By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
The schedule of events at the annual Yale Fourth of July celebration has been announced. As usual, there is a wide variety of activities and entertainment for all ages. The celebration’s motto is, “Not the biggest, but the best.”
Mayor Bev “Buffy” Louk shared her thoughts on Yale’s hallmark event.
“We will have a couple of new events including an axe-throwing truck sponsored by Mickey’s Bar and Grill and a foam party sponsored by the city,” Louk said.
Mayor Louk also suggested attendees bring lawn chairs for use while watching the parade and other spectator events. She noted the softball field is an excellent location for watching the fireworks at dusk.
Louk offered appreciation to all helping with the celebration.
“This year, the city of Yale is responsible for the celebration, along with help from volunteers in town and the fire department. Spearheading the committee is Mindy Fear to make it a Fourth you do not want to miss in Yale.”
Prior to and throughout the celebration, raffle tickets will be sold to help fund the festivities. Tickets are $1 each or six for $5 and can be purchased at Farmers State Bank (Yale), Just One More (Jamaica), Mickey’s Bar and Grill (Yale), or Tojo’s Bar and Grill (Jamaica).
Raffle winners will be drawn shortly before the fireworks. Prizes include multiple winners of $20, $50 and $100, a 28-inch propane grill with a gift certificate to Guthrie County Quality Meats, an Ada’s Acres gift package of soaps and candles, an inflatable tanning pool, a Solo flameless bonfire stove with ‘smores kit, a Splish Splash outdoor play center, a 6-in-1 sports set, a hanging wicker chair, and a Big Bobber floating cooler. Need not be present to win.
Note: Any weather-related changes will be posted on Yale’s Facebook page.
July 3
- The event kicks off on Thursday, July 3 with the slow pitch softball tournament. Games will continue through July 4.
- Thursday also will see the Perry-based band RUKKUS play a street dance. Attendees are welcome to bring lawn chairs. Mickey’s Bar and Grill will serve beverages and a limited food menu.
July 4
- Yale TTT Omelet Breakfast 8-10 a.m.
- Deardorff Highland Cattle food truck opens at 11 a.m.
- Red, White and Blue vendor fair 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Slow pitch softball tournament will continue.
- A pickleball tournament will also be held.
- Parade will begin at 11 a.m.
- Horse Show will begin at noon
- Bags Tournament, 2 p.m.
- Ironside axe-throwing 1-4 p.m. (closed-toe shoes required)
- Horseshoes will be played 3-5 p.m.
- Kids’ activities including face painting, balloon artist, and free movie, 12-3 p.m.
- Kids’ pedal pull, 2 p.m.
- Craft and cookie decorating, 2-3 p.m.
- Dunk tank, 12-4 p.m.
- Bathtub races beginning at 1 p.m.
- Foam party beginning at 3 p.m.
- A large fireworks display at dusk will bring the celebration to a close.
On Thursday, June 26, Clinton Matthias, a 63-year-old male from Guthrie Center, was charged and arrested for multiple crimes against an underage victim. The Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, is handling the investigation.
Special to the Times Vedette