Free entertainment, games, booths, festival food and opportunities for fellowship are hallmarks of the Wheels of Progress Festival sponsored by the Greenfield Rotary Club. the festival takes place the third weekend of July, and it’s a celebration of the people, history and fun-loving spirit that make Greenfield a special place. The theme for 2010 was “Making A Difference” and some of the activities are outlined below. See the “Festival Pix” page for more photos from 2010, or read on for information about this year’s festival. We hope you can join us in July 2011!
QUEEN PAGEANT RETURNS FOR 2010
JUNE 18 IS DEADLINE FOR APPLICANTS
Greenfield's Wheels of Progress Festival is reintroducing its queen pageant with an expanded eligibility area and hopefully a more enticing award for its winner.
The pageant is scheduled Thursday evening, July 15 at the Greenfield Church of Christ.
"To be honest, I'm really kind of excited because I'm changing things up a little," new director Bonnie Baldridge said. "I really wanted to do it for the girls. I had talked to several of them and they said there's a lot of things they'd like to see changed a little bit."
The main areas of concern, Baldridge said, were more financial help with travel, a larger scholarship and more communication.
In addition, girls ages 14-19 as of the July 15 pageant date from the following school districts will be eligible this year: Greenfield, Hillsboro, Fairfield, Paint Valley, Washington and Miami Trace.
"There's a lot of girls from those areas that, due to open enrollment, attend McClain High School," Baldridge said. "And just because a girl lives elsewhere doesn't mean she can't represent Greenfield and the Wheels of Progress Festival well."
Baldridge said she wants the new queen to attend at least 10 other events. The scholarship will be presented at the end of her one-year reign and the amount will be based on how many events she attends and how well she represents the city and festival.
In another new twist this year, the Wheels of Progress Prince, Princess, Little Miss and Junior Miss contests will all be held in the same place and on the same day as the queen pageant. The contests will begin around 5 or 5:30 p.m., with the youngest contestants going first, at the Greenfield Church of Christ.
The prince contest is open to boys ages 4-8, Princess contest girls ages 4-7, Little Miss girls ages 8-11 and Junior Miss girls ages 12-13. All entrants must be the specified age as of July 1.
There will be four judges this year, all from different areas. They are to have no communication prior to the contests.
The entry deadline is June 18. Applications are available at all high schools in the eligibility area or can be requested by calling Baldridge at (937) 981-7873 or (937) 981-2152. They should be returned to Baldridge at P.O. Box 291, Greenfield, Ohio 45123.
Former festival queen Megan Haines is assisting Baldridge in planning the contests.
This year's Wheels of Progress Festival will be held July 16-18 in Greenfield.
THE PAINT VALLEY JAMBOREE
The good old sounds of country music will echo through the streets of Greenfield when the talented personnel of the Paint Valley Jamboree visit, channeling the haunting melodies of legends like Hank Williams, Merle Haggard and Johnny Paycheck. Mix in some six-string guitars, bass, crying steel guitar, fiddle, banjo and mandolin with a great deal of respect for country music from the old days to more recent times, and it should make for a harmonic convergence.
This is a first in Wheels of Progress Festival history, as country music veterans of many a show at the Paxton Theater in Bainbridge bring their talents to the Greene Countrie Towne. The Paint Valley Jamboree is the oldest country music show in Ohio, featuring country music shows each Saturday evening since 1965.
Tell your friends to be sure to attend the Wheels of Progress Festival on Friday evening for some real “down home” country music!
More info:
http://www.paintvalleyjamboree.com/
http://ourohio.org/index.php?page=the-bright-lights-of-bainbridge-2
DUMBFOUNDED
“Classic rock, garage style” sums up the approach Dumbfounded takes to music. This group of veteran rock & roll aficionados has been enjoying classic rock since before the term was even invented. Much of the band’s playlist emanates from the 1960s and ‘70s, with some “newer stuff” slipping into the mix on occasion.
