El Dorado Prairie Port Festival volunteers are gearing up for a fun-filled event July 24 through 27. 

Many events remain but two new events have been added for the upcoming Festival. 

Steve Reynolds is chairing the “Smoke on the Prairie” BBQ Contest for the evening of the 25th and all day on the 26th. The location will be on the east side of the Civic Center. This event will be sponsored by many businesses in El Dorado and surrounding areas. Prize money will be given and this is a sanctioned event with Kansas City Barbeque Society.  Bingo will still be going on in the Civic Center on Saturday.

Travis Wyss of USD 490 and Brooke Demo of WSU proposed having a “pole vault” competition as an event for the upcoming festival. Wyss and Demo have been working with area high schools and area colleges to participate in the event. There will be an exhibition in the parking lot of the Civic Center during the day on July 26 as well as having one during the Street Dance downtown.  

“The El Dorado Prairie Port Festival Committee was excited about both of these events,” said Jim Phillips, volunteer chair. “These events will add to the already great weekend and we look forward to seeing their accomplishments.”

In 24 years of the festival, volunteers have dedicated their time and hard work to make the event successful each year. 

Becky Wolfe, current volunteer administrator of the festival said, “It is amazing how 30 volunteers on the committee, along with their event committees can accomplish what this group accomplishes. These are dedicated people who give their time and hard work to create an enjoyable weekend and all that goes with it from planning the event to raising the funds to support the event  – all on a volunteer basis.”

The committee also announced the entertainment for the Friday night Concert at the Lake, which will be singer/songwriter Jeff Bates. He has had RCA Record hits “The Love Song,” “Rainbow Man,” “One Second Chance,” “I Wanna Make You Cry” and “Long Slow Kisses.”

The Saturday night Street Dance will feature The David Holland Band, which will be held downtown.

Other events include: Festival Queen Pageant, Ice Cream Social, Arts & Crafts Fair, Parade, Run for Your Life, Mud Volleyball, Flea Market, Horseshoe Tournament, Fishing Derby, Talent Showcase, Dog Costume Contest, Bingo, Teen Dance, Gunfight Competition, Cardboard Boat Race, Medallion Hunt, Gas Giveaway and Shopping Spree, plus so much more.