Charles City plans full weekend of Fourth of July fun

To The Press

Charles City will celebrate Independence Day with a full slate of events from July 3 to 5, featuring a parade, fireworks, live music, contests and family-friendly entertainment in and around Central Park.

Community Development Director Mark Wicks said the festivities will include activities for all ages, with patriotic events, food and beverage vendors, children’s games and special attractions like the Champions Forever stunt team.

Thursday, July 3: Kid-centered events

Kids Day will begin Thursday morning in Central Park, sponsored by Soifer Family McDonald’s and First Citizens Bank. Activities include:

• 10 a.m. – Registration for Kids Parade and door prizes.
• 10:30 a.m. – Parade around the park and nearby blocks.
• 11 a.m. to noon – Free kids’ games and $3 McDonald’s lunch.
• Noon to 12:45 p.m. – Children’s magician performance.

Additional Thursday activities for youth include $2.50 bowling at Comet Bowl and $2.50 mini golf at Bayou Bend from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be a free swim from 1 to 3 p.m. at Lion’s Field Pool, with Mermaid Story Time at 2:30 p.m.

That evening, country music performer Jake Simon will play at the Charles Theatre. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the concert begins at 8. Tickets are $15.

Friday, July 4: Parade, music and fireworks

Festivities begin early Friday with the Charley Western Firecracker 5K, organized by Main Street Charles City. The race begins at 7:30 a.m., with registration starting at 6 a.m. at the high school track. Proceeds benefit local recreational trail improvements.

Parade entry lineup starts at 8 a.m. on 13th Avenue. The parade begins at 10:30 a.m., following a route from North Grand to North Main, over to Clark Street, then North Jackson, ending near Richings Street. Late registrations will be accepted onsite with a $20 fee.

Central Park becomes the hub of activity starting at noon. The band The Chocolate Crackers will perform until 4 p.m., with food vendors and a beer garden available. A bags tournament starts at 2 p.m.

Hy-Vee will sponsor a Watermelon Eating Contest during the band’s break, followed by a 3 p.m. show by the Champions Forever stunt team. The group is known for basketball and unicycle tricks, and is sponsored by Mike Molstead Motors.

The Charles City Municipal Band will present its annual patriotic concert at 7:30 p.m. behind the public library.

The day ends with the city’s fireworks show at 10 p.m., launched from the Main Street Bridge and organized by Main Street Charles City.

Saturday, July 5: Bikes, art and entertainment

Saturday kicks off with the Charles City Bike Ride at 8 a.m. from the First Security Bank & Trust parking lot.

The Charles City Farmers Market will run from 9 a.m. to noon on North Jackson Street.

Also at 9 a.m., a “Red, White and Chalk the Walk” art competition will begin in Central Park. The event is free and open to all ages.

Food vendors return for lunch and dinner, with more activities from 4 to 9 p.m.

A Hot Dog-Eating Contest will be held at 4 p.m., sponsored by Dave’s Restaurant and Fareway. Registration is through the Chamber Office and limited to the first eight participants age 16 and up.

The Champions Forever team will perform again at 4:30 p.m., followed by live music from the band On Maryland on the bandshell stage from 5 to 9 p.m.

During the evening, free inflatable rides for youth will be available in the park, sponsored by Daniels Auto Collision and Tynan’s Recycling.

For more information, contact the Charles City Area Chamber of Commerce at 641-228-4234, charlescitychamber.com, or follow the Chamber Facebook page.

Charles City Fourth of July Schedule

Thursday, July 3 – Kids Day

• 10 to 10:30 a.m. – Kids Parade registration and lineup.
• 10:30 a.m. – Kids Parade.
• 11 a.m. to noon – Kids’ games, $3 lunch in Central Park.
• Noon to 12:45 p.m. – Children’s magician.
• 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – $2.50 bowling (Comet Bowl), $2.50 mini golf (Bayou Bend).
• 1 to 3 p.m. – Free swim at Lion’s Field Pool.
• 2:30 p.m. – Mermaid Story Time (at pool).
• 8 p.m. – Jake Simon concert, Charles Theatre (doors 7 p.m., $15).

Friday, July 4 – Independence Day

• 6 a.m. – Firecracker 5K registration (high school track).
• 7:30 a.m. – Firecracker 5K race.
• 8 a.m. – Parade entry lineup (13th Avenue).
• 10:30 a.m. – Independence Day Parade.
• Noon to 4 p.m. – The Chocolate Crackers (Central Park).
• 2 p.m. – Bags Tournament.
• Band break – Watermelon Eating Contest (sponsored by Hy-Vee).
• 3 p.m. – Champions Forever stunt show.
• 7:30 p.m. – Patriotic Concert (behind public library).
• 10 p.m. – Fireworks show (Main Street Bridge).

Saturday, July 5

• 8 a.m. – Charles City Bike Ride (First Security Bank lot).
• 9 a.m. to noon – Farmers Market (North Jackson Street).
• 9 a.m. – Chalk the Walk (Central Park).
• 4 p.m. – Hot Dog Eating Contest.
• 4:30 p.m. – Champions Forever stunt show.
• 5 to 9 p.m. – On Maryland band performance.
• 5 to 9 p.m. – Free inflatables for kids (Central Park).

High water levels force postponement of Duck Dash event

Due to concerns with the river level, the All-American Duck Dash scheduled for Saturday, July 5th, as part of the Fourth of July Celebration activities, will be postponed to a later date.

Tickets will still be available for sale at the Chamber/Main Street Charles City office and throughout the July 4th festivities. For $5 each, or a “Six Quack” for $25, tickets will correspond with the numbered plastic ducks that will float to the finish line. The first 25 ducks gathered at the end will receive cash prizes, with a $1,000 first-place prize to be awarded.

Contact the Chamber/Main Street office for more information at 641-228-4234 or stop in at 401 North Main St. to purchase tickets in advance.