Annual Teapot Days celebration continues into the weekend

One of the city of Tea’s most cherished community traditions—Teapot Days—kicked off on Wednesday, June 18 and will continue through Saturday, June 21. The multi-day celebration brings together residents, local organizations, and visitors for family-friendly fun, live music, food, and festivities that highlight the spirit of the growing community.

Teapot Days were set to kick-off Wednesday evening with the Free CommunityTEA Picnic and the annual Crowning of Ma & Pa Teapot — Wayne and Margaret Larsen. 

The excitement continues into Thursday, June 19 as the Mighty Thomas Carnival opens from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. on Brian Street next to the Tea City Park, bringing rides and games for all ages. That evening also features the Titans Tavern Volleyball Tournament at 215 S. Main Ave., offering some friendly competition and fun under the summer sky.

Friday’s schedule is packed with activities from noon until midnight. The Mighty Thomas Carnival resumes at noon, running until 10:00 p.m. on Brian Street. At the Tea Park Picnic Shelter, kids ages 3 to 11 can test their strength at the Free Kids Pedal Pull—registration starts at 6:30 p.m., with pulling beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Car and motorcycle enthusiasts will enjoy the TeaFest Hot Rod & Motorcycle Show & Shine at the Tea Athletic Complex, 315 E. 1st St. Registration runs from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., with the show open to the public from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. The event also features food, drinks, music, and a beer garden with live music by Chris Graves.

In addition to food vendors available from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m., Friday night offers multiple entertainment options. Squealer’s Smoke Shack will host 11 Years New starting at 8:00 p.m., and Titans Tavern Dance will run from 9:00 p.m. to midnight, featuring the band Driven. All ages are welcome to attend. 

Saturday, June 21 is the grand finale and offers something for everyone. The day kicks off with the Teapot Day Parade at 10:00 a.m., featuring the El Riad Shrine. Parade participants should line up at Tea Area High School between 8:00 and 9:45 a.m.—no pre-registration required. Parade Marshall this year is Gordon Bergjord. Prior to the parade enjoy a Pancake Feed at the Tea Community Hall, 200 W. Maple, from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. 

The Mighty Thomas Carnival runs again from noon to 10:00 p.m. Meanwhile, vendors and food trucks will be set up at Tea Park from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., respectively. The beer garden will open following the parade and stay open until 10:30 p.m.

Families can also enjoy FREE swimming at the Tea Aquatics Complex from noon to 5:00 p.m. or compete in the TAPPS Bean Bag Tournament, with check-in at 12:30 p.m. at the park basketball courts.

Saturday also features FREE live music in the park, beginning with Power Play from 1:00–4:00 p.m., followed by Chris Graves at 5:00 p.m. and country artist John King from 8:30–10:30 p.m. The Lions Club Pork Feed will run from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Tea Community Hall, 200 W. Maple St.

A spectacular fireworks display is scheduled for approximately 10:15 p.m. at the east end of Tea City Park. Adults 21 and over can cap off the night at the Sky Lounge Street Dance, where Sugar Daddy will take the stage from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.

Also taking place Saturday is the Ride for a Cure Poker Run Scramble, with registration beginning at 10:00 a.m. at J&L Harley-Davidson and the ride concluding at Titans Tavern.

With four days of nonstop activity, Teapot Days offers something for every age and interest. This year’s celebration promises to be one to remember. 

Make plans now to join in the fun and celebrate what makes Tea such a special place to call home. 

See full schedule on page 10 of this week’s Tea Weekly.