The theme of the Good Ol’ Days Festival this year in “Remembering Forty One-Derful Years.”

The kick-off is this Friday, June 3 with the 6 p.m. parade.

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A Chicken Mary’s chicken dinner will be for sale downtown.

“You can purchase tickets for the chicken dinner for $8 at the Chamber of Commerce Office, 231 E. Wall,” Shawn O’Brien, chairman of the Good Ol’Days Stearing Committee, said.  “The dinner includes a two-piece chicken, German potato salad, creamy slaw, bread, and water.”

Friday Night Free Music Concert

A live music concert by the Diamond Empire Band will be a 7 p.m. Friday at Heritage Park Pavilion at First and Main Street.

“Bring your lawn chairs and come enjoy live music!” O’Brien said.

Saturday Activities

“Saturday we have lots of free activities for kids and adults,” he said.  “Tye die t-shirts have been donated by Key Industries for the first 300 people, starting at 9AM until gone.  They will be located at 2nd and Main.”

Free bounce houses are available again this year, located in the parking lot east of Oak Street and National Ave. Face paint is not allowed on the inflatables, so plan accordingly.

“We are always excited to see the large turnout for these,” he said.

There is a  car and bike show this year at the Riverfront Park on North National Avenue.

“We are excited that Old 54 Cycle has teamed up to offer this amazing car and bike show,” O’Brien said.

History of the Event

Good Ol’ Days began as a festival when founding member Anne Emerson arrived in the community from the eastern U.S., over four decades ago.

“She had been to a street festival and was excited to bring the same type to Fort Scott,” O’Brien said. “The first year they had activities all over Fort Scott, such as the pool, the stadium, Gunn Park, and many more places. They realized that they were stretched out too far and made it the downtown street festival.”

“We stick to the same ideas with a main event each year, Blane Howard is the main event this year,” he said. “Of course we have crafts, food, family, friends and tons of fun every year!!!”