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BEAMAN — “You’re not dreamin…You’re in Beaman” is the motto of the small Grundy County community about to celebrate its 150th year of existence with a three-day celebration spanning May 23-25.

While the town usually hosts a handful of events in honor of the Memorial Day holiday, this year’s is more expansive.

“When donations started coming in, we said ‘well, maybe we can do more than just a parade.’ It’s because of the community support that we’re able to put on a really nice weekend for the people,” said Beaman Betterment Committee Member Sarah Kitzman.

Saturday, May 23

Day one of the celebration is the most jam-packed. From 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. come to the Memorial Hall for the firemen’s breakfast.

“It’s an annual event that is a fundraiser for the firemen,” she added. “Likewise, the Pat Neff Memorial Run (race at 9 a.m.) is annual. Sometimes it’s called the Gemini Run. They run on the Wolf Creek Trail.”

New this year is a car show, sponsored by J Avenue Customs, Conrad Auto Supply, Conrad Tire and Auto and Straits Auto Body. There is a goody bag for the first 60 to register. There is no entry fee. A Kids’ Choice Award will be given out, with recognition also for the Top 15, Mayor’s Choice and Best of Show. Registration is set for 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Ballots must be turned in by noon with winners named at 1 p.m.

A tractor show along South Main Street will go all day (set up Friday evening). Antique tractors are welcome. A scavenger hunt for all ages will start at the Beaman Community Memorial Library, and run 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and will require browsing the museum for the answers. On Monday, there will be a drawing for the winners.

Kitzman noted the mobile bar and lounge Olive or Twist will be on hand starting at 10 a.m. Food trucks will include Maria’s Tacos, Smokin’ G’s, Dave’s Mini Donuts and Clare’s Tenderloins, beginning at 11 a.m.

Kids’ inflatables will be available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“There’s one that is geared more for really young children, and then it kind of degrees up. The other remaining three for little older children, and then a little older yet,” she said. “We’ve always had a bounce house, but we have three more this year.”

Kids’ games and strolling magician (Mikayla Oz) will go from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. with Fuzzy Flower face painting 10 a.m. to noon. Oz will also do a stage show from 11:30 a.m. to noon at the band shell. A chicken style fashion show, judged by children, will go from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. with chicken bingo to follow at noon.

The Wolf Creek Pickleball Club will present an adult co-ed pickleball tournament starting at 11 a.m. at the courts. Prizes to top two teams. A bags tournament will start at 2 p.m. on Main Street (registration at 1 p.m.) Prizes for the top three teams.

A tractor pull for youth will go from noon to 12:30 p.m.

“Kids look forward to that. All of these events for the children are free,” she noted.

A highlight of the day will be a parade, starting at 1:30 p.m. Line up beginning at 11 a.m. at Beck’s Hybrids. Registration not required. Note, the parade route is not friendly for semis with trailers, but tractors are welcome.

The craft fair will go from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. along Main Street with wares from area vendors.

Music wraps up the night with DJ Travis Case, originally from Beaman, from 6 to 8 p.m., and Not Quite Brothers from 8 to 10 p.m. on Main Street.

“Every time we mention they’re the band coming, everybody says they’re really good,” she said.

Sunday, May 24

Sunday’s lineup is shorter. A community church service at 10 a.m. will be followed by a sandwich and salad potluck lunch at the shelter house.

“We’re a real small congregation. It’s just our regular service but I do know they’re going to recognize long-term members,” Kitzman noted.

Starting at dusk will be a free showing of “Field of Dreams” at Byron Rhodes Field, with free popcorn and root beer floats offered at 8:45 p.m. Bring your own lawn chair and blankets.

Monday, May 25

Memorial Day will start with a service at 10 a.m. at Vienna Cemetery. There will also be a service at 10:30 a.m. at Oakland Cemetery. Lunch will span 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Memorial Hall, made by the Beaman American Legion Auxiliary.

A quilt show held at the Beaman United Methodist Church from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. is co-sponsored by the Beaman library and Beaman Women’s Club. Bring in any quilt for display. A quilt will be raffled.

“The quilt has been displayed in several area community banks,” she said. “All the funds raised go toward the expenses of the celebration.”

A Memorial Day Fly In will start around 12:45 p.m., with a Vietnam War-era helicopter landing next to Beck’s Hybrids, brought to you by the YL-37 The Flying Memorial. Learn more at: www.yl-37.org

A Memorial Day program at the band shell starts at 1 p.m., followed by bingo at the Memorial Hall hosted by the Lion’s Club. Doors open at 5 p.m., games starting at 6:15 p.m. For more information, check out the City of Beaman’s Facebook page.