Plans are coming together for next week’s festival, which is the 20th annual celebration, according to longtime organizer Connie Torneden.

It’s a weekend that she always looks forward to.

“I’ve just made friends with a lot of these people,” Torneden said of exhibitors. “And I see them once a year, so we catch up on things.”

The bulk of activities are set for June 11, but a barbecue contest and the Miss Tonganoxie Beauty Pageant both will be held on June 10. The barbecue contest will be held at the Leavenworth County Fairgrounds, with judging set for noon June 11, and the pageant will begin at 7 p.m. at the administration building at the fairgrounds.

Throughout the day on June 11, dancers and musicians will perform at Fourth and Bury.

“In our entertainment lineup, we have Allen McFarland,” Torneden said. “He’s over in Lawrence. He plays dulcimer and old-time instruments. And he likes to roam around throughout the crowd. And Joey Glenn is going to perform. We found a half-hour spot we could squeeze her in. I haven’t really heard her, except in school, choir. So I’m excited about that.”

McFarland will stroll throughout downtown, as what Torneden calls a “wandering, roving minstrel.” And Glenn, a Tonganoxie High School student who’s landed a recording contract with Wild Oats records, will sing at 10:45 a.m.

Among other highlights on June 11 are:

• Vendors’ booths set up throughout downtown Tonganoxie.
• The annual Friends of the Tonganoxie Library’s 10-K and 5-K run and 5-K fun walk. The library also will have an art show.
• Country Cruisers Car Show at VFW Park.
• Quilt shows — both vintage and newer quilts — at the Tonganoxie Historic Site, along with other activities.
• A Flag Day ceremony at VFW Park, set for 11:45 a.m., complete with flyover.
• A demolition derby at the fairgrounds, set to start roaring at 6 p.m.

It appears Fourth Street will be filled with vendors, Torneden said.

“I still have people calling up,” she said. “So I think we’ll have people clear from Fourth Street Cafe to Pammy Sue’s.”