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Party in the Park
After interest in the Carnival deminished drastically, due in part to the closure of nearly all the large factories in Rushden, the new Town Council decided to try something different for the town's annual charity fund raising event. A Party in the Park was first tried in 2002 and is now firmly established. It is held on the second week-end in July and on Saturday in the Hall Park. Charities set up stalls around a main arena, and stalls selling food and ice creams, together with a fun fair and some "white knuckle" rides, are erected around the park. In the evening on Saturday, in the walled garden, a concert with a band or group entertains the crowd. On Sunday a street market fills the High Street and entertainment and childrens' rides add to the fun.

2005 - 60th Anniversary of V E Day & V J Day

SATURDAY 14th JULY 2007 - PROGRAMME
RUSHDEN HALL
From 12 noon EXHIBITIONS by Rushden & District Art Society, Rushden History Society, Rushden Amenities Society, and Whitefriars Junior School.
ARENA
1.30pm The Eagle & Vulture Show
As seen on T.V. worldwide. See the huge Bald Eagle in flight!
2.00pm The Rockwood Dog Display Team
A highly professional team with a variety of breeds. Great fun for all the family with audience participation.
2.30pm Kettering Sea Cadets Marching Band
2.45pm The Flyin Ryan Motorcycle Stunt Show
Motorcycle jumps to take your breath away. Plus 12 year old tearaway Jumpin James.
3.15pm The Eagle & Vulture Show
Look out for Dyson, the ugliest bird in town.
3.45pm The Rockwood Dog Display Team
Some of the dogs have worked with Britain's top actors.
4.15pm The Flyin Ryan Motorcycle Stunt Show
Professional and exciting.
4.45pm Kettering Sea Cadets Marching Band
IN THE PARK
1.00pm Official Welcome by the Mayor (Cllr. Tony Helsdown)
1.05pm Inter Schools Touch Rugby Tournament
Competition for the Coulson Cup.
3.00pm MINI OLYMPICS open to teams of 6 children up to 11 years of age. 5 events to include running, jumping and throwing.
4.00pm Tug-of-War Knockout Competition
Local Teams.
SUNDAY 15th JULY, 2007
SUMMER MARKET & ICE CREAM FESTIVAL
Rushden High Street from 10.00 am
Continental Market Stalls
Farmers' Market Stalls
Bands
Punch and Judy
Pimms Tent
Children's Farirground Ride
Morris/Clog Dancers
Ice Cream
Programme of musical entertainment From approx. 11.30 am
Sponsored by ENC and Rushden Chamber of Trade
In 2008 the evening entertainment was by a tribute act "Greased Up" featuring music from the hit musical. Many took their chairs and settled down to enjoy themselves with picnic and drinks. A laser show closed the event.
SATURDAY 11th JULY, 2009
IN THE PARK
Small Arena/Car Park Area
1.05pm Junior Touch Rugby Tournament
Knockout competition for the Coulson Cup organised by Rushden & Higham Rugby Club
3.00pm
approx		 Power Trip Wrestling
A platform for the promising future stars of British Wrestling.
Main Arena
1.00pm Official Welcome by the Mayor (Cllr. Mrs Gill Mercer)
1.15pm Joseph's Amazing Racing Pigs
Six rare breed pigs who will fill the arena with their amusing antics. The pigs are on display all day providing much interest for the public.
2.00pm Kangaroos Gymnastics Team - The Comedy Display
Formed in 1981, the Kangaroos are now recognised as one of the leading gymnastic display teams in Europe and one of the top indoor and outdoor arena acts of any kind in Britain.
2.20pm Dingle Fingle's Clown Town Fire Watch
Presented by clowns 'Pump Waters' and 'Philup Bucket', featuring 'Fingle the Fire Engine'.
3.00pm Kangaroos Gymnastics Team - The Main Display
This display consists of a series of 7 increasingly difficult and more spectacular moves with over 200 somersaults including many doubles and triples. The highlight of the performance is multiple somersaults over a car.
3.45pm Joseph's Amazing Racing Pigs
With entertaining commentary and jolly music.
4.10pm Dingle Fingle's Clown Town Fire Watch
Will they find the fire in this hilarious slapstick show?

RUSHDEN MUSEUM
Exhibitions 2009

'Gas Mask to Gravy Legs' - Rushden during WWII
The Home Guard
Women's Work in Wartime
Wartime Milkmen in Rushden

Gas Masks, Civil Defence, Entertainment,
Rationing, Dig for Victory, Air Raid, Blackouts,
Bombing, The 1940's House and Costume

The Marriott Exhibition

Since it first opened in 2006, Rushden Museum has opened on
Saturday from noon to 5pm and on Sunday afternoon from 2-4pm
during the Party in the Park weekend.

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