Orchard Free Days include family-friendly events

Orchard Community Club members are bringing “free” back.

The 2021 version of Orchard Free Days celebration, slated for July 23 through 25, includes at least 10 free events.

The three-day event, funded in part by the Antelope County Visitor’s Promotion Fund, includes activities for all ages.

Friday, July 23

The District 57 School will be open between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. After peeking into the past, stop next door and pick up lunch at the Rex. The Orchard Historical Society will host a drive-thru chicken dinner from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

At 5 p.m., duck races are slated at the Orchard Pool. Free registration for the road rally will run from 5 to 7 p.m., downtown. The event includes prizes of $250, $150 and $100 to the top three teams.

Roll With It food truck will begin serving, downtown, at 5 p.m. Then, cruise night fun, with KBRX, runs between 6 and 8 p.m.

A free movie will play at the Rex, beginning at 6:30.

The beer garden will be open and at 9 p.m., the street dance featuring Dylan Bloom, will begin and continue until midnight

Advance tickets are $8. Tickets may also be purchased at the door for $10.

Following the dance, biscuits and gravy will be served at Dusty’s quonset until 3 a.m.

Saturday, July 24

Several events are slated to start at 10 a.m.

The District 57 School will be open between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

A vendor show is planned at the Rex, and runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

A free full body workout, sponsored by 719 Fitness, will start at 10 a.m. The Neligh-based business will also serve protein shakes from 11 a.m. to noon.

A tire flipping contest will start at 11 a.m.

Plains Cover Crop will host a free ping pong drop, at the football field, at 11 a.m.

Youths can check out the free kids’ games at the park, starting at 11:30 a.m. Lunch for kids will be served at no charge.

Food and drinks will be available for purchase at Dusty’s between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m.

KBRX will host a free pool party at the Orchard pool from 1 to 5 p.m.

The annual poker run will begin with check in, at The Den, at 11 a.m. Teams are schedule to leave at noon. Stops include Orchard, Ewing, Clearwater, Neligh and Royal. Cost is $15 per person with 100% payout. For additional information, message Kyle at 815-592-1238.

The annual Orchard Young Men’s Club Co-ed Cornhole Tournament will accept registrations between 3 and 4 p.m.

The orchard fire department will sponsor a wing feed, from 5 to 7 p.m.

Bucka Ruse will play from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m., for the street dance. The beer garden will also be open during those hours.

Sunday, July 25

Members of the Cliff Erb family will host a free pancake feed at the Orchard school, from 8 a.m. to noon.

Classic cars, motorcycles, trucks and semis will line the football field from 8 a.m. to noon, for the Orchard Fire & Rescue Car Show.

Judging will begin at 1 p.m. and awards will be presented at 2 p.m.

A community church service will be held at the Orchard Park, at 10 a.m.

For additional information, contact Austin at 402-992-1897 or Colton at 402-640-8363.

Proceeds from the show benefit the Orchard Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department.

Registration for the grand parade will begin at the school at 1 p.m. The parade will make its way along the parade route beginning at 3 p.m.

Free inflatables will be available for youngsters between 4 and 7 p.m.

Funnel cakes and cotton candy will be served at Dusty’s from 4 to 7 p.m.

Chocoholics may prefer to stop by the Bobcat volleyball team booth and try a brownie sundae, between 4 and 7 p.m. Bingo will also be played at this location.

A free beef barbecue will start at 5 p.m. Food will be served until 7 p.m.

Beginning at 6 p.m., Orchard and Fire and Rescue will sponsor waterfights downtown.