Final ‘Party in the Park’ of 2026 in Charles City In the Books…Finally

That’s the band Retrospect with Jana West performing Friday (08.21) night at the final Party in the Park in Charles City, which finally got cooperation from Mother Nature.

Because of rain, Main Street Charles City had to postpone the last of four PIPs for 2026 two times before running it back —finally— with dry conditions and temps in the 70s.

Still, some fun Friday night at Central Park required moisture.

That’s the Charles City Fire Department signaling the start of the finals in the Downtown Duck Dash on the makeshift water course on North Jackson Street, adjacent to Central Park.  Community Development Director Mark Wicks says a total of 973 plastics were purchased, which were then whittled down through the preliminary heats to the final 30 ducks.

Finishing first overall was the duck purchased by Sarah Barrett of Charles City, who won the top prize of $1,000.

The Duck Dash served as a fundraiser for both the Charles City Area Chamber of Commerce and the Main Street Charles City program, with a donation also to CCFD for their assistance.