Kicking off what will be a busy few weeks in Louisa County, the Chief Wapello Days Celebration begins today and runs through Sunday, July 21.

Katie Hammond, a member of the Chief Wapello Days Committee, shared what’s in store on opening night with KCII. “It’ll all be held at the rodeo grounds in Wapello. It starts at 5 p.m. with barrel racing and admission into the grandstands that night is free.” Tonight also includes the Lil Cowgirl and Buckaroo Contest, live music from “Pearl” and the Lighted Parade.

Friday is the first night for the Wapello Pro Rodeo, organized entirely by local FFA students. The gates open at 4 p.m. with Mutton Bustin at 5 and the Pro Rodeo starting at 7:30. This will be followed by the Teen Dance at the Ambulance Barn.

Saturday at Chief Wapello Days features wall-to-wall activities beginning with the Wapello Community Club Pancake Breakfast and Louisa County Sheriff’s Office 5K Color Run. The parade, with the theme “Christmas in July” is at 10:30 a.m. with a 10 o’clock line-up. Kids’ games, food vendors, and live music fill the afternoon, plus a retirement party for Wapello Principal Steve Bohlen.

Chief Wapello Days concludes on Sunday, July 21 with disc golf in City Park and Karaoke at Moke and Shirley’s. To view a full schedule of events, visit the Chief Wapello Days Facebook page or click on this story at KCIIradio.com.