The 2008 version of the Annual Downtown Pana Block Party will be held on Thursday, May 15, 2008 from 5:30 pm until 10:00 pm . In the past the event was held in September. Cool weather in the last few years has held down attendance. As a result the Pana Chamber Board has moved this year’s Party to May to kick off Pana Days.

H & H Amusements will be set up on Third Street from Locust to Chestnut and Arm Band specials will run from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The Little Baby Contest, as presented by Prairie Rose Health Care, Pana McDonalds, and Qik N’ Ez will be held that evening and will be open to babies from newborn through 35 months. The evening will also feature food and drink specials, fun and kids games. The event will be held on Locust Street between 2nd and 3rd Streets and it is suggested that kids of all ages bring your lawn chairs for a great fun evening.

Pana Days (formerly Pana Heritage Days) will also feature the Little Miss and Mr. Chili Pepper Contest. Single Entry forms for the 2008 Little Baby Chili Pepper, Little Miss, and Mr. Chili Pepper Contest are now available at the Pana McDonalds Family Restaurant, Pana News Palladium, Prairie Rose Health Care and Pana Qik N Ez.. Little girls and boys from 3 to 6 years of age are invited to enter the 2008 Pana Days Little Miss Chili Pepper and Little Mr. Chili Pepper Contests. The entry fee will be $5.00 payable to the Pana Chamber of Commerce.

The Little Miss and Mr. Contests will be held during Pana Days on Saturday, May 17, 2008 . Little Miss Contestants will assemble at the main stage, to be located on the corner of Third and Locust Streets, at 9:30 a.m. and the contest will begin at approximately 10:00 a.m. Little Mr. Contestants will assemble at the main stage at 11:00 a.m. and the contest will begin at approximately 11:15 a.m.

The kids will compete for the title of “2008 Little Miss or Mr. Chili Pepper”, a Plaque and a Pana Chamber Gift Certificate for $100.00; “2008 Little Miss or Mr. Chili Pepper Runner-up”, plaque and Pana Chamber Gift Certificate for $50.00; and the “Pepper Personality Award” , plaque and Pana Chamber Gift Certificate for $25.00.

All entries will be due in to Pana McDonalds, Attn: Kirk Woods; Pana Qik N Ez Attn: Heather Hoffman; Prairie Rose Health Care, Attn: Candy Carroll, Pana News Palladium, or the Pana Chamber of Commerce Office, Pana City Hall, Pana, Illinois 62557 by no later than 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 14, 2008.

Pana Days will continue on Friday May 16, 2008 at 5:00 P.M. with craft booths, flea market, demonstrations, displays, H & H Amusements with Arm Band Specials at 6:00 p.m., and free entertainment on stage. Saturday May 17, 2008 will also feature the International Chili Society Chili Cookoff, Art fair, more free entertainment on stage as well as more Booths, 3 on 3 Basketball, H & H Amusements all day with Arm Band Specials at 6:00 p.m. and much more.

All are invited to the Downtown Pana Block Party and Pana Day’s and are encouraged to bring their Lawn Chairs. For more information call the Pana Chamber Office at 562-4240.