Weissport readies for 12th Annual Redneck Festival

It’s a golden opportunity for hillbillies to be free to run amok in Weissport.

Indeed, crazy times await those who participate in the 12th annual Redneck Festival this Labor Day weekend.

The festival will be held from 5-10 p.m. Friday, and noon until 9 or 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday in the borough park.

Sponsored by the Weissport Recreation Committee, proceeds from the festival benefit the recreational needs of the community, according to event coordinator Duane Dellecker.

Dellecker noted that over the past decade, the Franklin Street park was rebuilt with new playground equipment, rubber mulch, a new pavilion with picnic tables, a gazebo and permanent electric service throughout the main park in the center of town.

“The Weissport Recreation Committee created the Redneck Festival to raise funds to improve recreation in town,” Dellecker said. “This group of volunteers has raised tens of thousands of dollars to improve the parks and host events that benefit the small town of Weissport.”

Dellecker said he believes the festival’s uniqueness is what truly sets its apart.

“We can’t believe this is our 12th year of hosting one of the most unusual festivals in the entire area,” he said. “Our committee has created some of the craziest contests for people to participate in.”

Among them, Dellecker cited the Zimmies Slushy Drinking Contest, Redneck Bean Bags, Watermelon Eating, Best Beard, the Chariot (toilet) races, and the ever popular Mr. Redneck and Daisy Duke Contests to name a few.

“We have a great team dedicated to helping recreation in this small town,” he said. “They are a blessing to this community, and we hope you-all come out and have as much fun participating as we do putting it all together.”

The festival kicks off Friday with The Redneck Karaoke Entertainer from 5-10 p.m., along with Rednecks Got Talent II” Karaoke from 5-9 p.m. Open-Mike Night will be held from 5-10 p.m., and the Big Redneck Chinese Auction opens.

Saturday will showcase several competitions, including the Zimmie’s Slush Drinking Contest at 1 p.m.; Korniest Couple Contest at 3 p.m., Redneck Bean Bag Contest at 5 p.m., Best Beard Contest at 7 p.m., Mr. Redneck Contest at 7:15 p.m., and Daisy Duke Contest at 7:30 p.m. Banned From the Ranch will perform from 5:30-10 p.m.

Sunday will have more competitive events, such as the Watermelon Eating Contest at 1 p.m.; Big Wheel Contest at 2 p.m., Milking Contest at 3 p.m., Chariot Race (Redneck style) at 4 p.m., Wet T-shirt/Wet Boxer Short contest at 6 p.m., and Best Rack Contest at 8 p.m. “Bill Reese’s Classic Country Band will perform from 5-9:30 p.m. The Big Redneck Chinese Auction ends at 7 p.m.

There will be food and drinks, kids rides, free entertainment, Redneck games, kids games, bingo, a Redneck Chinese Auction, and Just Being Nosey.

Sign-ups for the events are held at the information and registration booth and will close about 10 minutes before the event.

There will also be kiddie ride specials, including all rides 2 for $5, Friday $20 from 5-9 p.m., and $20 each Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. and 5-9 p.m.

The festival will be held rain or shine. No pets are allowed, except for service animals.

For more information, visit www.weissportredneckfest.com, email wredneckfest@aol.com, or visit them on Facebook.