Fourth of July Celebration set in Charles City (information courtesy Charles City Chamber of Commerce)
CHARLES CITY – Enjoy a classic American Fourth of July Celebration in Charles City this upcoming holiday with a wide variety of activities and events planned for June 30-July 4, 2023.
It all kicks off Friday, June 30th, with a Charles City High School Drama Club Alumni Reunion at the Public Library from 2-4:30 p.m. All are welcome to come share Drama Club experiences and friendships. The from 5-9 p.m., it will be the second Party in the Park of the summer from 5-9 p.m. in Central Park. Hosted by Main Street Charles City, this free admission event will feature live music by the band “btdt” (Been There Done That). In addition, there will be food and beverage vendors, a beer garden, and various games and activities. Also on Friday, the Stony Point Players will be performing “Beauty and the Beast” at the Charles Theatre at 7 p.m.
Offerings on Saturday, July 1st, include the annual Charles City Bike Ride and 6th Grade Baseball Tournament at Lions Field, both getting under way at 8 a.m. The Bike Ride departs from the First Security Bank & Trust parking lot, with registration opening at 7:30 a.m. Cost is $5 and includes a Sag Wagon and choice of 26, 34 or 50-mile plus rides. Contact Dick Neal at (641) 330-9228 for more information. There will also be a performance of “Beauty and the Beast” by the Stony Point Players at the Charles Theatre at 7 p.m.
Beginning at 8 a.m. on Sunday, July 2nd, will be the Firecracker Classic Disc Golf Tournament at Sportsman’s Park, as well as a 4th Grade Baseball Tournament all day at Sportsman’s Park and a 5th Grade Baseball Tournament all day at Lion’s Field. Registration for the disc golf is from 8-9:30 a.m., with tee off at 10:15 a.m. Entry cost is $25. The annual Ron Turner Memorial Golf Tournament will take place at 9 a.m. at Cedar Ridge Golf Course. That afternoon will be a 2 p.m. matinee of “Beauty and the Beast” at the Charles Theatre and a Chamber Bingo Night from 5-7:30 p.m. at the air-conditioned Columbus Club, 502 Clark St.
The Fourth Celebration kicks into high gear on Monday, July 3rd, with Kids Day from 10 a.m. to noon in and around Central Park, hosted by Soifer Family McDonald’s and First Citizens National Bank. The Kids Parade will be at 10:30 a.m., followed by free games in the park and a $2 McDonald’s Lunch. There will be a Kids Stage Show from 12-1 p.m., sponsored by Quality Auto Service, and then music and activities in the park organized by the Charles City Area Chamber of Commerce. Those will include free inflatable rides, sponsored by Daniels Auto Collision and Tynan’s Recycling, from 1-6 p.m. Food and beverage vendors, the beer garden and other offerings will also be available. There will be a Co-Ed Sand Volleyball Tournament in the Chamber parking lot beginning at 5 p.m. and a Hot Dog Eating Contest, hosted by Dave’s Restaurant and Fareway, at 7:30 p.m. The 6-player Sand Volleyball Tournament, sponsored by Daniels Auto Collision and H&R Lawn Care, features a $30 first place prize. Cost is $60 per team and registration is available online at www.charlescitychamber.com under “Chamber Events.” Music in Central Park Monday will be provided by DJ Tad from 1-6 p.m. and the band “Bad Dog” from 6-9 p.m.
Other community offerings July 3rd are $2.50 Kids Bowling at The Comet Bowl, $2 Mini Golf at Bayou Bend Mini Golf from 1-3 p.m., and a Free Swim at Lion’s Field Pool between 3-5 p.m.
Then on Tuesday, July 4th, the day begins at 7:30 a.m. with the Firecracker 5K race and Kids Run at the high school, hosted by Main Street Charles City to benefit the Community Recreational Trail Fund. Register at 401 North Main St, or online through the Main Street Charles City Facebook page, or the day of at the football field concession stand starting at 6:30 a.m. The free Kids Run, sponsored by TLC: The Learning Center, will be at 8:15 a.m. on the high school track.
The annual Independence Day Parade will begin at 10:30 a.m. down North Main Street and around to North Jackson Street. Registration is available through the Chamber website under “Chamber Events,” or the day of. Lineup will begin on 13th Avenue at 8 a.m., with entry check-in on Cleveland Street. The entry fee after June 26th is $20.
Following the parade, Central Park will host food and beverage vendors, as well as live music by the “Southland Band” until 4 p.m. Hy-Vee will sponsor a Watermelon Eating Contest in the park at 2 p.m. All transactions in the park July 3-4 will be cash. No tokens will be accepted, including Party in the Park tokens.
The Charles City Municipal Band will perform its annual Patriotic Concert along the riverfront, behind the Public Library, at 7 p.m. Then the evening will conclude with the Fourth of July Fireworks Show over the Main Street Bridge at 10 p.m., organized by Main Street Charles City.
For more information, please contact the Charles City Area Chamber of Commerce at (641) 228-4234 or email info@charlescitychamber.com. Information is also available at www.charlescitychamber.com or on the Chamber Facebook page.
