Madness will reign

Walter Sprague
Art and Culture Reporter
 
On Sept. 5, Main Street will be closed off to treat the third annual Madness on Main. The madness will occur from 2 to 5 p.m., with music and allowed open containers from 5 to 10 p.m. 
The party is sponsored, in part, by the Weston County Travel Commission. Other sponsors are Wyoming Refining Company/Par Pacific Holdings, Wyoming Pipeline Co., Woody’s Food Center, First State Bank of Newcastle, Edward Jones Investments, Isabella’s and Miners on Main, Ranchers Feed and Supply, KASL Radio Station, Weston County Gazette, Black Hills Energy, ACED Embroidery, Pinnacle Bank of Newcastle, Coca-Cola High Country Bottling Co., and News Letter Journal.
Organizers are Tasha Townsend and Martha Bickford, who call themselves the Chaos Queens. The city of Newcastle will close Main Street from Sumner Avenue to Railway and Railroad Avenues. Townsend said that people should bring lawn chairs, good attitudes and an expectation for lots of fun.
“We’re making memories for the community,” Townsend said. “We want people to come and enjoy themselves, enjoy the day. It might be shorter this year, but let’s make it great!”
The day kicks off with an ice cream social under the awning of the library at 2 p.m. Other events to enjoy will be the Farmers Market along Main from Seneca  to Railway and Railroad Avenues. There will be a community feed in the First State Bank parking lot. Excitement and endurance will be displayed in the second annual Hospital Hill Bike Race. The second annual Beat Cancer Car Bash by WC Sports and Western Wear will take place in honor of Tim Carr, who lost his life last year. Also, what Townsend calls the largest water balloon fight will take place in the middle of Main Street. Of course, the Newcastle Volunteer Fire Department will be spraying down anyone who has adventure on their minds after the balloon fight. Weston County Arts Council will sponsor an open mic event at 5 p.m., so bring your voices and be prepared to show off your talents.
This year’s Chaos Queens are Tasha Townsend, Martha Bickford, Liz Townsend and Hope McKay. There will also be Pandemonium Princes and Princesses to help with all the functions during the day.
The Chaos Queens ask that people respect the current COVID-19 recommendations, stay safe but be prepared to still have fun.
“Let Madness on Main cook dinner,” Bickford said, “Bring out the family and get ready for some good safe fun.”