By David Fleet

Editor

After an absence of more than three decades Ortonville Days is back—bigger and better than ever.

“If it’s cold beer, friendly competition and entertainment under the big top—Ortonville Days is just the place,” said Ed Albertson, Ortonville Lions Club event coordinator. “We needed to get something for the whole family going on in the downtown area of Ortonville.”

The fun begins on June 23 with the opening of the beer tent and the Cornhole tournament. The game is played when opponents toss a bean bag 27 feet through a six inch hole. Points are tallied and a Cornhole winner is crowned. After tossing a few bean bags, toss back a few cold brews and check out live music by Mitch Diamond and the Yankee Sons on Friday and local Sarah Regal Band.

At 9 a.m., June 24 the community is invited to watch the tent go up on the Culpepper & Merriweather Circus sponsored by the Ortonville Lions Club. Leo the Clown will provide a tour as the big top is raised and the animals are welcomed to Ortonville. According to C & M, participants can learn about performers, the history of the show and the different species of animals included in the circus. Information on hygiene, grooming and the veterinary care all of animals is included in the free tour.

The one-ring C & M Circus has been featured on Entertainment Tonight, in the Los Angeles Times and the Chicago Tribune.

Two celebrity ring masters, Harvey Swanson Principal Andy Phillips and Oakwood Principal Coy Stewart, have been selected.

Phillips, who has been part of the Brandon School District for more than 15 years, is eager to take over as ringmaster.

“I love circuses,” said Phillips. “I’m really looking forward to testing out my public speaking skills and seeing if they are on par with that of a professional circus ringmaster.”

Two 90-minute performances at 5 and 7:30 p.m. will include Miss Simone on the trapeze, the Arlise Troupe unicycle, the Perez Family tight rope walking and jungle cats Soloman, Delilah & Francis. Advanced tickets are available at Bullfrogs Bar & Grill, The Citizen newspaper, Hamilton’s of Ortonville, Edna Burton Center and Amedae Salon.

Other events include the Brandon Township Parks and Recreation and the Ortonville Lions Club hosting the First Annual Build A Park Classic Car Show in downtown Ortonville.

The Ortonville Lions Club recently celebrated 50 years in the community. Today, under the direction of Lions President Gerald Edwards the club continues to support the community through events like scholarships, eye exams for the needy and donations to OCEF.

From 6 p.m. to 2 p.m., June 24 and noon to 9 p.m., June 26 a few fowl will be asked to be foul in a game of Chicken Poop Bingo. The rules are that players bet on a number grid. Bingo participants can leave their daubers at home when they wait for a chicken to poop somewhere on the grid.