GLENDON – One of Glendon’s biggest days of the year is almost here, with the Glendon Derby set to take over the community Saturday, Aug. 8.

For a village the size of Glendon, drawing thousands of people for a single event is no small feat.

Mayor Brian Papirny says the annual derby has become one of the community’s signature events, attracting people from across the Lakeland and bringing an estimated 3,000 people through Glendon.

“I just feel that the Glendon Derby’s probably our biggest and most well-known event that we hold for Glendon and the surrounding area,” Papirny told Lakeland Connect. “Everyone in the Lakeland comes by.”

Speaking from the derby grounds earlier this week, Papirny said it can be difficult to picture just how busy they will be by Saturday.

“By Saturday, we’ll have 3,000 people sitting here.”

It takes a community to pull off the Glendon Derby

Long before the crowds arrive, volunteers are already putting in the work.

Community members were at the grounds for a work bee ahead of the derby, preparing the site for Saturday’s festivities.

Papirny said that behind-the-scenes effort is a big part of what makes the event possible year after year.

“We want a team environment, and that’s what it’s all about,” he said. “To have an event to be able to run as smoothly as it does every year, we need everyone just to come together and get it done.”

He added there is plenty of work visitors never see.

“There’s lots behind the scenes too that people don’t get to see. But everyone’s coming together; they’re going to pull it off like they do every year, and it’s going to be a great event.”

Make a day of it in Glendon

While the derby is the headline attraction, Papirny says visitors should plan for a full day in the village.

“A full day,” he said when asked what first-time visitors should expect.

The morning gets underway with a pancake breakfast at 8 a.m., followed by the Glendon parade at 10 a.m.

A farmers’ market will also be happening and following the parade, the local firefighters will host a barbecue.

From there, attention shifts to the derby grounds, with the action expected to get rolling around noon to 1 p.m.

The Glendon Agricultural Society is behind the derby, and Papirny said organizations like it play an important role in small communities.

“Ag societies, I find, are important, no matter where you live, and it’s very important for Glendon,” he said. “They hold all these kinds of events, and I think it’s awesome.”

The Ag Society has also been working on improvements to the community’s arena, a major project Papirny said is now nearing completion.

“That was a long project. But boy, that facility looks great for years to come,” he said.

And with another Glendon Derby about to begin, Papirny believes the community is ready.

“When it comes to events like this, they’re on it. This is what we need.”

The Glendon Derby takes place Saturday, Aug. 8, with activities beginning in the village at 8 a.m.