An event that has been going on for a couple of decades, the Vandalia Prairie Days celebration will return this weekend.

Beginning 7 a.m. Saturday and running until late evening, Prairie Days kicks things off with the Fall 5K with registration set for 6:15 – 6:45 at the YMCA, 309 South Main Street.

From there, vendor booths will open along State Street at 10 a.m.
Other events and attractions include:

• 10:30 a.m. LaFemme Pie Sales – Historical Church
• 11 a.m. Parade (lineup at 10 a.m. at South School)
• 11:30 a.m. Mural Dedication/Area Fire Departments Recognition
• 12:30 p.m. Bingo (until 2:30 p.m.)
• 12:30 p.m. Kids Area/Games/Bounce Houses (until 4 p.m.)
• 12:30 p.m. Snow Cones/Cotton Candy
• 1 p.m. Petting Zoo/Pony rides (until 4 p.m.)
• 1 p.m. Horseshoe Tournament (registration 12-2 p.m.) at Horseshoe Park
• 1 p.m. Scavenger Hunt (until 3 p.m.) at Historical Society Park
• 1 p.m. Corn Hole Tournament at Horseshoe Park
• 4 p.m. Bubble Bus (Main Street/Railroad) until 5 p.m.
• 4:30 p.m. Car Cruise-In (Park on State Street, enter from Main Street)
• 5:30 p.m. Joey Wray Band (Main Stage) (until 7 p.m.)
• 8 p.m. Blacktop Mojo Band (Main Stage) (until 10 p.m.)

Vandalia City Clerk Brandie Gay confirmed the event began in 2000.

“It was originally known as Vandalia Brick Skidding Contest,” Gay said. “Since there was seven major brick plants within 60 miles. Brick skidding started in 1979. It (would have) a crowd of over a thousand people.

“Prairie Days was made to bring large number to Vandalia to support our local community and celebrate our heritage.”