T-R FILE PHOTO — The Rose Festival Grand Parade gets a fond welcome at last year’s celebration in State Center.

STATE CENTER – Preparations are underway to welcome crowds of visitors to State Center this weekend for the 61st Annual Rose Festival.

Event organizer Buffi Honeck said there will be plenty for festival-goers to look forward to this year, from classic activities to newer events. Festivities kick off Thursday with “Paint the Town Roses” where visitors are invited to paint and decorate windows along Main Street in preparation for the weekend events.

“On Friday night, we’ve got the Strong Man competition. We’re partnering with a gym over in Ames and essentially just doing a Strong Man for ages 14 and up,” she said of one of this year’s novel activities.

The strength contests will be open to men and women, each with four age categories. Contestants will perform dead lifts, yolk carries and other strength-testing feats.

Another new activity this year is a BBQ ribs fundraiser, with one-third rack of ribs available for $5 or dinner platters for $10. Proceeds will benefit the Rose Festival.

The regular lip-sync contest has been expanded to the Bill Riley Talent Show, and there will be plenty on the line for contestants.

“If they come out and win, they actually qualify to go to the state fair,” Honeck said.

There will be two talent show categories, one for kids 2-12 years old and another for people 13-21 years old. There will be up to 12 contestants in each category. The show begins 6 p.m. at the Rose Garden.

Classic events like the Rose Queen pageant and coronation Thursday and Friday, respectively, the 5k run/walk and grand parade Saturday morning will return this year. So will the Classic Car Show along Main Street 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The chili cook-off is another returning fan favorite, as are the West Marshall baseball and softball tournaments.

There will also be plenty of live music, including a performance by Exit 185 at Rockin’ the Depot from 8 p.m to midnight Friday.

Children’s activities will also be abundant. The Kids’ Safety Zone will introduce youngsters to professionals and equipment in the emergency services field Friday evening.

On Saturday, children will be welcome to check out the Extreme Fun Zone on the north lawn of West Marshall Elementary School, with $1 tickets and $20 wristbands for unlimited activities available. The Kids’ Rosezone at Gutekunst Public Library will also welcome families. Both events begin 11 a.m. Saturday.

For more information on the 61st Annual Rose Festival, visit https://statecenterrosefestival.org/

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Contact Adam Sodders at 641-753-6611

or asodders@timesrepublican.com