Bourbon’s Summerfest started out as a group of men meeting to talk shop and show off their cars. More than 25 years later, the informal car show has turned into a weekend-long festival of games, vendors and live entertainment.

This year’s Triton Community Summerfest, representing the  towns of Bourbon, Tippecanoe and Etna Green, is scheduled for Aug. 10-12 in the Bourbon Community Park.

Festivities kick off at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 10. Carousel rides and vendors will be open for business in the park. The carnival and vendors will be available every day.

At 7:30 p.m., local girls will compete for the title of Miss Triton in the park shelter. Admission to the event is $1 or a donation of paper products to the food pantry.

A 5K run starting at Triton Elementary School will mark the start of Saturday’s events. A fun run will follow at 8:45 p.m. All proceeds from both events will benefit the Jacob Berger Memorial Scholarship Fund. Questions regarding the runs can be directed to Justina Faulkner at (574) 253-2186.

The festival parade will show off the “Triton Spirit — A Can Do Community.” Entry registration will take place from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Triton High School tennis courts. Entries, which are free, will be judged in the following categories: walking units, large floats, small floats, cars or trucks, tractors, horses, miscellaneous and grand marshal’s choice.

Local children aged 3 to 5 can participate in the Cutie King and Queen Contest, with registration beginning at 12:30 p.m. The cuties will compete for the crown at 1 p.m.

At 2:30 p.m., there will be light-hearted competition including a bubble gum and twinkie-eating contests and a “Minute to Win It” game.

“Monkeys and More,” a family show,” will begin at 4 p.m. in the park shelter, followed by a pedal tractor pull on the basketball court at 5 p.m. and a live performance from South Bend band Broken Lace at 8 p.m.

As the burn ban was recently lifted, fireworks are expected to be shot off at dusk.

A breakfast provided by the Bourbon Ladies Auxiliary Post #424 will provide fuel for the closing day of the festival. Food will be served from 7:30 a.m. until it is gone in the park kitchen.

Registration for the day’s highlight, the Show and Shine Car Show, begins at 8 a.m. with awards beginning at 11 a.m. For more information about the car show, contact Lonny Berkey at (574) 342-0064.

Registration for the final pageant, the Cutie Baby Contest, will begin at 12 p.m. with awards at 12:30 p.m.

John Begley of Goshen will present “Illusions to Illustrate — the Gospel of Christ” at 2 p.m.

For more information about the Triton Community Summerfest, contact director Kathryn Chapman Dreibelbis at (574) 342-0389.