Take a break from the beach and head down to Englewood this August for the Englewood Jaycees 52nd Pioneer Days 2008. The six-day affair celebrates and honors the original pioneers of Englewood with live music, a parade and a

Local musical group Bandana performs at the 2007 festival.

plethora of fun contests the entire family will enjoy.

Pioneer Days begins August 23, 2008, with the Little Miss/Mr. Pioneer Days Pageant at the Suncoast Auditorium. The winners get a sash, crown and medal, plus they'll ride on the Pageant Float in the Pioneer Days Parade on Labor Day.

On August 24, wake up early, stick a worm on your fishing hook and head down to Tom Adam's Bridge for the Fish A Thon. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. Prepare to catch (and release) small fish like sheepheads and grunts. Children who participate in the tournament receive rod and reels, T-shirts and other fishing gear for their efforts.

After the Fish A Thon, enroll in the Pioneer Days Bowling Tournament at Englewood Bowl. Registration begins at 12:30 p.m. and the "blind draw" tournament starts at 1 p.m. Participants - separated in youth, adult youth and adult divisions won't know who their teammates are until the tournament begins.

The following Saturday, August 30, make sure the family comes with an appetite because the day is filled with various eating contests, including the Watermelon Eating Contest where children, ages 8-16, attempt to eat a quarter of a watermelon with no hands.

The most popular event of Pioneer Days is the Cardboard Raft Race, also held that Saturday. Two rafts run in 100-yard heats 50 down and 50 back in youth and adult divisions until a winner emerges. The sizes of the rafts range from a surfboard to a six-person tiki boat.

On August 31, check out the Fifth Annual Bed Race. The five-person decorated bed racers dash down a one-block stretch. If competing in the race, prepare to get a little wet; drivers on opposing teams can spray you with a water gun when you veer into the refreshment pit stop to "refuel."

The final day of Pioneer Days' six-day celebration is September 1. In the morning, head to Old Englewood Road to watch or attend the Pioneer Days Parade. The theme this year is "Pioneer's Riding the Wheels of History." Marching bands, local people and various vehicles - floats, boats, old cars, hot cars, 30 John Deere tractors and fire engines - will promenade down the streets. After the parade, finish off the day with arts and crafts, food and a music carnival.

For more information on the Englewood Jaycees 52nd Pioneer Days 2008, visit http://englewoodjaycees.com/pioneerdays08.html