Byron celebrates ‘Through the Decades’ this weekend

With the Lovell Mustang Days in the rearview mirror, it’s Byron’s turn to celebrate with the community’s annual Byron Days celebration this Friday and Saturday, July 12-13.

According to committee chairwoman Rebecca Bates, the 2024 celebration will carry the theme Through the Decades, a celebration of life in the community from days gone by to today.

There are some exciting additions to this year’s celebration, Bates said, including a food truck war, family dance, classic car show, battle of the bands and a tug-of-war.

The celebration begins Friday night, July 12, with the first Byron Food Truck War. Byron Days has always been known for having a food truck rally, but this year it’s a competition. People coming to Jones Park are asked to vote for their favorite food truck by using a QR code on each truck. The competition begins at 5 p.m.

Bates said some 15 food trucks are expected.

A Family Carnival runs from 6 to 8 p.m. at Jones Park featuring inflatables, games, temporary tattoos and more. Town clerk Misty Turnupseed is organizing the carnival.

A Family Dance will be held at Jones Park from 8 to 11 p.m. featuring the music of My Custom DJ.

Saturday schedule

The annual fun run will kick off the Saturday events at 7 a.m. There is no entry fee, and runners can simply register at the starting and finish line at Jones Park. Both a one-mile and a 5K race will be offered heading north on Road 5 out of Byron. Brandon and Serena Hessenthaler are the organizers.

The fun run carries the same “Through the Decades” theme, and runners are encouraged to come to the race dressed in outfits from their favorite decade, Bates said.

The Byron Days Parade will follow at 10 a.m. with lineup at the east end of town on Mountain View Avenue. Those wishing to enter the parade may do so on the town website, byronwyoming.org, under activities or call Brianna Sessions at 307-272-7758.

Former mayor Heidi Brightly will be honored as the grand marshal.

Following the parade, Jones Park will come alive with the annual marketplace event starting at 11 a.m. featuring numerous vendors plus the food trucks from the night before. All Saturday park events continue through 5 p.m.

Those wishing to set up in the park may fill out an application on the town website or call Bates (272-6645) or Byron Town Hall (548-7490).

Also starting at 11 a.m. will be the annual co-ed volleyball tournament and the cornhole tournament. Natalie Collins is again in charge of the volleyball tournament, and the registration fee is $60 for a six-person team. Teams may register online or call Collins at 307-760-1557.

The cornhole tournament is being organized by the Powell American Legion post. For information or to sign up, call Greg Bessler at 307-254-2837.

Also kicking off at 11 a.m. will be activities for kids in the park including inflatables, games and Carl Jones’ ponies.

New to the Saturday afternoon schedule is a tug-of-war, a classic car show and the first battle of the bands, complete with judging and crowd participation. Bands will play for 20 minutes each. See the Byron Days Facebook page to sign up.

The car show will be held on Center Street following the parade, Bates said. Contact Sessions for details.

“We’ve had a lot of positive feedback on the battle of the bands,” Bates said. “People are really excited about it. Several bands have already signed up.”

For information on the tug-of-war, call Bates. Participants may just show up for the event at 2 p.m.

Alumni gathering

An annual Byron High School alumni gathering is also planned for July 13. Alums will celebrate a “Gathering of Eagles” at the Byron Town Hall. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m., with dinner at 6:30. Classes ending in the number 4 will be celebrated.

The Byron Museum will be open Saturday from 4:30 to 8 p.m. for those wanting to see the exhibits.

Live music performed by the band Smokin’ Aces will begin at 7 p.m. in the park, and the annual Byron Days fireworks will light up the sky at 10 p.m. on the baseball field choreographed by Caleb and Joshua Sanders. A 24x24 foot square for VIP seating may be reserved for $100 on the town website or by calling town hall at 548-7490.

The Bulls and Bows 4-H Club will serve food during the evening, Bates said – “Hot dogs and hamburgers.”

Bates this week urged all Byron Days participants to stay hydrated during the festivities, noting that high temperatures are expected. As of Tuesday afternoon, the National Weather Service was predicting high temperatures of 99 degrees on Friday and 102 on Saturday.