It may still be hot Sunday, but the 14th World's Largest Castsup Bottle Festival Birthday Party and Car Show is still going "full speed ahead."
That's according to Mike Gassmann, who answers the phone at Catsup Bottle headquarters with "The Big Tomato Speaking."
"I always say it's better to be 100 degrees with no rain than to get rained out," Gassmann said. "We've got all the tried and true standbys that people will enjoy and a few new things this year."
The festival is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at American Legion Post 356, 1022 Vandalia (Illinois 159) in Collinsville.
The "tried and true" include the CIA (Cruisin' in Antiques) car truck and motorcycle show, food and drink vendors, ketchup tasting and hotdog eating contests, the Little Princess Tomato and Sir Catsup Contest, the Ronald McDonald Show, craft vendors, Rams cheerleaders, live music and old-fashioned birthdays games.
"When you see 50 pairs of kids lined up for the balloon toss ... that's pretty exciting," the Big Tomato said.
What's new this year?
Members of the Confluence Crush women's roller derby league will be on hand for photos, autographs and merchandise sales from 10 a.m. to noon.
The Radio Disney (1260-AM) Dance Party from 10 to 11:30 will add games, contests, prizes and music.
Schedule of events
9 a.m. Chip Off the Block -- Ice carving demonstration, with the Catsup Bottle ice sculpture on display all day. Also Rick Azelone of Cyclone Sound DJ Service will play Catsup Bottle part tunes all day.
10 a.m.-5 p.m. -- Vendors, entertainment & kids' activities
10 a.m. World's Largest Things -- Erika Nelson's World's Largest Collection of the World's Smallest Versions of the World's Largest Things traveling art museum.
10 a.m.-11:30 p.m. -- Radio Disney Dance Party. Interactive games, contests, giveaways and "Your Music -- Your Way."
10 a.m.-noon -- Confluence Crush Roller Derby Girls
10 a.m. -- Brooks Tangy Catsup Taste Test -- The free ketchup tasting booth is open for everyone to see if you can choose the Brooks brand of rich and tangy ketchup.
10 a.m. -- The C.I.A. Car, Truck, & Motorcycle Show registration
11 a.m. -- Opening ceremony. American Legion Post 365 Color Guard with Jesse Hoskin singing the national anthem at the Big Tomato Main Stage.
11 a.m. -- Little Princess Tomato and Sir Catsup Contest
11:45 a.m. -- Hot Dog (smothered in ketchup) Eating Contest. Kids and grownups categories.
Noon-3 p.m. -- St. Louis Rams Cheerleaders will be on hand for free photos and autographs.
12:15 p.m. -- Singing of Happy Birthday & Cutting of the Cake. Free Birthday cupcakes for everyone while supplies last.
12:20 p.m. -- Ronald McDonals will perform on the Big Tomato Main Stage and will be available for photos and autographs afterward.
1 p.m. -- Old-fashioned Birthday Party Games. Free childrens games at the Big Tomato Main Stage. Beginning with Musical Chairs, followed by Please Pass The Catsup.
2 p.m. Hula Hoop Contest for kids of all ages!
2:30 p.m. -- Water Balloon Toss.
3 p.m. -- The C.I.A. Car, Truck, & Motorcycle Show Trophy Presentation and the 50/50 drawing to be held inside the American Legion Hall.
3 p.m. -- The Quarter Draw Band. Alt-country roots rock music from local favorites.
4:30 p.m. -- Grand Prize Drawing. (You need not be present to win, but it's a whole lot more fun if you are!)
5 p.m. Festival closes.
