Crazy Days set for July 23

Now that summer is officially under way it means Crazy Days in Jamestown is right around the corner.

Crazy Days, a free event that has been downtown for decades, will be all day on July 23 on First Avenue South.

Downtown merchants will have sidewalk sales, local vendors will have booths, musicians and performers will have shows and food vendors will be on hand.

Downtown businesses Gun & Reel Sports, Attitudes 4 U, Officeland, Gifts From the Heart, Jerry's Furniture and Tom's Antiques will participate with discounts on merchandise, said Charlie Kourajian, Main Street/Downtown Association ambassador and Crazy Days co-chair.

Other local and regional vendors are also encouraged to set up booths and sell items.

In the past, the event has had entertainment from area gymnastics and dancers and Kourajian said he is working on securing at least three live music acts.

Food is also always a big part of Crazy Days, Kourajian said. This year people will have their choice between walking tacos, Italian tacos, brats and burgers, cheese curds and ice cream.

Back for the third year is the pingpong ball drop set for 1 p.m. Friday downtown.

Last year there were nearly 125 balls dropped from the roof at Jerry's Furniture. Each had a number on it, as did each prize. Some prizes were gift certificates, money or usable goods, said Deb Hornung, Crazy Days co-chair.

Hornung is looking for businesses to donate prizes.

"Local banks have provided $100 prizes in the past and are being solicited again this year," she said.

Hornung said more businesses involved in the drop would make for a better time.

"The more people you get involved in downtown Jamestown the more excitement you're going to make and I think the success of this (pingpong ball drop) relies on our businesses," she said.

Businesses interested in donating prizes can call Hornung at 320-4089.

Also in the works for Crazy Days this year is a potential flea market, Kourajian said.

Last year the event was held in conjunction with garage sales, and this year Kourajian said he wanted to try a flea market located downtown.

That same weekend, in conjunction with Crazy Days, the Buffalo Mall will also have indoor sidewalk sales, he said.

If interested in setting up a booth at Crazy Days for $30, performing at the event for free or having a spot in the flea market, call Kourajian at 320-3015.

"Crazy Days used to be one of the premier events in Jamestown years ago when we had all of the stores downtown," he said.

The event has gained some momentum in recent years but still is not what it once was, Kourajian said. But he said he hopes to draw more people this year with the planned events and vendors.

"We're certainly trying to provide activities for all ages during Crazy Days," he said.

Sun reporter Ben Rodgers can be reached at 701-952-8455 or by e-mail at brodgers@jamestownsun.com