– New events planned for Charles City July 4 weekend

To The Press

A number of new and special events will be part of the Charles City Independence Day celebration this coming weekend, Friday through Sunday.

From testing tummy capacity on hot dogs and watermelon to ice-skating in the middle of a park in July, organizers are doing their best to meet the goal of “something for everyone.”

Other children’s games and activities will also be available all three days in the park, including pony rides on Friday, July 2, from 3-8 p.m. The cost of the pony rides will be $5 per ride.

Here are some of the highlights:

Get ready for ice skating in July

Outdoor ice skating in Iowa in July? Yup.

Throughout this years’ Independence Day celebration July 2-4 the public will be able to lace up their ice skates and enjoy some winter fun in the summer sun thanks to a special synthetic ice rink being brought in. The no-melt surface allows for ice skating and hockey fun at any temperature. Bring your own skates or rent ice skates for $1.

The ice rink, which measures 32 feet by 55 feet, will be located in the rear parking lot at 401 North Main St., across from Central Park. Hours of operation will be 3-10 p.m. Friday, following the parade until 9 p.m. on Saturday, and 1-5 p.m. on Sunday

A limited number of rental figure skates and hockey skates will be available.

Contestants sought for eating contests

So you think you are a big eater? Here’s your chance to prove it!

The Charles City Area Chamber of Commerce has organized a Hot Dog Eating Contest at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, July 2, as well as a Watermelon Eating Contest at 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 3. Both events will take place in Central Park, and contestants for each event will be limited on a first-come basis.

The Hot Dog Eating Contest is being sponsored by Fareway and Dave’s Restaurant. It is being limited to the first six contestants to register with the Chamber of Commerce, with a $5 entry fee.

Contestants will have 10 minutes to eat as many hot dogs with buns that they can, with the winner to receive a $100 cash prize and the runner-up $50. Water will be provided for participants to use during the competition.

Sean Christiansen is the reigning contest champion with 12 dogs and buns consumed in 2019.

On Saturday, Hy-Vee will sponsor a free Watermelon Eating Contest open to all ages at 4 p.m. That contest will be limited to the first 15 people who sign up on site at 4 p.m. Participants will have 5 minutes to eat as many seedless watermelon wedges as they can, with the winner to receive a $100 Hy-Vee gift card and the runner-up to receive a $50 gift card.

Any participants under the age of 18 will need a parent’s signature on the required waiver to compete.

Firecracker 5 race set for July 3rd

The 19th Annual Charley Western Firecracker 5 run along the Cedar River in Charles City is set for Saturday, July 3. The 7:30 a.m. race will be a 5K run/walk only this year. The entry fee is $30, with special Firecracker 5 T-shirts available to all who register by noon June 30. All race proceeds this year will go toward lighting of the new bridge and the dark areas along the recreational trail.

There will be 11 age categories for men and women, ranging from 14-and-under to 60-and-above. Medals will be awarded for the top three finishers in each age division.

Registration will be available the day of the race at the starting point at the Charles City High School from 6:15-7:15 a.m., as well as in advance online at www.GetMeRegistered.com/CharleyWestern5 or by picking up a race brochure at the Main Street Charles City office at 401 North Main St. Advance registration is encouraged.

Charles City Bike Ride on July 5th

A Charles City Bike Ride has been organized for Monday, July 5, departing from the First Security Bank & trust lot at 8 a.m. with a choice of 26, 34 or 50-plus mile routes. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and cost is $5.

Contact Dick Neal for more information at 641-330-9228. A SAG Wagon will be available.

For more information

The Charles City Fourth of July Celebration runs July 2-4. Visit www.charlescitychamber.com for the latest schedule of activities or contact the Charles City Area Chamber of Commerce for more information or to sign up for the Hot Dog Eating Contest, at 401 North Main St., 641-228-4234 or info@charlescitychamber.com.