By Brandie Gay
The Vandalia Area Chamber of Commerce is buzzing with excitement as they prepare for the highly anticipated annual Prairie Days, set to take place Sept. 27 – 28 in Vandalia, Mo. This beloved community event promises a weekend filled with fun, entertainment, and a celebration of local heritage.
The weekend of festivities will kick off on Friday, Sept. 27, with a performance by the popular local band, Soul Root. Known for their energetic shows and crowd-pleasing music, Soul Root’s return to Prairie Days is eagerly anticipated by fans. The band will bring a mix of new songs and classic favorites, ensuring a lively start to the weekend. On Saturday, Sept. 28, the day will be packed with activities for all ages. It will begin with a 5K run/walk, starting at the YMCA. Community members are encouraged to come out, get active and enjoy the crisp fall weather. Following the run, the Prairie Days parade will march through downtown Vandalia at 11 a.m., featuring a Sesquicentennial theme to honor the town’s rich history.
Throughout the day, attendees can explore a variety of vendor booths offering crafts, food, and local products. For those with a competitive spirit, there will be a cornhole tournament, a car cruise, and a horseshoe tournament. These events provide a perfect opportunity for friendly competition and community bonding. There will also be a bike show in honor of Mike Culwell, a Sons of Light Member Fellow bike club brother, Anthony McBride, will oversee this event. The Vandalia Historical Committee furnished the trophies for the memorial bike show.
For the kids, the chamber will have bounce houses furnished by Jump-A-Roo’s, a local business in Vandalia. Along with the bounce houses and games, from 1 – 4 p.m., Fuerst Bit of Heaven will have their petting zoo for everyone to enjoy, even kids at heart. There will be a train for the kids to ride throughout the day.
Saturday night’s entertainment will feature Becky Denton, known for her soulful voice and engaging stage presence. This is a performance you won’t want to miss. Following Becky will be a name that has been in the headlines for the past year—Ruby Leigh, a 16-year-old sensation from Foley, Mo. She became a household name after finishing as the runner-up on the popular singing competition, “The Voice.”
Known for her soulful voice and unique yodeling style, Leigh’s performances have garnered millions of views online. Her rendition of “I Wanna Be A Cowboy’s Sweetheart” during the blind auditions earned her a coveted four-chair turn from the judges, marking the beginning of her incredible journey.
Set to perform on the main stage at Vandalia Prairie Days, Leigh’s appearance is highly anticipated by fans and community members alike. Ruby’s performance is expected to be one of the highlights of the festival, drawing crowds from beyond Vandalia.
The final performance of the night will be Cherry Pistols. Known for their energetic performances and diverse setlists, the Cherry Pistols have built a reputation as one of Missouri’s premier party and cover bands. Their upcoming performance promises to be a highlight of the festival, rounding out a day filled with community spirit and entertainment. Fans can expect a night of great music, dancing, and fun as the band delivers their signature perfection in every note.
Prairie Days is more than just an event; it’s a cherished tradition that brings the Vandalia community together. The Vandalia Area Chamber of Commerce has been working non-stop to ensure that this year’s celebration is memorable for all, as it coincides with the town’s 150th anniversary. From organizing the parade to coordinating with vendors and performers, their efforts reflect the strong community spirit that defines Vandalia.
Mark your calendars for Sept. 27 – 28 for Vandalia’s Prairie Days and join in the festivities and have an unforgettable evening! This will be an event you won’t want to miss.