The guys are thankful they grew up in a time when all sorts of music came over the airwaves via the AM stations that provided entertainment in their youth. The members of Dumbfounded like all types of music, and their eclecticism is reflected in their set list, which ranges from soul and R&B to psychedelic rock to country to good old pop music.
The members of Dumbfounded include Lanny Bryant and Mark Fisher on vocals, Ron Coffey on lead guitar, George Smith on keyboards, harmonica and sometimes drums, Ron Sexton on bass guitar, Guy Thompson on drums and vocals and sometimes on guitar, and Kellis Smith on guitar, banjo and percussion.
More info:
http://www.coffeyweb.com/dumbfounded.html
ROCKIN’ RON
Local DJ Rockin’ Ron has been a mainstay of the Wheels of Progress Festival for years. His collection of recordings has grown to almost Smithsonian proportions, and the odds are excellent that he can play even the most unusual requests.
In addition to his extensive musical collection, Rockin’ Ron has lots of other bells and whistles, such as machines that spew forth smoke, fog and bubbles -- and enough hula hoops to keep a team of chiropractors busy for a long time.
For some years now, Friday at the festival means a Rockin’ Ron dance, and this year is no exception. Join Ronald Smith and his crew for a fun-filled evening under the stars at the Wheels of Progress Festival.
ROTARY AUCTION
Wow! Where else can you get some great bargains and also help your community
by building up the Rotary bank account? Thanks to generous area businesses,
organizations and individuals, many interesting items will be on sale at the auction, with all proceeds going into the Greenfield Rotary Club's coffers to help maintain the Ralph W. Phillips Recreation and Civic Center and finance other worthwhile projects in the community.
Many items will be offered for sale this year, including 10 limited-edition prints by artist Tammy Wells featuring an element of Greenfield history.
GAMES, RACES & MORE
As is usually the case, the Wheels of Progress Festival will feature some fun contests, games and events. One of the long-running highlights is the Outhouse Races. While no one will confuse these racers with Ben Hur’s famous chariot race, there is still an undeniable fascination with the uniquely crafted outhouses pushed by teams from area businesses and organizations. At certain points in the race, the rider must hop out of the outhouse, perform a task and change places with one of the outhouse pushers. Adena Greenfield Medical Center has won numerous championships with its NASCAR-like teamwork and pit stops, not to mention its stylish wheelchair-based outhouse, but there are always challengers with innovative outhouses. Can a challenger unseat GAMC this year? Can you pardon the pun?
Find out at the Wheels of Progress Festival!
There will be other events too – see more information below, or check at the Rotary Information Booth to learn more.
OUTHOUSE RACE RULES & REGULATIONS
BABY CONTEST INFORMATION
The following information was provided by Connie Bauman of Edgewood Manor:
Baby Contest for children (Newborn up to 48 months)
DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION IS: THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2010 at 4:00 p.m. (NO late entries accepted)
Registration at: Edgewood Manor of Greenfield, 850 Nellie St., Greenfield, OH 45123; phone 937-981-2165
Entry Fee of $5.00 per child required
Contest Event is: Saturday, July 17, 2010 on Stage 2 (across from McDonald’s). Lineup begins at 8:30 a.m. and Baby Contest begins promptly at 9:00 a.m.
MORE GAMES!
Following the Baby Contest on:
Saturday, July 17 on Stage 2 (across from McDonald’s)
Beginning at 12:00 p.m. is: the “Adult Drinking Contest”
First Come, First Serve Basis (NO entry Fee)
Saturday, July 17 on Stage 2 (across from McDonald’s)
Beginning at 5:00 p.m.: “Battle of the Sexes” Game
(4 males versus 4 females) -- answer trivia questions and the team with the most correct answers wins a prize!
NO entry fee -- (However, registration on Saturday prior to noon at the Rotary Administration Booth is required)
Following the Battle of The Sexes Game on stage 2 is:
“Minute To Win It” Game -- various stunts to be performed within 60 seconds and if challenge completed in the required time limit a prize will be awarded.
