Royal City Summerfest scheduled to return in 2021

Cheryl Schweizer, Columbia Basin Herald, Moses Lake, Wash.
·2 min read

Apr. 14—ROYAL CITY — While a lot could happen between now and the second weekend in July, planning for Royal City Summerfest is underway.

Summerfest was among the many events canceled in summer 2020 due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The coronavirus pandemic could still derail things, but new festival committee chair Tiffany Workinger said organizers are putting a full schedule together. Workinger takes over the role from longtime chair Leslie Fanning.

"We are planning it like it's going to happen," Workinger said.

Many events scheduled for 2020 have been rescheduled for 2021, Workinger said. Most of the traditional events and attractions will return, but the committee is looking for people who want to put on something new.

"We're very open to new ideas," she said.

"Double the Fun in 2021" is the theme, and, in keeping with tradition, there's a full schedule Friday and Saturday.

Events include the Friday night 5K run at dusk, with the name changed to "Light the Darkness 2021" in an effort to promote awareness of suicide prevention. Proceeds from the run will be donated to the National Suicide Preveiontion Lifeline.

The annual talent show and lip-sync contests will return Friday night, and so will the fireworks after the 5K run. Dale Roth will be the DJ.

Saturday will feature the annual parade, with Darin and Angie Smith as the grand marshals. Smith is the former Royal City Police chief who retired in January.

The Saturday car show, horseshoe tournament and quilt show are expected to return. Organizers are working to provide live music Saturday night, although they haven't hired the band yet, Workinger said.

And there will be activities for kids. Kids can play in the bouncy houses, participate in the scavenger hunt and pie walk, play games at booths set up in Lions Park.

"Lots of stuff for kids to do," Workinger said. "You can participate in everything all day for a $3 armband."

People who want to volunteer or want more information can contact the Summerfest committee via its social media site.