Matters of Graves Importance: Frankfort Sunflower Festival this weekend, including mullet contest

I was driving down High Street in Chillicothe last week and came upon a cluster of traffic by the BP station. I could see ahead that my traffic light was red, so I stopped a few feet from the entrance and motioned for a car to pull out. When I did, I looked in my rearview mirror and saw a man losing his mind. Waving his hands in the air, yelling at me, and trust me, I could read his lips. What I did next is what you would expect me to do…I let the other two cars out that were also waiting and waved at him with a big smile. Random act of kindness or petty? I will let you decide. Something else you need to make a decision about is how many of these upcoming events you will attend in our area this weekend.

All weekend

CCT’s next production, " Back to the 80’s ," will run July 25, 26, 27, and 28 at the Chillicothe Civic Theatre. From the publisher, “A pop culture trip down memory lane, Back to the 80’s tells the story of Corey Palmer and his senior year of high school: his best friends, the class bully, and the girl he loves.” The jukebox score includes a wide variety of popular 80’s hits such as “Video Killed the Radio Star,” “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” and “Love Shack,” Tickets may be purchased at cctoh.booktix.net

Thursday

Open mic comedy returns to the Gutterball Lounge at Shawnee Lanes tonight at 7:30 p.m. Hosted by McKenzie Reutinger, the evening will be closed out by, from Dayton, Brent Bowser. At Steiner’s Speakeasy Sugarloaf Shakedown begins at 9 p.m. Hazel's Roadshow, featuring DJ Hazel, brings the music of Soul Train artists from 4 to 8 p.m. (weather permitting) lakeside in Yoctangee Park. This entertainment is free and open to the public. Cozy Inn Bar & Grill starts Music Bingo at 6:30 p.m. and 90's Name That Tune trivia at Old Capitol Brewing also begins at 6:30 p.m.

Friday

Comedy is back at The Pour House at Machinery Hall with Jeremy Johnson (Dayton) and Amber Falter (Columbus.). Hosted by me with special guest Megan Shope. Visit https://pour-house-at-machinery-hall-inc.square.site/ for your tickets to the ONLY rooftop comedy show in Chillicothe. The laughs begin at 8 p.m. Danny Hines takes the stage at Steiner’s from 7 to 10 p.m. DJ Travis plays your favorites at the Cozy Inn Bar & Grill from 10:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Saturday

At noon I will emcee the Frankfort Sunflower Festival Mullet and Beard Contest. This is a free event to attend however contestants will have a $10 registration fee. Pre-register at https://friendsofthevillage.square.site/. This is a family event. No vulgar or non-family-friendly costumes are allowed. All mullets and facial hair must be grown by the participant. No fake hair, wigs, extensions, or artificial hair will be accepted. DJ Hazel will be at the festival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. playing your favorite tunes during the car show. From 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. the Ministry of Magic hereby invites all Wizards & Muggles to celebrate the birthday of our favorite wizard at High Five Cakes. There will be a costume contest, free face painting, and photo ops plus buttery brew boba and dozens of sweet treats sent in by train from HoneyDukes. In the evening, you can find Ben Haynes at Steiner’s Speakeasy from 7 to 10 p.m.

Sunday

Beginners are welcome at Steiner’s Open Jam Session from 3 to 5 p.m. Bring in your instrument and play on stage with many other local musicians.

Monday

There will be an open art show at Fifty West Brewing from 6 to 9 p.m. The event is free for artists to show off and sell their creations. Steiner's Wine Walk starts at 6:30 p.m. Grab your Dora cup of wine and take a downtown stroll.

Looking ahead

Jason Banks will be performing at the grandstand at the Ross County Fair at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 7. Gate opens at 7 pm. 18 and up. $10 entry. “During the 2020 pandemic, Jason created a TikTok account which now has since amassed over 9 MILLION FOLLOWERS, over 270 million likes and over 1 BILLION views.” Tickets may be purchased at https://www.rosscountyfair.com/fair/index.html.

Until next time. I hope to see you out laughing.

*For consideration in Matters of Graves Importance email Lori at lori@lorigcomedy.com.

This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Matters of Graves Importance: Frankfort Sunflower Festival this weekend, including mullet contest