p.m., with local talent performing from 7:30 to 9 p.m.
The Matt Clarkson Band, a high-energy top-quality rock/country band, hails from Central Ohio and was founded by front man Matt Clarkson and lead guitarist Kelly Bush. The MCB has plays an energetic blend of southern rock and country, playing at festivals and fairs in the Midwest and even at writers rounds at the Listening Room in Nashville.
The event stage and concert are sponsored by Four Acre Clothing Co. and National Extrusion & Manufacturing.
A beer garden will be set up near the stage, and DORA is in effect throughout the downtown as usual for the event.
Also performing June 7 are Dance Fusion Studios at 6 p.m. A dunk tank featuring local celebrities also will be returning to the festival.
A cornhole tournament and other contests like hula hooping and donut eating will be part of the festivities, and the DJ will keep the tunes running prior to the live music.
Live T-shirt printing also takes place nearby Four Acre Clothing Co., 102 S. Main St., where Pineapple Palooza event T-shirts and Bellefontaine T-shirt designs will be available.
Downtown retailers will offer specials related to the Pineapple Palooza, and restaurants have special themed foods and beverages on their menus as well, Wrocklage noted.
The Downtown Bellefontaine Partnership is a 501c3 non-profit organization and is always looking for volunteers. Sign ups are available via the organization’s Facebook page or by contacting the Logan County Chamber of Commerce.
Zip liners enjoy the high-flying views of downtown Bellefontaine at last year’s Pineapple Palooza. (THE PHOTO BOOTH PHOTO)