The theme of Pickford's 30th annual Hay Days Celebration is "Flower Power," chosen to encourage residents to plant flowers to beautify the area, to remind residents to slow down and enjoy life, and to remember an era when homes throughout Pickford were graced with colorful flower gardens.

The five-day event celebrating the Pickford's heritage will offer activities daily from Wednesday, July 30, through Sunday, August 3.

A few events have been changed this year. There will be no children's track meet, and a Sunday brunch replaces the old Wednesday night Hamburger Bash.

Hay Days Queen

To Be Crowned Friday

In an event highlight, people will set up lawn chairs to watch 2007 Pickford Hay Days Queen Janet Thompson crown her successor Friday evening after the Hay Races and Kids Parade.

Friday's Hay Days Program will feature local musical talent, including the Stevensons.

This year's grand marshals, Stanley and Marge Schmitigal, are to be honored for their work with the Pickford Area Historical Society.

Owing to the rainy summer, township officials are concerned about vehicles on the grass at Glen Gough Memorial Township Park. If necessary, the parade will line up on nearby streets.

Hay Days Schedule

Events are as follows:

Wednesday, July 30: 7 p.m. Singspiration in the park, sponsored by Pickford area churches.

Thursday, July 31: 7:30 p.m. Softball game at the park, featuring Pickford versus the Kinross Fire Department.

Friday, August 1: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Arts and Crafts Sale at Pickford Township Hall. For more information, contact Arlene Portice at 647-2582.

Noon Ping Pong Tournament at Pickford United Methodist Church. This is for children 10 years old and older.

6:30 p.m. Line up for Kids Parade, east of bridge on Main Street.

6:30 p.m. Hay Bale Races on Main Street.

7 p.m. Kids Parade. Contact Rae Ann Reinhart at 647-8000 for more information.

7:30 p.m. Coronation Ceremony. Outdoor Stage at the township hall.

7:45 p.m. Hay Days Program. Featuring local talent on the outdoor stage at the township hall.

9 p.m. to midnight Street Dance, including music by disc jockey Brent Edington.

9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Live Music at the Sundown Lounge with The Flipside.

Saturday, August 2

7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Lumberjack Breakfast at the township hall, sponsored by Northwoods Christian Camp.

9 a.m. 10K Run, 5K Run, and 2K Fun Run/Walk, beginning on Main Street. Registration is from 8 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.

9 a.m. Chainsaw Artist Dan Johnson will be at Wilderness Treasures until noon. At 2 p.m., he will be carving at the township park.

11 a.m. Hay Days Parade. Line up at the township park by 10:30 a.m. Use West gate. To register, contact Dr. Richard Morrison at 647-9395.

11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pickford Lions Lunch at township hall basement

Noon Firemen's Competition

Noon Softball Tournament. For more information, contact Ryan Fountain at 495-5533.

Noon Three-on-Three Basketball. Registration forms available at the Pickford Market and at Dr. Morrison's.

12:30 p.m. Beach Volleyball Tournament at the township park.

1 p.m. Horse Pull at the township park.

1 p.m. Lawn Tractor Pull at the township park. For more information, call Bob Rye at 647- 6210.

1:30 p.m. Kids Games and Foam Treasure Hunt at the township park

2 p.m. Wood carving by Dan Johnson at the township park.

2:30 p.m. Open Horseshoe Tournament at the township park. This includes two-person teams, for $10 per team. For more information, contact Debra Chapman at (906) 297-6562, or arrive early.

2:30 p.m. Checkers Tournament at Mama Maloza's. All ages may participate.

3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Pickin' N' Grinnin' at the township hall. Local musicians, featuring The Bait Shop Boys.

4 p.m. Youth 8 Ball Pool Tournament at the township hall, ages 9 to 18. $1 entry fee.

9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Live Music at the Sundown, featuring The Flipside.

Sunday, August 3

Final Games of Softball Tournament: Times are to be announced.