Picktown Palooza ROARS back to life after one-year hiatus

Picktown Palooza, after cancelling last year’s event due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, will be back for a fourth year in Pickerington this summer, featuring entertainment and activities that will appeal to the entire family. The three-day event will take place at a brand-new location being held at Pickerington High School Central and Opportunity Way, from Thursday, July 15, through Saturday, July 17. Panger Productions, a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit comprised of a group of volunteers, will be planning the event. The Panger Productions Board is committed to producing another fantastic Picktown Palooza and providing exciting entertainment and family fun.

The board of Panger Productions is grateful for the support of the City of Pickerington, Pickerington Local School District, as well as all the organizations who have signed on to support the fourth Picktown Palooza. Chris Stein, president of the nonprofit Panger Productions that puts on the Picktown Palooza, said organizers are gearing up for the event’s return. “We feel fantastic,” Stein said. “We’re certainly excited.”

This year will include a new exciting and interactive experience from sponsor Carvana featuring racing legend Jimmie Johnson’s activation. Take a spin in a 360-degree photo booth, shake the car vending machine for a special prize, and more. Additional sponsorships are available to provide a valuable opportunity to create recognition and public exposure to thousands of visitors over the three-day celebration. Organizations interested in sponsorship opportunities should contact Chris Stein at 614-379-2099.

Highlights of this year’s event include:

• Musical Entertainment – 90’s HOUSE PARTY with performances by ALL-4-ONE, COLOR ME BADD, and C & C MUSIC FACTORY Thursday, July 15; DAVID LEE MURPHY Friday, July 16; JACK RUSSELL’S GREAT WHITE and FIREHOUSE Saturday, July 17. Opening acts to perform each night in front of the headliners.

• Kids’ Corner – Games and activities for children 12 years of age and younger. Sponsored by Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

• Freedom 5k and Kids’ Fun Run – Sunday morning, July 4, winding its way through the Pickerington High School North XC course. Sponsored by OrthoNeuro.

• Car & Bike Show – Saturday, July 17 in the parking lot next to the Picktown Palooza grounds. FREE to attend.
Sponsored by AAA Ohio Auto Club.

• Carnival Rides – Rides for the young and young at heart throughout the midway.

• Beer Garden – Guests 21 years and over can enjoy a variety of wine as well as domestic and imported beer.

• Food Vendors – A variety of mouth-watering treats for all ages.

“Picktown Palooza is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the community spirit shared by Pickerington residents and businesses,” Stein said. “The popularity of the event is what has caused the need for us to move to a bigger location and this extra space will allow for continued growth for years to come. Panger Productions is proud to donate proceeds back to the community to organizations such as the Pickerington Food Pantry, Pickerington Local School District, Veteran’s Organizations and more.”

In addition to all the carnival rides, great food, local musicians, bands, and overall fun at the Palooza, businesses will display their wares in the Business Showcase.

Treasurer/CFO of Pickerington Schools Timothy “Ryan” Jenkins shared “The Pickerington School District encourages broad community use of its premises by various community groups and organizations. We are pleased to have entered into a facility use agreement with Panger Productions to hold the Picktown Palooza on the grounds at Pickerington High School Central. We are pleased to partner with Panger Productions, the city of Pickerington and Violet Township in making this a fantastic event for our community.”

The City of Pickerington and Pickerington Local School District is enthusiastic and supportive of Picktown Palooza.

Admission to the Palooza will be $5 per person each day when purchased at the gate. Children 12 and under are free. Three-day discounted admission passes will be sold via the Picktown Palooza website www.PicktownPalooza.org for just $10 per person. That is a savings of $5.00. Single day admission passes also can be purchased via the website.

Another important aspect of the Palooza is the volunteers. Picktown Palooza will be working with area churches, nonprofit organizations, and other local groups to recruit volunteers. Groups interested in volunteering should contact the Palooza at 614-379-2099.

More information about the events and activities planned for the 2021 Picktown Palooza are available at PicktownPalooza.org

About Panger Productions.

Panger Productions is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) charitable organization that is planning Picktown Palooza, a three-day celebration for the Pickerington community. The event offers a variety of fun, food, and entertainment for the whole family. In its fourth year, the Palooza expects to draw thousands of visitors from central Ohio.

Photos courtesy Picktown Palooza