NO entry fee -- (However, registration on Saturday prior to noon at the Rotary Administration Booth is required)
One of the most versatile and busiest bands in southern Ohio will take the stage on Saturday evening. Inside Straight is no stranger to the Wheels of Progress Festival, having performed at several past festivals to excellent reviews.
Originally formed in 1992, Inside Straight has become a mainstay of the area music scene. This highly versatile act has achieved much success by playing extensively in many clubs, festivals and events. Labeled as the act that “plays everything”, their style includes rock, modern country, dance, and funk.
Over the years, Inside Straight has won many contests and honors, as well as opening for such nationally known acts as Faith Hill, Marshall Tucker Band, Charlie Daniels, Hank Williams Jr., Clay Davidson and Mark Chesnutt.
More info:
http://www.insidestraightband.net/
FILO BEDDOE
After years of practice in and around the basements of Highland County, Filo Beddoe emerged on the music scene in 2007 with a sound founded in the roots of rock & roll and blues music. Influenced by legends like Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis, a pounding backbeat of rock and roll combined with the electric blues of Stevie Ray Vaughan and Eric Clapton to form a genuine rock and blues sound.
Mike Hutchinson and his brother Matt take the lead for the band by lending their vocals to the legendary tunes of musicians like Neil Young, the Allman Brothers and the Doors. Matt also electrifies on the lead guitar while Jason Vesey supplies the keyboard soul, Kenny Dickson the thump of the bass and Rob Hull rounds out the rhythm keeping time on the skins.
The dangerous combination of these volatile musical elements brings to life the rock and blues juggernaut that is Filo Beddoe. From AC/DC and Billy Idol to CCR and The Black Crowes, Filo Beddoe will satisfy all of your rock and roll desires.
http://www.myspace.com/filobeddoe
MATT SHONKWILER, CHRIS DUDLEY & FRIENDS
Local musicians Matt Shonkwiler, Chris Dudley & Friends have indicated they will perform songs from various decades when they take the stage Saturday afternoon prior to the Rotary Auction. Come and enjoy these talented home-grown musicians!
COMMUNITY CHURCH SERVICE
Several Greenfield area churches are participating in a community service for Sunday of the festival. The service is scheduled to take place on the Fourth Street stage beginning at 10 a.m.
PARADE
Lots and lots of parade units will be in Greenfield on Sunday afternoon for the parade, one of the events that caps the festival each year. Politicians, athletic teams, youth organizations, service clubs, fire departments and businesses are just a few of the units on the parade list. Jim Weller, longtime Wheels of Progress Festival chairman and outstanding Rotarian, has been selected as the Grand Marshal for the 2010 parade.
WHEELS OF PROGRESS FESTIVAL PARADE APPLICATION FORM
LIP SYNC CONTEST
If you've ever been to the Wheels of Progress Festival, chances are you have seen the popular Lip Sync Contest. Each year, participants of various age groups showcase their lip-synching skills and their general creativity. It's not just a bunch of Milli Vanilli wannabes either; the winning performers usually are packaged in creative costumes deep-fried in humor. The resulting event is low in carbs but high in laughter. Past entries have captured some of the spirit of Michael Jackson, Gene Simmons of KISS, the ever-popular Elvis Presley and other luminaries from the entertainment world. Check it out on Sunday afternoon.
GREENFIELD’S GOT TALENT
Annual “Lip Sync Contest” Sunday, July 18, 2010
To be hosted on Stage 1 (Fourth St.) location
Begins Promptly at 4:00 p.m.
Line-up Begins at 3:30 p.m.
Age Groups are:
5 years through age 11 years
12 years through age 17 years
18 years through all adult ages
DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION IS: Friday July 9, 2010 at 5:00 p.m. Register at Scott’s Pizza, 339 Jefferson St., Greenfield, OH 45123
NO late entries accepted -- NO entry fee -- Cash prizes awarded to top 3 winners of each age category.
