Beaver Creek, Aplington festivals this week

Those in the area looking for some fun to kick off their summers will have plenty of options in the week to come.

New Hartford's Beaver Creek Days are June 4-5.

Friday's festivities include a Kids Dance Party at the Gazebo Park starting at 6 p.m., followed by the crowning of Miss & Mr. New Hartford and Little Miss & Mr. New Hartford. Over at the City Park, a family movie night and slow pitch softball game will run concurrently at 8 p.m.

Saturday's highlights include the Beaver Creek 5K and fun run, with registration beginning at 7:30 a.m. and entry fees going toward Dike-New Hartford's cross country and track and field programs. There will also be a waffle cone breakfast benefiting the splash pad project beginning at 7 a.m. at the Community Building.

Line-up for the parade begins at 9 a.m., with the parade beginning at 10 a.m.

The City Park will host a craft & vendor show among other family & kids activities like laser tag, face painting, inflatables and other games beginning at 11 a.m.

Live entertainment closes out Saturday's events: The J-waLkers perform at 12:30 p.m. at the City Park, followed by Eric Michaels Magic Show at 3 p.m. and D'z Guys at Beaver Creek Bar & Grill from 8 p.m. to midnight.

Aplington Days June 7-8

The Aplington Days Kiddie Parade begins June 7 at 6:30 p.m., with line-up at Maple Manor. That night, Aplington will name its Citizen of the Year, crown Miss and Little Miss and Mr. Aplington and also name the winners of its Dogs in the Park Costume Contest.

On June 8, there will be an adult parade beginning at 6:30 p.m. with lineup at the Aplington Recreation Complex (ARC).

After the June 8 parade, SaltLight, which performs traditional, contemporary and country gospel music, will be in concert in the City Park at 7:15 p.m. – attendees are asked to bring their lawn chairs. Members of the band include Darla Eltjes Erskine, an Aplington alumni and one of the band's songwriters.