CONTRIBUTED GRAPHIC The annual Black Dirt Days festival returns to Conrad this weekend with a free movie Thursday evening and most of the events being held Friday and Saturday. This year’s theme is “Born in the USA.”

CONRAD — It’s Americana all the way for this year’s Conrad Black Dirt Days. With a theme of “Born in the USA,” the annual event will span Thursday through Saturday.

“When I was thinking about the theme, I was kind of picturing just a true American small-town festival where everyone is around and seeing people you haven’t seen for a while. It really just came to me: a good small town American festival,” said event coordinator Lindsay Kuhl.

Thursday’s event is movie night at Little Comets Childcare at 6:30 p.m., with a showing of “Big Hero 6.” Space is limited and requires registration. ission is free, with donations welcome. Popcorn will be provided by MidWestOne Bank and drinks sponsored by GNB Bank. An adult must accompany all children.

Friday’s festivities start with the Junior Golf Tournament at Oakwood Golf Course, beginning at 9 a.m. From 4 to 8 p.m. Alice Church of God will be the site of games and giveaways with Pastor Randy.

At 5 p.m., food vendors will be on hand: Sno 2 Go, Clare’s Tenderloins, Maria’s Tacos, Sky Kone, Sugar Box Treats, Smokin’ G’s, Hangloose Nutrition, Hometown Foods, Mason’s (Truck Pulls) and Honey’s Mini Pancakes (Saturday only). Also at 5 p.m. the Beer Garden will open, featuring drinks by Olive or Twist.

“A common question I keep getting is a lot of people think Olive or Twist will only have craft cocktails, and that’s not the case. They will have beer and seltzers also,” Kuhl added.

A highlight is the crowning of Little Mr. and Miss, at 5:45 p.m. on the Main Stage, this year sponsored by Black Dirt Blooms. Children who were in second grade in the 2024-25 school year got to sign up. Winners’ names will be drawn from a hat, with the youth then participating in Saturday’s parade.

The Kiddie Tractors Pulls will follow at 6:30 p.m., with registration from 5:45 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.

“It’s back this year,” she said. “We are excited to bring it back.”

Face painting will take place in front of the library from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., with games and inflatables at the midway from 6 to 8 p.m. Wristbands cost $10 until Friday at noon, then will be $15 (for unlimited turns on rides). Or you can buy $1 tickets per turn. Includes all inflatables and adrenalator. A hospitality tent will be set up in front of Black Dirt Blooms from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday.

Flatland Ridge will take to the Main Stage at 8 p.m., with fireworks starting around 9:30 p.m. north of Conrad.

Saturday morning events will take place at Reunion Park/Conrad Aquatic Center. The popular Dash n Splash 5K run/walk will happen at 8 a.m., with a community breakfast from 8 to 10 a.m. There will be woodcarving at Gier Park from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Attendees can tour the Conrad Heritage Hall Museum, City Hall, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The grand parade will see lineup at 10:45 a.m. at BCLUW High School.

“There is construction, but it’s still the plan to meet there. We’ll figure it out,” Kuhl said.

The parade route is the same as every year, with it starting at 11:30 a.m. It will go down Center Street over to North Washington up to Maple Street, then back to the high school. No pre-registration is required.

“A lot of people do let us know they’re coming, but they can just show up that day,” she said. “We see all kinds, ranging from small businesses, to local bigger businesses, church groups, class reunions. Anybody who wants to show off what they do and come walk through the parade, we love it.”

Car show registration will begin at 11 a.m. on North Main Street, and go until 2 p.m. There will be Conrad Chamber-Main Street Car Show commemorative ribbons for the first 75 registrants.

“With your $20 fee you also get a great t-shirt printed right here at Hutch in Conrad and designed by myself,” said Julian Wilson, who is coordinating the show alongside wife Heather, the Conrad Chamber-Main Street executive director.

Several awards will be given out for various categories including: Best in Show, Best in Show Runner Up, Judges’ Choice, People’s Choice, People’s Choice Runner Up, Best Ford, Best GM, Best Mopar, Best Chrome or Fin, Best Hot Rod, Best Muscle, Best All Original, Best Motorcycle and Best Modern Classic.

Judging begins at 2 p.m. and winners announced 3:45 p.m. to 4 p.m.

“I too will be entering a few of my old space junk cars. Should be a lot of fun,” Julian said.

Heather added that CCMS is also sponsoring the Cornhole Tourney in the beer garden, run by Motown Baggers. It is new this year. The entry fee per team is $20, with 100% payout to the top three teams. Sign up will go from noon to 1 p.m. with the tournament starting at 1:30 p.m.

Midway activities will continue throughout the day and Alice Church of God games and giveaways from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., with face painting in front of the library from noon to 8 p.m.

A woodcarving auction will take place on the Main Stage at 6 p.m., sponsored by Spanky & Sons. Also at that time will be the Truck and Tractors Pulls at Mid-Iowa Co-op, sponsored by Smith Farms and Row Crop Specialties.

The night wraps up with the Mike Bernard Band, sponsored by Green Products Co, on the Main Stage at 8 p.m.

“Every single sponsor, I appreciate so much. It is truly not possible without their help and without their donations,” Kuhl said.

For more information, visit: www.facebook.com/blackdirtdays.