Volunteers are busy finalizing preparations for the town of Thurmont’s annual 50s and 60s Family Fun Day on July 29, 2006.

This year will mark the sixth anniversary of the event which began as part of the town of Thurmont’s 250th Anniversary celebration.

The annual event is free of charge and offers fun for all ages. Games, live entertainment, 50s priced food and refreshments, and a car and pedal car show are all part of the fun.

The event will begin with the Saturday farmer’s market along Boundary Avenue on the carnival grounds from 9:00 to 12:30 p.m.

While the market is in full swing, the gates will open exhibitors to set up for the annual Car and Pedal Car Show. Exhibitors in this year’s car show will pay a $10 entry fee to pay for dash plaques and prizes. Come see the array of new and old cars free of charge from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m.

The game booths will open at 3:00 p.m. with fun games for kids of all ages. Try your luck at the variety of fun games all free of charge.

Live music will be provided by The Promise Band. Watch dance programs by two area dance studios performed in front of the main stage.

Try your luck at winning one of many prizes available. A 50/50 raffle will be held in addition to random prize drawings throughout the day and evening. Once again, the grand prize is a fully-loaded, authentic Juke Box donated to the event by Ralf Leonhardt of Leo’s Gameroom Treasures located on the square of Thurmont.

This year’s event will include a new twist — a "Slave Auction". During the first band break (about 6:30 to 6:45 p.m.), town officials and other prominent local people will be auctioned off to provide you with services around the house. Money raised in the auction will support the town’s annual Halloween in the Park program.

Great food will be for sale all evening to support the Guardian Hose Company. The Grange will sell ice cream at their building adjacent to the carnival grounds. New for this year is the Thurmont Ambulance Company’s famous apple dumplings.

"The 50s and 60s committee has worked hard to make this event a success. The committee works hard all year long, holding fundraisers and planning activities to make the event better and better and to be able to offer the event free of charge to area residents," said Thurmont commissioner Wayne Hooper.

Mark your calendar for some good summer fun at the annual 50s and 60s night!