No summertime blues in Columbia; city is full of summer fun
by Constance Berneking, posted May 11, 2009
For students staying in Columbia for the summer or wanting to come back for a visit there will be lots of thing to do no matter what you are into.
Nature/Fitness
National Trails Day 5K Walk/Run & 10K Bike and Trail-Side Nature Expo
Participants can run, walk or bike the MKT Trail on Saturday, June 6. Organizations and experts that specialize in native plants, wildlife habitat and other issues will be available trail-side for participants to talk with. The event is free and open to the public.
Show Me State Games
Columbia holds the largest Olympic-style State Games competition in the U.S. The last two weekends in July and first weekend in August will be filled with 35 sports competitions. Sports range from individual games such as disk golf and a triathlon to team sports such as soccer and basketball.
Family
Boone County Fair
The Boone County Fair will be held at the Boone County Fairgrounds July 20-26. All age groups can be entertained at the fair. The fair offers a variety of events such as truck and tractor pulls, livestock shows, carnival rides and musical acts. “We’ve got new car racing and some new exhibits like Woody’s Menagerie that includes all kinds of animals,” said George Harris, manager of Boone County Fairgrounds. Season passes are available for $20.
Family Fun Fest
Every third Wednesday from June to October is an individually themed family event at Flat Branch Park from 6 to 8 p.m. The Family Fun Fest will feature music, art activities for children, bounce-houses and face painting.
Art
Art in the Park
Art in the Park is held the first weekend in June at Stephens Lake Park. Photography, jewelry and painting are just some of the art variations that will be on display. Many of the artists are from the central Missouri area. With the help of artists, visitors can try sculpting, painting or other artistic skills.
Cherry Hill Summerfest and Art Show
The Village of Cherry Hill is hosting a festival and art show on Saturday, June 13, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Artist booths will be set up for viewing and purchase. Events are available for all ages, adults can go on a scavenger hunt and kids can get their faces painted and play games. There will be live music from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the gazebo.
