In 1965, Joseph Mager Jr. and a group of volunteers planned a celebration to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Civil War Memorial’s erection and dedication in the center of Girard. That event became the very first Dan Rice Days, which has grown each year since.

Held the first full weekend of August annually, the festival honors the many contributions of Daniel McClaren, better known as Dan Rice, to the town of Girard. The celebration now features free entertainment, artisan vendors and merchants, great local food, educational activities, and a vibrant parade. The festival begins Thursday evening and concludes Saturday night, all organized by a dedicated volunteer committee.

Thursday, July 31

11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
   •Photo Contest Judging

2:00 PM – 10:00 PM
   •Crafters and Vendors Open

6:00 PM
   •Opening Ceremonies (Main Stage)
   •Erie Heights Brass Ensemble (Main Stage, until 7:30 PM)
   •Photo Contest Viewing (Girard Borough Building, until 8:00 PM)
   •Rock Snake Painting (6:00 PM – 9:00 PM)

8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
   •Gem City Jazz & Gem City Steel Drums

9:00 PM
   •Movie Night at Taco Bell – A Minecraft Movie (Bring your own chair)

Friday, August 1
   •10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
   •Dan Rice Days Tote Bags Available (Info Booth)

11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
   •Photo Contest Viewing (Girard Borough Building)

1:00 PM
   •Amish Bake Sale (Wells Park/Info Booth)

3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
   •Yellow/White House Open

4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
   •Chicken Dinner (A.F. Dobler Hose & Ladder Co., Walnut St.)

4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
   •Girard United Methodist Church Swiss Steak Dinner – $15

5:00 PM
   •Cruise-In at McQuillen’s (604 Main St.)
   •Magic Jamie Show (until 6:00 PM)
   •Claire Stuczynski Performs (until 7:00 PM)

6:00 PM
   •Bike Tour of Dan Rice Monuments (Starts at Girard Alliance Church)
   •Rock Snake Painting (Until 9:00 PM)

8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
   •Tennessee Backporch (Main Stage)

Saturday, August 2

7:00 AM
   •5K Race Registration Opens (Mechanic Street) (Sponsored by Country Fair)

8:30 AM
   •Dan Rice Days 5K Race (Mechanic Street)

9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
   •First Presbyterian Church Flea Market/Rummage Sale

9:30 AM
   •Fun Run (Mechanic Street – No awards)

10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
   •Crafters and Vendors Open
   •Dan Rice Days Tote Bags Available

10:00 AM
   •Parade Registration (Girard High School)

11:00 AM
   •Dan Rice Day Parade (Rice Avenue & Main Streets)
   •Photo Contest Viewing (Until 9:00 PM)

1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
   •Yellow/White House Open

1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
   •Shuttle Bus Runs (Main & Mechanic to Yellow/White House & Sunflower Field)
   •Rock Snake Painting

1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
   •First Unitarian Universalist Church Open (107 Myrtle St.)

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
   •Children’s Games (Main Stage)

1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
   •Children’s Crafts (Courtyard, by PennWest Edinboro)

2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
   •Free Glitter Tattoos by Connie (Courtyard, sponsored by Elk Creek Rec & Leisure Board)

2:00 PM
   •Bed Races (Mechanic Street)

2:30 PM – 4:30 PM
   •Swing Syndicate Performs

4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
   •Girard United Methodist Church Chicken & Biscuits Dinner – $15

8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
   •The Breeze Band Performs

9:00 PM
   •Movie Night at Girard Community Pool

For more information and details, visit here.