Loaded schedule on tap for Charles City’s Independence Day celebration

To The Press

This year’s Independence Day celebration on Tuesday and Wednesday in Charles City promises to be a big deal, as always, and then some.

In addition to the Kids Day, 5k and 5-mile races, the Independence Day Parade, live music and activities in Central Park, as well as the fireworks show to cap things off, this year’s celebration will feature a number of new offerings.

Those will include a bigger stage production on Tuesday, July 3, featuring the band “The Dweebs,” as well as the Obermeier Construction BMX Stunt Show. The stunt show will be held at 2 and 6 p.m. Tuesday, as well as two more times Wednesday afternoon.

Another new offering will be the Simply Essentials Wing Ding wing grilling competition from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday adjacent to the park. Grillers will be competing for cash prizes and bragging rights, while the public will be able to purchase wings to taste for themselves.

A mechanical bull ride has also been added to the lineup of activities from 5-11 p.m. Tuesday.

“The Chamber’s Fourth of July Committee has been working hard to assemble a great event, with something for all ages,” said Charles City Events Coordinator Emily Garden. “And thanks to our great sponsors, this should be a really fun and entertaining time in the park.”

Things start to sizzle on Tuesday, July 3, with the Kids Day parade. Registration begins at 10 a.m., with the Kids Parade at 10:30 a.m. followed by free games and activities in the park.

McDonald’s will be offering a lunch option in the park. The Charles City Shining Stars cheerleaders will perform at 11:15 a.m., with the Super Cold and Grossology stage show at 12:30 p.m.

Starting at 2 p.m. there will be inflatables and games, pedal cars and Barrel Train rides at the park for children of all ages. The inflatables will be offered through 8 p.m.

Other Kids Day activities around town will include special prices on miniature golf from 1-3 p.m. at Bayou Bend Mini Golf, bowling from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Comet Bowl, a special matinee showing of “Solo: A Star Wars Story” at 1:30 p.m. at The Charles Theatre, free swimming from 3-5 p.m. at the pool with a penny dive at 4 p.m.

The Carrie Lane Chapman Catt House and Interpretive Center will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday and noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday at 2379 Timber Ave., with free admission.

DJ Vold will be rockin’ the tunes from 2-7 p.m. in Central Park Tuesday, with the Uncle Sam Jam starting at 5 p.m. featuring family fun, food, beverages, games and the live music of The Dweebs at 7 p.m.

A beer garden will be provided by the Charles City Pubcrawlers and DJ Vold will return to close out the evening from 11 p.m. to midnight.

On Wednesday, July 4, the Independence Day celebration begins with the Firecracker 5 at 7:30 a.m., with a choice of either a 5K or 5-mile race. Registration forms are available at the Charles City Community Development Office at 401 North Main St. or online at www.GetMeRegistered.com/CharleyWestern5.

The Independence Day Parade will start at 10:30 a.m. down North Main Street and back up North Jackson, with Central Park activities, food and live music immediately after.

The Bands “Endless Summer” and The Spacemen” will be featured, along with two more BMX stunt shows.

The Charles City Municipal Band will perform its annual patriotic concert at 7:30 p.m. along the riverfront behind the library, while the big fireworks show will take place downtown at 10 p.m. from the courthouse parking lot and Main Street bridge.

Wrapping things up on Saturday, July 7, will be a Family Bike Ride with choice of three different routes starting at 8 a.m. from the First Security Bank & Trust parking lot. An Adult Sand Volleyball Tournament will also take place that day at the Comet Bowl.

Contact the Charles City Area Chamber of Commerce at 641-228-4234 or email info@charlescitychamber.com for more information. The above schedule is subject to change, with an up-to-date schedule available at www.charlescitychamber.com.