COLTON -- The town of Colton is gearing up for its annual Colton Country Days Celebration.

This year is the 35th year; and events will highlight aspects of the town’s rich history and love of the outdoors. Many of the events are free to attend.

Festivities kick off on Sunday, July 15 with a Disc Golf Clinic & Play from 2-5 p.m. The clinic, taking place at Swift Field in South Colton, is for people of all ages and skills with participants learning and brushing up on techniques from David Tulloch. Play will follow at the town’s new Disc Golf Course nearby at the end of Morgan Road.

On Monday, July 16 at 10 a.m. a Walking Tour of Main Street will precede the showing of a video on Floating Islands. Mary Jane Watson will lead the tour on behalf of the Colton Historical Society and in partnership with the St. Lawrence County Historical Association.

Activities for young and old are planned for Tuesday, July 17, beginning with a Story Walk led by Rachelle Romoda for the Friends of the Library. The Story Walk will take place on the town’s John Stone Memorial Nature Trail located off County Route 58 in the hamlet of Colton. Although the story is geared toward younger children the walk is for people of all ages.

On Tuesday afternoon from noon-4 p.m. the town’s Tourism & Beautification Committee will host a Barn Quilt Celebration with Dale Rexford’s help at his place on East Higley Road near the hamlet of Colton. The committee expects to reach its goal of having 100 painted barn quilts up around town by then with nearly 20 at Dale’s place alone. Attendees will receive an updated list and map of the barn quilts as well as information about painting barn quilts and upcoming classes; and will also have a chance to see Dale’s collection of vintage cars while enjoying refreshments and his barn quilts.

Andrea Malik starts the day on Wednesday, July 18, hosting an Introduction to Qigong from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the gazebo on Main Street (with the rain location being the Town Hall across the street). As a certified personal trainer and master of martial arts, Andrea says “whether you are a seasoned athlete or not particularly interested in exercising, Qigong will enhance your life. It is a synergy of posture, breathing techniques, gentle movement, and visualization.”

On Wednesday evening starting at 6 p.m. the Acapella North Chorus will perform at the Green on Church Street.

The Colton Methodist Church will hold an ice cream social during the event and if by chance it’s raining, then the performance will be in the church sanctuary.

Thursday morning at 10 a.m. the town will re-dedicate the town’s Memorial Park; and during the ceremony members of the Colton Historical Society will share some history about the site as well as the park where a stone to “All Colton Veterans” is now located.

On Thursday, July 19, at 7 p.m. the first of three performances of “Pump Boys and Dinettes” will take place at Colton-Pierrepont Central School in the cafeteria. The cafeteria is being transformed by Grasse River Players into a gas station, starry night, and diner along Route 56 for showgoers to be treated to a country music revue.

Showgoers also will receive a show program and historical guide featuring a tour of businesses along Route 56 in 1955. “Diner food,” including hamburgers, hot dogs, and mini-pies will be available to purchase at very reasonable prices from the Colt’s Pride Booster Club before and during the show.

Also commemorative shirts featuring “Get Your Kicks on Route 56” artwork will be available to purchase from the Colton Historical Society. Tickets for shows being held Thursday and Friday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. cost $10 for the general public and $5 for students.

They can be purchased at the Colton Museum in the hamlet of Colton, The TAUNY Center in Canton, and Brick and Mortar in Potsdam as well as at the door.

On Friday, July 20, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. the Friends of the Library will hold its annual used book sale. This year it will be held in the Colton Town Hall before the second of three performances of “Pump Boys and Dinettes” at 7 p.m. The book sale will continue on Saturday, July 21.

Traditional Colton Country Day activities take place all day on Saturday, July 21, starting with a pancake breakfast at Colton Methodist Church on Church Street from 7:30-10 a.m.

At 9 a.m. there will be lots to do, see, and purchase along Main Street and Riverside Drive. The streets will be lined with more than 40 crafters and vendors in tents and at the fire station; sales of barn quilts and fine art near the museum; games, giant water slide, and bouncy house along Main Street; food tents plus a chicken barbecue at the fire station; exhibits in the museum, and more.

Alumni of Colton-Pierrepont Central School are encouraged to meet at the Alumni Tent in front of the Library.

Registration for the annual frog jumping contest will begin at 9:30 a.m. in front of Zion Episcopal Church.

Throughout the day there also will be a whitewater release by Brookfield Renewable Energy at Stone Valley for expert kayakers to paddle the river and for spectators to watch.

A free clothing giveaway will take place at Colton-Pierrepont Central School.

“Music on the Bridge” will once again be hosted by Raquette River Pub.

This year the Colton Historical Society will have golf carts touring along Main Street and Riverside Drive to assist people in getting around. All this takes place before the annual ice cream social and fireworks by the Higley Association at Fireman’s Field off Gulf and Hanson Roads.

The week of festivities concludes with the third, and final, performance of “Pump Boys and Dinettes” by Grasse River Players at Colton-Pierrepont Central School at 2 p.m. Before the matinee performance there will be a select car show with antique and classic cars lined up in front of the school from noon-2 p.m. while hamburgers and hot dogs are provided by the Colt’s Pride Booster Club. Participating car owners, who will receive a ticket to the show, must coordinate with Ruth McWilliams, 315-262-2450, in advance. The car show is weather permitting.

For more details on the festival, check the complete schedule posted on the Town of Colton’s website, www.townofcolton.com, and/or call Cyndy Hennessy, 315-262-2524, and Scott Muller, 315-244-9956.