• 5K run, Pageant kicks off Founders Week, June 18
• Founders Week Parade; Rock & Glow, June 25
• Plus: History Tour, Trivia Night, Blood Drive, Ice Cream Social, Family Night and more
Spectators will line Market Street in Charlestown on Saturday, June 25 for the return of the Founders Week Parade. The annual festival welcomes back the parade spectacle as one of many events lined up for the exciting week, celebrating Charlestown’s founding and future. The week runs from Saturday to Saturday, June 18 to 25.
Highlighting the week is the return of the popular Rock & Glow, a hot air balloon glow and concert on Saturday, June 25 from 6 to 11 p.m. To be held at Charlestown Little League Park, tethered balloon rides will begin at 6 p.m. (weather pending), offering a spectacular view of the city. As the sun sets, the glow portion of the event will commence.
Musical entertainment is headlined by The Skinny, a groovy cover band with an eclectic sound. The opening act is The Rumors, a rocking cover band noted for playing a variety of genres with plenty of energy. The Rumors hit the stage at 6:30 while The Skinny goes on at 9. Food vendors will be part of the event as well.
Parking will be reserved at the Family Activities Park, Pleasant Ridge Elementary and Charlestown High School with golf cart transportation to the event site (no on the street parking at Monroe or Level is permitted).
From start to finish, Founders Week is packed with events. Saturday, June 18 kicks off the week with the 5K Pirate Dash, held at Charlestown State Park at 8:30 a.m. The race is the first leg of the Triple Crown of Charlestown. Also on June 18, the Little Prince and Princess Pageant takes place at the Arts & Enrichment Center (999 Water Street) at 2 p.m.
On Juneteenth, Take A Walk Through History will focus on black history in the City of Charlestown. The event takes place at Greenway Park at 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 19.
Monday, June 20 provides a way to give back during an American Red Cross Blood Drive, held from noon to 4 p.m. at the Arts & Enrichment Center. The next day, Tuesday, June 21, features a Trivia Night, testing knowledge of pop culture starting at 6 p.m. in the Arts & Enrichment Center.
Events move to the Family Activities Park (1000 Park Street) later in the week. On Wednesday, June 22, the Moore Family Ice Cream Social and Gospel Singing runs from 6 to 10 p.m. followed by a Teen Night and E-Sports Tournament on Thursday, June 23 from 6 to 10 p.m. On Friday, June 24, the Family Activities Park opens its doors for a free Family Fun Night featuring a water slide, scavenger hunt and more from 6 to 9 p.m.
Capping the week is a jam-packed Saturday, June 25. The Founders Week Parade begins its route to the City Square from Charlestown High School at 10 a.m. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Backyard Classics Car Club Car Show hosts its annual event on the City Square. Plus, the Saturdays on the Square Pop-Up Market takes place on Main Cross Street between Main and High Streets from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. In the afternoon, an amateur Cornhole Tournament takes place at the Family Activities Park from noon to 5 p.m.
To stay up-to-date on Founders Week events and details, visit www.CityofCharlestown.com or follow the city’s social media pages.
LITTLE PRINCE AND PRINCESS PAGEANT FORM
RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE REGISTRATION
FOUNDERS WEEK PARADE RULES
FOUNDERS WEEK PARADE ENTRY FORM
Thank You Founders Week Sponsors
$5,000 - Ambassador Sponsor
Dan Cristiani Excavating Co.
$2,500 - Pioneer Sponsor
New Washington State Bank
Shoe Sensation
The Wheatley Group
$1,000 - Heritage Sponsor
A Better Way Floors
Mitchell Plastics
RyBuilt Custom Homes
$500 - Pride Sponsor
Holmes Ace Hardware
L & D Mail Masters
Republic Bank
United Consulting