Yale welcomes all to join in the city’s annual celebration.
The festivities include something for every age and energy level.
By Rich Wicks | Panora Times
If you didn’t know that Yale loves the Fourth of July, then you just haven’t been paying attention. Even the large “Yale” sign just west of town has a fireworks theme, a large American flag, and the motto “Not the biggest, but the best.”
In Guthrie County and the surrounding area, the Yale Fourth of July celebration is a longstanding tradition of fun and patriotism. The festivities include something for every age and energy level, from a parade and car show to softball, pickleball and bathtub races. And, of course, an impressive fireworks display as a finale to the festivities.
Yale’s mayor, Beverly “Buffy” Louk, shared her thoughts on what makes the city’s celebration unique.
“Yale’s Fourth of July is special as we are a very small community that has a community club that works very hard to make sure there is a variety of things to do for all ages. That is huge for a community of our size,” Louk said. “A huge shout out to the Yale Community Club for all their hard work to make this happen.”
Louk’s favorite memories of the event center around time with family and friends.
“Friends getting together for lunch, enjoying all the activities together, and fireworks to round out the day,” she said.
Mike Carey, one of the leaders of the Yale Community Club, shared some history and thoughts about Yale’s biggest annual event.
“We’ve got a longstanding tradition in Yale. I think our centennial was in 1982, so we’re creeping up on 142 years. Our Fourth of July has always been known for a great breakfast, and then we roll right into the parade,” Carey said. “We’ve got a car show that Joel Hester helps us out with, along with the Christian Motorcycle Association. The car show was very successful last year.”
Carey continued highlighting the fun events planned.
“We’ve got kids’ games and a pedal pull, pickleball tournament. We’ll have kids’ face painting in the fire station,” Carey said. “We’re going to have a great lunch served by the Community Club right after the parade.”
Carey gave details on the raffle tickets being sold throughout the celebration.
“We’ve got some grand prizes of $500 in cash, and then everything from folding lawn chairs, games, things like that,” Carey said.
He noted that additional raffle prizes are still being collected. Tickets can also be purchased at Farmers Bank in Yale, Mickey’s in Yale, and Tojo’s Bar & Grill in Jamaica.
“They’re a dollar apiece or six for $5,” Carey said. “It really helps us support our event.”
The most unusual event at the Yale celebration is the bathtub races.
“The Panorama junior class is involved, and there’s actually a bathtub on wheels with a steering wheel. The tub is filled with water and they put a driver in, and I think it’s three or four people that push. They weave in and out of the cones and circle back. It’s based on time and remaining amount of water in the tub,” Carey said. “So, if you splash too much water out, that could figure into your score.”
Carey also highlighted the vendor show set for the morning.
“We do have a vendor show that has 10 to 15 vendors. The gal that heads that up has Lucky Wife Wine Slushies,” Carey said.
Allyson Walker is in charge of the 5K run and 1-mile kids’ run this year. She pointed out that runners and walkers of all levels are welcomed. She also noted that strollers, or even dogs on a leash, would be welcomed, as long as collisions are avoided.
“We usually get about 50 people participating,” Walker said. “The youngest we’ve had in the kids’ 1-mile was a 6-year-old, and the oldest person we’ve had in the 5K was an 85-year-old.”
Walker offered additional information on the run/walk. Each participant will receive a “swag bag” of local freebies, and there will be medals for the top three finishers.
“It’s an out and back 5K course. There will be water and Gatorade at the halfway mark and at the finish,” Walker said. “We encourage people to sign up ahead of time to guarantee they’ll get their T-shirt size. People can sign up at our website, which is walkerwellnessyale.com.”
Yale’s Fourth of July schedule of events
Note: Any weather-related changes will be posted on Yale’s Facebook page.
July 3
- This year’s schedule of events kicks off on Wednesday, July 3 with the slow pitch softball tournament. Games will continue through July 4.
- Wednesday also will see the Perry-based band RUKKUS return for its fourth year playing a street dance at Yale. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. Food and beverages will be available from Mickey’s Bar & Grill.
July 4
- On Independence Day, Yale’s 10th annual 5K run and 1-mile Kids Run will begin at 8 a.m. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. $35 for the 5K, and $30 for the kids’ 1-mile. Proceeds will fund Yale’s 4th and other community projects.
- Raffle ticket sales, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Omelet Breakfast will be 8-10 a.m. at the Community Building
- Round Robin Pickleball Tournament, 8:30 a.m.
- Red, White & Blue Vendor and Farmers Market, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Parade will begin at 11 a.m.
- A pork loin sandwich meal will be offered following the parade, until 1:30 p.m.
- Horse Show will begin at noon
- Car Show (including tractors, cars, trucks and motorcycles), noon – 3 p.m.
- Face painting, balloon artist and free movie, noon – 3 p.m.
- Bathtub Races start at 1 p.m.
- Cornhole Tournament, 2 p.m.
- Kids Pedal Pull, 2 p.m.
- Kids Craft Time and Cookie Decorating (free), 2:30-3:30 p.m.
- Kenastons Family Band country music dance, 5-9 p.m. ($10, includes meal)
- Raffle ticket final sales and prize drawings, 8:30-9:15 p.m.
- A large fireworks display at dusk will bring the celebration to a close.
Carey said that, with the variety of events included in Yale’s celebration, many hands are needed.
“The biggest things we need are help and volunteers,” he said.
Anyone available to help is encouraged to call Carey at 641-757-7118. n