Find out what to expect during this weekend's Covered Bridge Days

CENTREVILLE – An ice cream-eating contest, donut-on-a-string eating contest Lawn Twister and more traditional activities await festival-goers at this weekend’s Centreville Covered Bridge Days.

Here's what co-organizer Dawn Quinn had to say about the 52nd Covered Bridge Days that starts Friday.

There are some new events this year. What are they?

“Yes. We’re starting with a charity euchre tournament. We’re hoping it is popular enough to continue in the years ahead and choose different charities annually. This year, we’re donating proceeds to St. Joseph County Animal Control. It’s at 1 o’clock Saturday at the sheriff’s department training center. Our flyer says it’s at The Local, but it closed.”

What else?

“We have a new stage this year. We’ve been busy building that so our music entertainment doesn’t have to perform on the street. We’ve had some great donations of supplies and materials. My husband, Brian, and my son, Logan, have been busy, busy, busy assembling the stage. That will be great for us for many years.”

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You’re packing a lot into a small window of time. What are some highlights?

“We’re doing the fishing tournament again. We’ll have Touch-A-Truck. The car show is Saturday and this year will be classic cars and motorcycles. There’s going to be lots of food options and, of course, live music. And another event that will interest a lot of people is the K-9 demonstration (led by White Pigeon Police Chief Bill Burgoyne). We’ll have the cake walk, too, of course.”

There’s been quite a bit of talk about Stories With Heroes. What is that?

“We had a goal this year to help kiddos understand that people in uniform are safe people … that they can go to them. So, we’ve partnered with the sheriff’s department and we’ll have two on Friday and two on Saturday, where a uniformed someone – a police officer, a fireman, an EMT, for example – will come and read a story, interact with the kids, be there potentially for some pictures.”

Of course, the parade and fireworks are always big draws.

“We’ve got a lot of entries in the parade this year, so we’re really excited about that. And the fireworks will be shot from Firm Foundation Ministries. That’s always a treat.”

Who are Centreville’s 2024 Citizens of the Year?

“Phil and Brandy Eckert. Brandy is co-chair of Covered Bridge Days and has been a part of it for a number of years now. But she and Phil do so much more for the village. I’m really happy for them.”

The festival ends on Sunday this year with a community worship service. But there’s a twist.

“Yes. It is going to be held later in the day. Starting at 5:30, actually. It will take place on the courthouse lawn, so bring a chair. It’s our second year doing it and it was an amazing event last year. I’m hopeful it will be even bigger this year.”

Covered Bridge Days means a lot to Centreville. It should be an exciting weekend in the village.

“It really is an enjoyable weekend … when it doesn’t rain. We have a saying that goes ‘It’s not Covered Bridge Days without rain.’ But even on those days, people stick around, so many people come back. It’s so nice to see people talk, share and interact. The united front that this event brings on for our community is probably my favorite part.”

Where is there more information about Covered Bridge Days?

“We have a page on Facebook. Please come join us. It’s a great time and lots of fun.”