I’ll get to watch the fireworks this year
Once again, we are gearing up for a huge Fourth of July celebration here.
The weather forecast is looking great right now. Of course, that can change — this is Iowa after all.
After living in Creston going on 19 years, I am still amazed at the scope of the Fourth of July events.
The carnival starts today about noon in McKinley Park. It always has rides fit for just about any age and game booths for those who want to take their chances to win a teddy bear or other trinket. The carnival continues through Sunday.
A few more things start on Friday, including Friends of the Library Scholastic Book Fair and family night 4 to 9 p.m. at the restored Creston Depot. Clifford the Big Red Dog will be there both Friday night and Saturday. There’s no charge to get into the book fair.
I talked to Kay Raymond about the books, and she told me Scholastic is sending a bigger variety of books this year including best sellers. There are books for everyone from the youngest child through adult.
Friday night the Elks Club will host its annual street dance. There will be plenty of food and drink, starting at 6 p.m., plus the band Flash at 9 p.m. until 1 a.m. The Elks will also be serving food Saturday starting at 11 a.m.
You’ll want to get started early Saturday morning to see what is at the flea market on Maple Street. But, if you aren’t an early riser the flea market stays open until 5 p.m.
The Creston High School alumni reunion will be held at the ISU Extension office 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Even if you aren’t a graduate of Creston High School it’s fun to stop by and visit with those who are there and look at the pictures many bring with them.
One of the biggest events of the day starts at 10 a.m. — the Fourth of July parade. It travels through the business district. Bring a folding chair and find a spot. But, you’ll need to get there fairly early, people start claiming their positions as early as 9:30 a.m.
After the parade, I usually take another pass through the flea market, then over to the Depot to check out the model railroaders display and make sure I didn’t miss anything at the book fair. Hopefully, the Friends of the Library will be mixing up their fresh-squeezed lemonade in front of the depot again this year. A nice cold glass of lemonade has become a tradition for me.
Then it’s time to head out to McKinley Park. The classic and antique tractor pull starts at noon and goes most of the afternoon and the Old Tyme Power folks will have their old-fashioned engines putting along.
The Union County Historical Complex will be open 1 to 5 p.m. for “Pioneer Days.” There are some demonstrations going on and you can tour the buildings to learn a little about local history. The complex will also be open 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.
You can play bingo with the Lions Club at the west pavillion 1 to 9 p.m. and watch the Cub Scout cub mobiles 2 to 4 p.m.
The talent show starts at 6:30 p.m. in the band stand. There are some really talented kids — and some not so talented, but no matter they are all cute and it’s fun to watch.
The really big show starts at 10 p.m. — the fireworks. I think it’s one of the best in the state.
With July 4 falling on Saturday this year, I might even get to stay up and watch the fireworks since I don’t have to work the next day!