All performances and music must be in good taste and appropriate for all ages.
ANTIQUE TRACTOR SHOW
Antique farm equipment holds a very dear place in the hearts of farming families who once toiled in the fields behind oxen, horses or mules. Those old John Deeres and Massey Fergusons certainly improved the quality of life for both man and beast! Today, vintage farm equipment also harkens back to a simpler time that many people dearly miss. The old tractors were like family members and had many unique characteristics. Even today they stir a lot of
memories and spark interesting conversations. Be sure to check out the Farmalls, Olivers, Fords and other stately machines at this year's Wheels of Progress Festival. This show is brought to you by the Greenfield Antique Tractor & Machinery Club.
The popular antique car show, along with street rods, muscle cars and other unique vehicles will bring a touch of nostalgia to the festival and increase the town’s average horsepower as enthusiasts bring their shiny machines to the Greene Countrie Towne.
For the car show, registration will take place from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday. Registration fee is $10 per vehicle. Dash plaques will be awarded to the first 120 vehicles registered.
After the awarding of trophies at 4 p.m., many of the antique and classic cars will be featured in a parade through downtown Greenfield.
Bring your camera and enjoy some outstanding examples of the carmaker’s craft at the 43rd annual Car and Truck Show!
CHEAP WINE & BREAD
Darrell Williams and friends have a band called Cheap Wine & Bread, which plays country, bluegrass, blues, rock and originals. They are all veteran musicians eager to get some local exposure for their brand of music. Enjoy them on Sunday afternoon as you gather to watch the parade.
STEVEN DOUD BAND
Steven Doud serves as leader of the praise band at New Directions. The guitarist plans to offer some contemporary worship music on Sunday with his group, which includes a bass player, another guitarist and a drummer. Come and take a break from the hustle and bustle of the festival and join in the singing to give thanks to the Lord.
KEVIN ZENT & FRIENDS
Kevin Zent, known to many in the area as Dr. Zent, not only knows a lot about family medicine but also is a musician who enjoys many styles and genres of the musical arts. He and some friends will be exploring the realm of bluegrass on Sunday before the parade, bringing this infectious and joyous music to the people by way of the Post Office Stage.
THE MAN BEHIND THE SOUND
Jay Martin “Pokey” Post is providing the sound system for both stages again this year. Pokey has been a staple at the Wheels of Progress Festival for several years now and brings a wealth of equipment and knowledge to help showcase the bands, performers and speakers. Thanks to Pokey and his staff!
2010 WHEELS OF PROGRESS FESTIVAL COMMITTEES
FESTIVAL CHAIRMEN: Eric Borsini, Clint Tolbert and Mike Penn; Jim Weller, secretary and treasurer
ENTERTAINMENT: Clint Tolbert, Eric Zint, Blain Bergstrom, Ron Coffey
AUCTION: Barb Barton, Steve Pearce, Cleve Bartley, Paul Wisecup, Virginia Purdy; Jim Weller, support
BOOTHS: Jim Weller, Leslie Bishop
RIDES: Eric Borsini, Steve Hunter
GAMES & CONTESTS: Connie Bauman, Sandy Smith, Luke Conley, Virginia Purdy
OUTHOUSE RACES: Bill Requardt, Clint Tolbert, Stephen Drummond; Jim Weller, support
OUTHOUSE RACE RULES & REGULATIONS
PARADE: Terry Fouch, Judy Spargur, Cliff Wisecup
WHEELS OF PROGRESS FESTIVAL PARADE APPLICATION FORM
INFORMATION BOOTH: Betty Bishop, Annette Weller
LOGISTICS: Cleve Bartley & Jim Rhodes, electrical; Heath Fettro & Peter Quance, stages; Larry Hayes, cleanup; Mike Penn & Cliff Wisecup, chairs
ADVERTISING & PROMOTION: Annette Weller, Chuck Miller, Boonie Brizius, Jim Weller
