Charles City Party in the Park celebrates 20th anniversary

By Travis Fischer, tkfischer@charlescitypress.com

Charles City celebrated 20 years of partying in the park on Friday, June 6, with a special kick-off to the summer event.

Warm weather made for a pleasant evening as the community gathered around Central Park to enjoy food trucks, games and giveaways organized by Main Street Charles City.

“It was a very pleasant and fun evening,” said Chamber Director Mark Wicks.

Along with games and activities put on by local organizations, entertainment for the evening was provided by the crowd itself as Kenyatta’s Sound facilitated karaoke for people to perform their favorite songs.

Celebrating two decades of the event, special recognition was given to original Party in the Park committee members. Jeff Sisson, Wendy Wandro, Larry Pump and Dean Andrews were there to talk about the history of the event and share their appreciation to the community for keeping it going all these years.

“For this to still be going 20 years later, congratulations to you guys for still carrying out and enjoying it,” said Andrews.

The fifth member of the original group, Pam Popelka, no longer lives in Iowa.

Wicks also offered appreciation to all the sponsors and volunteers that continue to support Party in the Park, from local businesses that set up booths and provide materials, to the individuals that help make sure everything is set up and organized.

“Our volunteers are fantastic. They really stand up,” said Wicks. “It’s been a neat thing to be a part of.”

Party in the Park continues on Friday, June 30, featuring musical group “Been There Done That.”