Derby Days to feature parade, two concerts, fireworks and plenty of racing

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Derby Days racing will be “hot” in 2023.

With temperatures climbing into the 90s today and Saturday, staying hydrated will be key to enjoying the festivities.

The adult version of Derby Days races on North Street starts at 6 p.m. tonight as the 75th Annual Derby Days festival kicks into full gear.

Strange Brew Band will perform at the conclusion of the Adult Derby Days race until 11 p.m.

The Beer Garden will be open from 5 to 11 p.m. Cartoon Ups caricature artist will be open from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The Saturday schedule begins with breakfast (7 to 10 a.m.) at the American Legion Auxiliary.

The annual Paul Otis Goble (P.O.G.) Run begins at 8:15 a.m.

Vendors and food trucks in front of Morristown Elementary School open at 9 a.m.

Parade participants start lining up at 10 a.m. with the parade along U.S. 52 in downtown Morristown starting at 11 a.m.

Derby Days racing follows the parade.

Other festivities Saturday afternoon include bounce houses, face painting, balloon art, the Boys and Girls Club Car Show (noon), alumni volleyball game in Morristown High School gymnasium (1 p.m.), 3-on-3 basketball tournament at the community park (2 p.m.), and a whiffleball tournament at Morristown High School’s fields (4 p.m.).

Saturday’s nightcap includes a concert by Indianapolis-native Andrew Young and a fireworks show.

“We are very fortunate this year. We have raised enough money to bring fireworks back (to Derby Days),” said Thomas Wright, one of the Derby Days organizers in a radio interview with GIANT fm. “We will have a nice fireworks show to cap it all off.”

Young is a Platinum downloaded singer/songwriter who has opened for such artists as Babyface, The Isley Brothers, LL Cool J, Dru Hill and Vanessa Williams. He has performed at numerous venues around Indianapolis and will take the stage Saturday in front of Morristown High School at 6 p.m.

There is a full field of Cub Scout and Girl Scout racers for the highly-anticipated Derby Days races down U.S. 52 into downtown Morristown.

“We have more kids coming in, a lot of racers this year,” said Wright. “We may even have more than last year. All those things people are used to at Derby Days are coming back. There is lots of stuff to do. Big events. Big concerts. It’s going to be a good time.”

Here are the competitors for the Derby Days races:

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