News Release

CHARLES CITY – The July Fourth Celebration is always a big deal in Charles City, and this year promises more of the same … and then some!

In addition to the traditional offerings such as a youth talent show, Kids Day, 5k and 5 mile races, the Independence Day Parade, live music and activities in Central Park, as well as the fireworks show to cap things off, this year’s celebration will feature a number of new offerings.

Those will include a bigger stage production on July 3rd featuring the highly entertaining band “The Dweebs,” as well as the Obermeier Construction BMX Stunt Show. The stunt show will be held at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. on July 3rd, as well as two more times the afternoon of July 4th.

Another new offering will be the Simply Essentials Wing Ding wing grilling competition from 5-8 p.m. adjacent to the park on July 3rd. Grillers will be competing for cash prizes and bragging rights, while the public will be able to purchase wings to taste for themselves. A mechanical bull ride has also been added to the lineup of activities for July 3rd, from 5-11 p.m.

“The Chamber’s Fourth of July Committee has been working hard to assemble a great event, with something for all ages,” said Charles City Events Coordinator Emily Garden. “And thanks to our great sponsors, this should be a really fun and entertaining time in the park.”

The fun in town actually kicks off on Friday, June 29th, with the third installment of the summer Party in the Park series from 5-9 p.m. Hosted by Community Revitalization, the public can enjoy free live entertainment, featuring the Jay Clyde Band, along with food and beverage vendors, a beer garden, children’s games and more.

On Saturday, June 30th, the Iowa Summer Games will be in town holding whitewater competitions on the river in town behind the Charles City Public Library starting around 9 a.m. The Charles City Farmers Market will be at Central Park from 9 a.m. to noon, while a Family Tennis Tournament will be offered at Sportsmen’s Park from 12-3 p.m. The Charles City Jazz Band Reunion Concert will be held at the Youth Enrichment Center that evening at 7 p.m.

Sunday, July 1, will feature a Dad’s Belgian Waffle Breakfast at the Columbus Club beginning at 8:30 a.m. and the annual Ron Turner Golf Tournament at 10 a.m. at Cedar Ridge Golf Course. The Bill Riley Talent Show will feature youth ages 2-21 at the Charles Theatre at 1 p.m. Admission is free and performers will be vying for cash prizes and a chance to qualify for the Iowa State Fair.

The Stony Point Players community theater group will also be performing “The Wizard of Oz” at the 500 North Grand Auditorium at 2 p.m. In addition, there will be a Middle School/High School Volleyball Tournament at the Comet Bowl.

“The Wizard of Oz” will also be performed by the theater group on Monday, July 2, at 7 p.m. at the 500 North Grand Auditorium.

Things really start to sizzle on Wednesday, July 3rd, with the Kids Day parade and activities in Central Park. Registration begins at 10 a.m., with the Kids Parade at 10:30 a.m. followed by free games and activities in the park. McDonald’s will also be offering a $1.50 lunch option in the park. The Charles City Shining Stars cheerleaders will perform at 11:15 a.m., with the Super Cold and Grossology stage show at 12:30 p.m.

Starting at 2 p.m. there will be inflatables and games, pedal cars and Barrel Train rides at the park for children of all ages. The inflatables will be offered through 8 p.m.

Other Kids Day specials around town will include $2 miniature golf at Bayou Bend Mini Golf from 1-3 p.m., along with $1 game bowling at the Comet Bowl for kids from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Charles Theatre will be showing a movie matinee of “Solo: A Star Wars Story” at 1:30 p.m., while the Lion’s Park Swimming Pool will offer a free swim from 3-5 p.m. A Penny Dive will take place at the pool at 4 p.m.

The Carrie Lane Chapman Catt House and Interpretive Center will be open as well from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 2379 Timber Ave., with free admission.

Back in Central Park, DJ Vold will be rockin’ the tunes from 2-7 p.m., with the Uncle Sam Jam starting at 5 p.m. featuring family fun, food, beverages, games and the live music of The Dweebs. A beer garden will be provided by the Charles City Pubcrawlers and DJ Vold will return to close out the evening from 11 p.m. to midnight.

Then on Wednesday, July 4th, start your holiday celebration with a refreshing run in the Firecracker 5 at 7:30 a.m., with a choice of either a 5K or 5 mile race. Registration forms are available at the Charles City Community Development Office at 401 North Main St. or online at www.GetMeRegistered.com/CharleyWestern5. Cost is $30.

The Independence Day Parade will start down North Main Street and back up North Jackson at 10:30 a.m., with Central Park activities, food and live music immediately afterwards. The Bands “Endless Summer” and The Spacemen” will be featured, along with two more BMX stunt shows.

The Charles City Municipal Band will perform its annual Patriotic Concert at 7:30 p.m. along the riverfront behind the library, while the big fireworks show will take place downtown at 10 p.m. from the courthouse parking lot and Main Street bridge.

Wrapping things up on Saturday, July 7th, will be a Family Bike Ride with choice of three different routes starting at 8 a.m. from the First Security Bank & Trust parking lot. An Adult Sand Volleyball Tournament will also take place that day at the Comet Bowl.

Please contact the Charles City Area Chamber of Commerce at (641) 228-4234 or email info@charlescitychamber.com for more information. The above schedule is subject to change, with an up-to-date schedule available at www.charlescitychamber.com.