MIDDLETOWN – It’s fun for the whole family in Middletown on Father’s Day weekend with a “Spirit of the Old West” parade, barbecue, dance, merchant specials, and rodeo events in Central Park.

The fun begins on Saturday, June 19, with the 49th annual Middletown Days parade on Highway 29 in downtown Middletown.

The parade starts at 10 a.m., but you must be in town by 9:30 a.m. to find parking because the detour route cuts off most of the parking downtown.

Parking is available along side streets to the east of the highway, unless posted.

Get to town early to enjoy the pancake breakfast at the Middletown fire station from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Cost is $7 for adults, $5 for kids under 12 for eggs and pancakes and all the trimmings.

The Fire Sirens will also hold a rummage sale next door to the fire station all day.

When you get back to town, check out the fabulous deals on used books at the Middletown Library, located at Highway 29 and Callayomi Street, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

After the parade, Middletown merchants will host a street fair on Bush Street, and many businesses will be offering Middletown Days specials.

The fun moves to Central Park just south of Middletown for a traditional barbecue, karaoke contest, parade awards, vendors, and lots of rodeo action in the arena.

The chicken and tri-tip barbecue with all the trimmings is served from noon until it’s gone. Cost is $8 for adults, $5 for kids under 12.

Grab your partner for dancing under the stars beginning at 8:30 p.m. Saturday night in the park. Enjoy music by the Dave Russell Band, drinks from the Lions Club bar, and delicious carnitas all evening long. Cost is $8 for adults, $5 for kids under 12.

On Sunday, take dad to breakfast at the annual Father’s Day breakfast hosted by the Middletown Lioness Club.

Enjoy ham, eggs, pancakes, biscuits and gravy from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Lions Clubhouse in Central Park for only $7 for adults and for children.

Then it’s on to the arena for fast action at the gymkhana beginning at 10 a.m. The Cowboy Cafe and beer booth will be open all day.

The day ends with the Queen’s drawing for the beef raffle, followed by the exciting rescue race and hide ride to close out another fun weekend in the Spirit of the Old West.