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Union Centre Boulevard Blast starts today

The crowd makes its way through the streets of the Union Centre Boulevard Bash in West Chester Twp. Friday Aug. 14, 2009.

Pat Auckerman/Staff file photo The crowd makes its way through the streets of the Union Centre Boulevard Bash in West Chester Twp. Friday Aug. 14, 2009.

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Staff Report Updated 9:26 AM Friday, August 13, 2010

WEST CHESTER TWP. —The newly revamped Union Centre Boulevard Blast, formerly known as the Union Centre Boulevard Bash, starts today, Aug. 13, with a few attraction additions in an attempt to make it a true three-day event.

“We try to make it an event that’s almost too much to do in one day so people have to come back a second day,” said Hague Atkinson, sales director of the company putting together the festival.

Atkinson said where in the past music entertainment was the typical main draw, he thinks people will attend the event this year for a combination of attractions. He said there will be twice as much music than in past years, beer and wine tastings, double the food vendors and a farmer’s market. Other activities and attractions range from amusement rides and a car show to a Raptor Project.

“The Raptor Project is a traveling exhibit of birds of prey, and it’s never been seen before in this area. It’s a true educational event and fun for the family,” Atkinson said. Owls, hawks and a falcon will be exhibited.

Attendance is expected to reach up to 50,000 visitors, according to event organizers.

Registration is necessary for a few events, including a car show, hot chicken wing eating contest and a 5k walk and run. A full schedule of events is listed on the event’s website, www.blvdblast.com

Staff Writer Kelsey Cano contributed to this report.

<h5>HOW TO GO</h5>What: Union Centre Blvd. BlastWhen: 2 to 11 p.m. Aug 13, noon to 11 p.m. Aug. 14, noon to 9 p.m. Aug. 15Where: Union Centre,  West Chester Twp.Cost: Free to attend THE SCHEDULEFriday, Aug. 134 p.m.: Hot wing eating contest, heat 15 p.m.: Acoustic Blues7 p.m.: Robin Lacy and DeZydeco9 p.m.: Kristen Keys and bandSaturday8 a.m.: Union Centre Blast 4-mile run/walk9 a.m.: Awards ceremonyNoon: My Nose Turns Red Circus Theatre1 p.m.: Nrity Arpana Indian Dance Company2 p.m.: Rickey Nye, sponsored by City BBQ4 p.m.: Hot wing eating contest, heat 25 p.m.: Madras Lounge7 p.m.: Trippin’ Billies, The Dave Mathews Tribute Band9 p.m.: Spin DoctorsSunday11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Car show1 p.m.: Drum performance by music and Wellness2 p.m.: Colombian Viva Latino Company3 p.m.: Hot wing eating contest, final heat4 p.m.: Wayward Son6 p.m.: July for Kings8 p.m.: Dave Mason

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