The most fun you can have in a few square blocks

MEEKER I For a few days each July, Meeker’s historic downtown is transformed into a gala of amusements for mind, body and soul.
This year the festivities begin today and continue through Saturday, July 4. You can take advantage of the art show and silent auction at Fawn Creek Gallery. Art and handmade craft items are sold by silent auction. All proceeds benefit the Rio Blanco Historical Society and the White River Museum. Be sure to visit the gallery before 4 p.m. Saturday to bid on your favorite pieces of art.
This evening, Fifth Street between Main and Park streets will be home to that classic form of summertime entertainment, the traveling carnival, complete with games of skill and cotton candy. Always a hit with kids and teenagers, this year’s carnival will be open today through Sunday.
Saturday is the big day for downtown events, starting with the Run For Your Life 5K walk/run and the annual pancake breakfast hosted by the Masonic Lodge at 7:30 a.m. The Fourth of July parade begins at 10 a.m. An assortment of vendor booths will be gathered around the courthouse area for your shopping pleasure throughout the day. Have a score to settle with a local official? See if he or she is taking a turn in the dunk tank. Or sign up as a volunteer.
The annual Meeker United Methodist Church Barbecue starts serving its signature Fourth of July meal after the parade. Don’t wait to get in line, this is probably the most popular meal in Meeker. Since 1993, church members have baked pies and prepared the fixins’ to serve with tasty barbecue. This year, enjoy live music from the band Junior Giant while you eat.
Then, at noon, stuff yourself silly at the watermelon eating contest — as much fun for spectators as it is for the participants.
After the watermelon, the historical society will serve root beer floats beginning at 1 p.m. Get your float and settle in at the corner of Sixth and Main to watch the annual re-enactment of the 1896 Meeker bank robbery at 1:30 p.m.