Charles City throws a banging Fourth of July celebration
Click photo below for more photos from Charles City’s Fourth of July celebration:
By Bob Steenson, bsteenson@charlescitypress.com
The sky was filled with booms and blasts Sunday evening for the fireworks show over the Cedar River near downtown Charles City.
It was filled with booms of thunder and blasts of rain Monday morning for the annual parade. Luckily, however, after delaying the start for an hour the sun came out shining and the hour-long march and drive down Main Street went off without a hitch.
The sky did alternate between sun and clouds, but nary a drop fell during the parade itself.
Winners for the event were:
- Best Commercial/Business Class Entry – Cambrex (giant Cookie Monster).
- Best Organization/Non-Profit Group Entry – Legends Baseball Club.
- Best Open Class – Maria’s Tacos.
- Best Antique Vehicle – Kehret Century Farm (restored Case Tractor).
- Mayor’s Choice Award – CDI LLC.
- Chamber Choice Award – Floyd County Fair.
The long weekend celebration began Thursday evening with a performance by the Stony Point Players of “Live and Local at the Charles: An Evening of Community Theatre,” a performance that was encored with a Saturday afternoon matinee.
Friday was the traditional Kids Days, with the Kiddee Parade in the morning and activities in Central Park.
Emily Garden, marketing supervisor for Soifer Family McDonalds, reported that they sold out of burgers and gave out almost 600 goodie bags. Soifers and First Citizens Bank sponsored the Kids Day events.
The hotdog-eating contest drew six contestants, including the reigning champion and a pair of familial teams.
Jon Shannon successfully defended his title as Hot Dog Eating Champion, polishing off 11 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes. That was down a few from the 14 he ate to win the 2021 title, but good enough to best runner-up Scott Galliart who was able to finish off nine hot dogs and buns.
For their efforts Shannon was awarded $100 from contest sponsors Fareway and Dave’s Restaurant, while Galliart received $50 in cash. Both men are from Charles City.
Other participants in Sunday’s contest were Roy Watson and his 11-year-old son, Alex, from Roland, along with Amanda Martin and Mavrik Martin of Charles City. Their hot dog totals ranged from six to eight.
Large crowds were on hand for both the live music in Central Park by Southland in the late afternoon and then by rising country music singer/songwriter John King in the evening, and by the Charles City Municipal Band near the library Saturday evening.
Charles City Development Director Mark Wicks said that other than the thunderstorm Monday morning that delayed the parade, the weather was great and everyone seemed to be having a good time over the weekend.
The annual Fourth of July Celebration is organized by the Charles City Area Chamber of Commerce.
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