Boxcar Days returns to Tracy this weekend

Dec 26, 2023

Aug 30, 2023

TRACY — It looks like this Labor Day weekend will be a hot one – but Tracy area community members are still looking forward to the annual Boxcar Days celebration.

“There is always a lot of anticipation,” said Kristina Daniels, director of the Tracy Area Chamber of Commerce. “People look forward to the events and activities that happen over the weekend, and of course the kids can not wait for the rides and parade on Monday.”

This year, Boxcar Days will feature many returning events, including favorites like the carnival. Other highlights include a street dance Saturday night, kid-friendly events on Sunday, and the annual Miss Tracy scholarship program.

Celebrations will kick off Friday night, with the Tracy Area Chamber’s burger night and a beer pong tournament. On Saturday, events like softball, golf, beanbag and “Texas Hold ‘Em” tournaments all take place. The annual Kiddie Parade will also be on Saturday, but at the new time slot of 3 p.m., Daniels said. The bingo stand will also open earlier on Saturday afternoon.

Daniels said there will be a couple of new events at Boxcar Days as well. “Pizza, Pitchers and Puzzles” – where teams of people race to finish a pizza, a pitcher of beer, and a jigsaw puzzle – will be back this year at the beer tent. However, Daniels said there are also going to be new, kid and teen-friendly versions of the challenge. “Pizza, Pop and Puzzles” will have the same rules as the adult event, but will feature a bottle of soda instead of alcoholic drinks.

The teen Pizza, Pop and Puzzles event will take place at 3 p.m. Saturday, and the kids’ event will be at 1 p.m. Sunday in Central Park, Daniels said. Registration for all the puzzle events will close at 5 p.m. Friday.

Saturday’s festivities will culminate with a street dance featuring Street Talk. Another favorite event on Monday will be the Boxcar Days grand parade.

“The Tracy Chamber is looking forward to a good turnout and hopes that everyone has a wonderful time. We cannot wait to see everyone,” Daniels said.

Schedule of Events

Friday

1-5 p.m. – Wheels Across the Prairie Heritage Center and antique tractor show

5-8 p.m. – Tracy Area Chamber burger night

8 p.m. – Beer pong tournament

9 p.m.-1 a.m. – Entertainment by Kayla Daniels

Saturday

8:30 a.m.-Noon – Kegs and eggs

9 a.m. – Softball tournament

9 a.m.-3 p.m. – Farmer’s market at the Cinnamon Hen, Highway 14.

9 a.m.-5 p.m. – Wheels Across the Prairie Heritage Center and antique tractor show

11 a.m. – Registration for 400 Open golf tournament

11:30 a.m. – Beanbag tournament

1 p.m. – Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament at the Eagles Club

3 p.m. – Kiddie Parade

3 p.m. – Teen Pizza, Pop and Puzzles

4 p.m. – Midwest Rides and Concessions

6 p.m. – Pizza, Pitchers and Puzzles

6 p.m. – Let’s Go Fishing silent auction

9 p.m.-1 a.m. – Street dance featuring Street Talk

Sunday

9 a.m.-1 p.m. – Dad’s Belgian Waffles at St. Mary’s Church hall

9 a.m. – Mud volleyball tournament

10 a.m. – Horseshoe tournament

10 a.m.-5 p.m. – Inflatables and bungee trampolines at Central Park

11 a.m.- 3 p.m. – Sprint station at Central Park

11:30 a.m. – Pedal tractor pull

Noon – Midwest Rides and Concessions

1 p.m. – Kids’ Pizza, Pop and Puzzles

1 p.m.-5 p.m. – Wheels Across the Prairie Heritage Center and antique tractor show

2 p.m. – Human foosball on Morgan Street

6:30 p.m. – Miss Tracy Scholarship Program at Tracy Area High School auditorium

8 p.m.-Midnight – Karaoke by Darren Jacob

Monday

7-11 a.m. – Fly-in/Drive-in Breakfast at Tracy municipal airport

8 a.m.-Noon – Farmer’s market at Cinnamon Hen, Highway 14.

8:30 a.m. – Boxcar Days Road Race

9 a.m.-1 p.m. – Wheels Across the Prairie Heritage Center and antique tractor show

10 a.m.-4 p.m. – St. Mary’s arts and crafts fair

Noon – Midwest Rides and Concessions

1 p.m. – Grand Parade

Pigeon race following the parade.

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