B-D Days returns as two-day event

The unofficial start of summer returns in 2021 as the Arcadia Lions Club has brought Broiler-Dairy Days back.

The celebration was cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Its return in 2021 will be slightly different as the event has been trimmed from three days to two, but still offers many of the familiar favorites.

Perhaps the biggest change will be the grand parade, which will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday this year instead of the typical Sunday afternoon timeslot. Former Arcadia High School basketball coach Bob Parker will be the parade marshal.

The Fest Master will be introduced at the Arcadia Lions Pavilion at 6 p.m. on Friday. There, attendees will be entertained by Dave Karal from 5 to 9 p.m. Entertainment continues in the pavilion on Saturday with Ron Pronschinske playing from 4 to 8 p.m.

Perhaps what the weekend is most famous for, chicken will be served from what is billed as the largest chicken pit on North America throughout the celebration. Milkshakes from the Buffalo County Farm Bureau will also be served from the chicken pit.

As usual, sporting events will be a big part of the weekend.

Softball will be played on both fields in Memorial Park throughout the weekend, beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. on Saturday. Basketball and soccer tournaments will be held on Friday from 5 to 9 p.m. and from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday. The rodeo begins at 6 p.m. on Friday, noon on Saturday and 9 a.m. on Sunday. Trap shooting begins at the Arcadia Sportsmen’s Club at 9 a.m. There will also be a golf tournament at 10 a.m. at the Arcadia Country Club and a volleyball tournament at the courts in the park at 10 a.m.

A pancake breakfast will be served from 7 a.m. to noon at Arcadia High School. The classic car show takes place from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the park. While the motorcycle poker run leaves at 9:30.

A bags tournament will also be held with divisions separated by those who play competitively or socially.

The celebration will conclude in the pavilion with the lions club raffle drawing. There will be 15 prizes, including a $2,500 top prize.