The 2018 Panorama Days was filled with plenty of activity this past weekend.

In addition to live music, Friday evening began with a series of young tumblers from Main Street Dance Studio. The more experienced performers later joined in on the fun with several tricks and flips in front of the roughly 100 people around the central square. The studio also showed off their dance camp routines with a Disney theme set.

The dancing served as an entr’acte to Panora’s Bill Riley Talent Show qualifier, where eight of the thirteen acts across both divisions were solo dancers. Even though the show was filled with dancing, Ana Yam from Ames and Lucy Gannon of West Des Moines won the Senior and Sprout division respectively with piano performances. Since they both previously qualified, dancers McKenna Yordy of Ankeny and Emily Augspurger of Des Moines took the qualifying spots. Dylan Donovan and Adeline Godwin were also crowned the inaugural Mister and Miss Panorama Days.

The festival continued Saturday with a packed schedule of fun and excitement. The one-hour parade ushered in the second day of the festival. Included in the parade were several dignitaries, business representatives, emergency vehicles, and restored tractors. The day also included live music, various competitions, and the annual Lake Panorama Ski Show. Panora Telco Administrative and Customer Service Director Jaime Waddle was also honored as the Citizen of the Year.

On Sunday the inaugural BBQ Contest brought about 100 taste-testers to the Town Square. Each taster sampled three of ribs from a selection of sixteen different contestants. After voting for their top choice, Linden’s Ryan Wasson took the title and cash prize. The festival committee raised about $1,000, which will go towards entertainment for next year’s festival. To see photos from the weekend, visit our Facebook page.