In Europe, it’s called a Waltzer.

The clock is ticking down to the Altoona Lions Club’s Cinder City Days – there’s even a by-the-second countdown on their website to remind everyone. This 45th annual event features activities for the whole family, regardless of age and interests. Perhaps the highlight of the weekend is the concert by nationally known country band Diamond Rio at 6pm Saturday, June 9, in River Prairie Park. There’s a carnival each day for the kids (and the kids at heart). Carnival wristbands are $18 from 5-9pm Thursday and Friday, and 1-5pm Saturday and Sunday. As for the weekend’s sporting events, there will be the Scott “Reno” Larson Classic Softball Tournament Friday-Sunday, a dart tournament at 1pm Saturday, and a 1 mile fun run/walk Saturday to support autism awareness. If you’re here for the arts, they have plenty of art-related events going as well. Along with the Saturday concert, there will be the conclusion to a months-long singing contest around the Chippewa Valley, the Cinder City Sing Off, on Friday at River Prairie Park. Saturday from 10am-3pm, there will be a craft show featuring a variety of vendors and crafters inside Hobbs at Cinder City Park. 

Altoona Lions Club presents Cinder City Days • June 7-10 • Cinder City Park, 2300 Spooner Ave. • River Prairie Park, 1445 Front Porch Place • 10th Street Park, 400 10th St. W • free admission • $12 general admission concert • $18 carnival wristbands • cindercitydays.com • altoonalionsclub@yahoo.com