• Article Photo. Children bounce a beach ball on a giant tarp near the courthouse during PIP events Thursday.
    Children bounce a beach ball on a giant tarp near the courthouse during PIP events Thursday.
  • Article Photo. The Schmidt Family Band prepares their instruments as crowd gathers for concert.
    The Schmidt Family Band prepares their instruments as crowd gathers for concert.
  • Article Photo. The beach attire contestants line up for the judges.
    The beach attire contestants line up for the judges.
  • Article Photo. Many activities were available for children at the courthouse.
    Many activities were available for children at the courthouse.
  • Article Photo. 'Surfer' Devin Selken dressed up for the Beach Attire Contest.
    'Surfer' Devin Selken dressed up for the Beach Attire Contest.
  • Article Photo. Grand Marshal Erin Randall led the Kiddie Parade, assisted by Viking football players.
    Grand Marshal Erin Randall led the Kiddie Parade, assisted by Viking football players.
  • Article Photo. Children prepare for beginning of hamster race.
    Children prepare for beginning of hamster race.
  • Article Photo. Farmers Bank staff served 1000+ hot dogs before parade.
    Farmers Bank staff served 1000+ hot dogs before parade.
  • Article Photo. Jonah and Elizabeth Smith of Vinton decorated their bikes for the Kiddie Parade.
    Jonah and Elizabeth Smith of Vinton decorated their bikes for the Kiddie Parade.
  • Article Photo. VSHS cheerleader Madison Drake paints the face of Jaden Rogers.
    VSHS cheerleader Madison Drake paints the face of Jaden Rogers.
  • Article Photo. Cheerleader Kyra Blix paints a strawberry on the nose of Natalie Wade...
    Cheerleader Kyra Blix paints a strawberry on the nose of Natalie Wade...
  • Article Photo. ...matching the one on the nose of Natalie's sister, Faye
    ...matching the one on the nose of Natalie's sister, Faye
  • Article Photo. Kiddie Parade participants leave Farmers Bank parking lot as parade begins.
    Kiddie Parade participants leave Farmers Bank parking lot as parade begins.
  • Article Photo. The Schmidt Family Band again performed for the Thursday night crowd.
    The Schmidt Family Band again performed for the Thursday night crowd.
  • Article Photo. Sophia Vasquez tosses a ring over the seal's nose at one of many games for children.
    Sophia Vasquez tosses a ring over the seal's nose at one of many games for children.
  • Article Photo. Tori Elwick rode a bike decorated with balloons for Party in the Park Kiddie Parade.
    Tori Elwick rode a bike decorated with balloons for Party in the Park Kiddie Parade.
  • Article Photo. Tevin Dvorak rode as Spongebob.
    Tevin Dvorak rode as Spongebob.

The annual Vinton Party in the Park began with its traditional Thursday evening fun. Hundreds gathered at the Farmers Bank parking lot for the free hot dogs, chips and pop.

Children then rode their bicycles and other modes of transportation to the courthouse during the Kiddie Parade. Grand Marshal Erin Randall led the way, riding in a convertible. Members of the VSHS football team walked behind her. They tossed small autographed footballs to the participants before the parade began.

At the courthouse, children enjoyed a variety of games and activities as the Schmidt Family Band prepared for its concert. The family played several classic rock and roll songs as the children and many adults listened, and danced to the music.