HARRISON – The annual Old Home Days will kick off this week, continuing a tradition that began in town in 1923.

The festivities start Wednesday with food and the opening of the Fiesta Midway. The Art Moves Dance Group will perform at 7 p.m., leading into a competition for the title of “Harrison Idol.” As dusk settles, fireworks will be launched from the middle of Crystal Lake.

In addition to more midway rides and food booths, Thursday’s attractions will include a baby contest from 6 to 7 p.m.; the Old Home Days second annual road race at 7 p.m.; and karaoke with the Nick Knowlton Music Connection Boom Box from 8 to 11 p.m.

On Friday, the junior parade begins at 6 p.m., with prizes to be awarded in categories such as walkers, bicycles and tricycles, wagons and floats, and doll carriages. Winners will be asked to participate in the grand parade the next day. Friday will also include the opening of the Harrison Old Home Days casino tent at 6 p.m., and an 8 p.m. performance by Rick Albert & the O Street Band.

The Old Home Days events will draw to a close Saturday with the grand parade at noon, followed by an antique car show and the re-opening of the casino tent. The eighth annual Great Duck Race will begin at the Mill Pond Dam at 5 p.m., while the four semifinalists in the “Harrison Idol” competition will compete at 7 p.m. The winner will be announced an hour later, just before performances by Chad and the Gypsies, and Imari and The Sahara Dancers.