What's Happening Thursday at Johnston Green Days?

The waiting is over and the fun is about to begin.

Johnston Green Days, the city's annual summer festival, starts Thursday. Events are free and staged at the Johnston Commons area next to the Johnston Public Library.

Here's a rundown of events set for Thursday, June 13, via the Green Days website:

Live Evening Entertainment
5 p.m. - 10 p.m., DJ- Danzing the Night Away

Food and Beverages
Rib Contest + other menu items also available, 5 pm - 8 pm in the west parking lot of the Johnston Library - West Parking Lot

Eat your way through some savory ribs and vote for your favorite. Rib Shack, Mama Lacona's, Greenbriar, Smokey D's and Boondoggles will all be participating in this event. 2-bone rib sample plates are sold for $2 each.  Buy a sampler package for $10 and get 10 ribs and a free beer. Rib contest votes will be collected from 5-8 pm with the People's Choice winner announced at about 8:30 pm.

Food booths are open on the grounds from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday. Ribs are the featured food at the food booths on Thursday night, but a variety of other foods will also be offered so bring the entire family for supper.

The beverage tent will be open from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday. Green Days offers adult beverages on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights starting at 5 p.m. A variety of Budweiser products will be available for purchase.

When: Thursday, June 13, 6:15 Registration, 7:30 pm start
Where: Johnston Library - West Parking Lot

Light the Night for Sight is an evening walk celebrating the gift of sight and emphasizing safe summer celebrations. The walk is designed to raise awareness about the dangers of consumer fireworks, educate the public on the importance of sports eye safety and UV protection and provide information on how to preserve sight. 

Walkers will enjoy a stroll on the sidewalks and trails around the Johnston Library. There is no entry fee to participate, however walkers are encouraged to collect pledges. $100 in pledges will earn you a glow-in-the-dark T-shirt. 

For more information on this event, please visit www.preventblindness.net/LNSiowa or contact Amy O'Brien at 515-244-4341 or aobrien@preventblindessiowa.org.

The free family movie "Wreck-It Ralph" will be shown at 6 p.m. Thursday in the Johnston Library Meeting Room. Enjoy popcorn while you watch a movie on the big screen. If you have any questions, please contact Willona Goers at 515-278-5233 or goers@johnstonlibrary.com.

The Green Days Carnival opens at 6 pm. The cost is $20 for a wristband for unlimited rides.