Pineville's Jesse James Days To Feature Fun, Food, Live Entertainment

Jesse James Days will feature a variety of activities for both the young and young-at-heart.

Events next week will include a pageant for youngsters, entertainment, food, a 5k and 10k run/walk and 13-mile bike ride, chances to win a car and much more.

In 1938, the square of Pineville was used as the setting for the movie, "Jesse James."

Now, each year, the town hosts several days filled with events, fun and food.

Pineville Mayor Gregg Sweeten said the festival is important for McDonald County neighbors for several reasons.

"Jesse James Days is one of the biggest events in McDonald County. It originally started in the '60s and the fire department started doing the event in the late '80s and uses it as a fundraiser for the department," Sweeten said. "Our equipment, safety clothing, and education materials we use in the schools are purchased from these funds."

Jesse James Days will take place from Wednesday, Aug. 9, through Saturday, Aug. 12, on the Pineville Square.

Each night of Jesse James Days features live entertainment, as well as carnival rides and a flying-disc-throwing contest for youth up to age 12.

T-shirts and commemorative refill cups are now on sale at City Hall.

The festival's events kick off Wednesday with entertainment, carnival rides and more.

On Thursday, charming boys and pretty girls will vie for honors in the Jesse James Pageant, which will take place at 6 p.m. Thursday.

Other events include a pie auction, which will take place at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday night, a parade Saturday night, and a barbecue chicken dinner at the Community Center following the parade.

Officials also have been working on lining up vendors for Jesse James Days and expect a variety of vendors to be on hand.

Live entertainment kicks off Wednesday night, featuring The Goulds, followed by RedWolf on Thursday night, Lickitty Split on Friday night and Flashback on Saturday night.

Carnival rides open at 6 p.m. each night. Arm bands are being sold for $15 until 4 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 4. After that, the arm bands will be available for $18 each. On Wednesday, Aug. 9, the first day of Jesse James Days, the arm bands will be sold for $20 each. Each arm band can be utilized for one night only, but can be used any night the buyer would like.

Officials said they try to offer the arm bands at a price break, so that all can enjoy the carnival rides.

"The fire department wants to help out as much as we can," Sweeten said, so the department subsidizes the $3 on each for a limited time.

On Saturday morning, those who would like to support the Pineville Fire Department and McDonald County 4 Kids can walk, run or bike as part of the Running With The Outlaws event.

The 5K or 10K run/walk or 13-mile bike race begin at 8 a.m. Saturday. The Pineville Fire Department will help cool down the course with water cannons. Officials said, however, that the water cannons will not be directed at participants.

Cost to register for the 5K is $25; 10k, $35; bike ride, $40.

All proceeds of this event will benefit the Pineville Fire Department and the McDonald County 4 Kids.

Other activities include a car giveaway on Aug. 12. Officials will give away a 2004 Ford Mustang 40th Anniversary Edition. All taxes are prepaid so the winner isn't required to pay them. Chances are $1 each or six for $5.

Tickets are available at City Hall and from any Pineville firefighter. All proceeds will benefit the Pineville Fire Department.

The car will be given away at 9 p.m. Aug. 12.

For information, tickets or questions about Jesse James Day events, contact Melissa Ziemianin at City Hall at 223-4368.