Preparing to salute America

Another week jam-packed with events and activities is in store for the 10,000 Crestonians’ 77th Annual 4th of July Celebration.

While a majority of the celebrations will begin Thursday, July 3, Crestonians started the holiday early with the Greater 8 and 5K Run/Walk on Saturday and the annual Sand Volleyball Tournament Sunday.

For those who missed the weekend events but are still eager to start celebrating early, the Creston Arts Gallery and the carnival will both be running all week.

The art gallery, located inside the Restored Depot, will host work by artist Patrick Leer. The gallery will be open to visitors starting at 9 a.m. The gallery will close at 2 p.m. July 1, 2 and 4 and 4 p.m. July 3. An opening reception for Leer and his work will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, July 4.

A carnival presented by Amusement Associates will taking place in McKinley Park near the Union County Historical Village today through July 6. Bringing between six and nine rides, the carnival will bring fun for people of all ages.

In order to use the rides, community members must either purchase tickets or wristbands. A ticket costs $1, with most rides taking between three and five tickets. A wristband costs $25 and will be good for unlimited rides for four hours on the day of the purchaser’s choosing. There will be no refunds or rain checks, and height restrictions on rides may apply.

The carnival will operate from 4 to 10 p.m. July 1-3, noon to 10 p.m. July 4 and 5 and for a to-be-determined amount of time July 6.

Thursday, July 3

Activities start to ramp up Thursday, July 3, starting with the Veterans Appreciation Breakfast from 7 to 8:30 a.m. at the mealsite in the Restored Depot. Veterans and their families are welcome to enjoy a free breakfast.

Throughout the day, Creston Arts will be working on their 12th annual Chalk the Town. Keep an eye out for patriotic designs outside area businesses.

Starting at 4 p.m. and running until 8 p.m., Creston service clubs Kiwanis, Lions and Rotary will host The Big Barbeque Bash at McKinley Park by the bear statue. Tickets are $10 and will provide the purchaser with a burger or grilled tenderloin, chips, a cookie and a drink. Tickets can be purchased from club members or day of at the event.

While Crestonians are at the park enjoying their barbecue dinner, they can take time to visit the KSIB Car Show or listen to Garret Lee and the Relics for this week’s “Thursdays” After Five. Both these events start around 5 p.m. and last two hours.

If residents still haven’t had enough entertainment for the day, they can head back to Uptown Creston from 9 to 11 p.m. for the Elks’ Street Dance, featuring Des Moines-based pop/rock band Decoy.

Friday, July 4

On Friday, July 4, the festivities start early again, with the annual flea market running from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Uptown district. Creston Friends of the Library will also host a Scholastic Book Fair from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Restored Depot’s mealsite.

Starting at 9 a.m., visitors will be able to get their culture on. Open until noon is the caboose on Adams Street and the model railroader’s tracks. Liberty Hall and its accompanying museum will welcome guests until 1 p.m. at 111-113 W. Montgomery St.

A crowd favorite, the 4th of July parade will begin at 10 a.m., back to its normal route after last year’s construction. With the theme of “Salute to America,” attendees can enjoy various floats and performances throughout Uptown.

Parade entries will line up on Mills Street from the area of the sale barn. At 10 a.m. the parade will start near the intersection of Pine and Mills streets and head south on Pine Street before turning west on Montgomery Street and then south on Division Street.

The parade will continue to Adams Street where it will turn east until reaching Walnut Street where it will go north to Montgomery Street and then travel east to Cherry Street where the parade comes to an end.

Immediately following the parade, the Elks will hold their annual cookout and beer garden.

The Lions Club Bingo will begin at 1 p.m. and last until 9 p.m. at McKinley Park. The Union County Historical Village will be open from 1 to 4:30 p.m. starting Friday and continuing with these hours Saturday and Sunday.

At 5:30 p.m., the Boy Scouts and the VFW will host their flag retirement ceremony at McKinley Park. Attendees will want to stick around following the ceremony, as the Bill Riley and Creston talent shows start at 6:30 p.m. at the bandshell.

The night finishes off with a firework show at 9:30 p.m. in McKinley Park put on by Top Notch Fireworks.

Party in the Park

A final hurrah for the holiday events takes place the evening of Saturday, July 5, with the 19th annual Party in the Park starting at 6 p.m. at the bandshell. Performing this year are Kansas City-based Carl Worden Band, followed by Elton John tribute group Elton Dan and the Rocket Band.

Party in the Park won’t be the first time Carl Worden plays in Creston this summer. He also performed with his wife Vicki at Fridays After Five June 13.

According to their website, the Carl Warden Band’s music “captivates audiences with its raw intensity and poignant lyrics, showcasing a dynamic blend of folk rock and rock. Music lovers have come to love him because of his unique style and moving performances.”

Elton Dan has been performing since 2015, visiting 38 states and planning a world tour for 2026. Elton Dan and the Rocket Band try to encompass the full Elton John experience, including “magical piano playing, over-the-top costumes and infectious energy that will make you believe you are seeing Sir Elton John, up close and personal.”

While music begins at 6 p.m., gates open at 5 p.m. Tickets cost $25 and can be bought at the event or pre-purchased at Creston Publishing, Fareway Meat & Grocery and Hy-Vee. Party in the Park is a fundraiser for Creston parks.

Looking ahead

While Americans are celebrating the nation’s 249th birthday this year, plans are already being set for the semiquincentennial.

“Next year’s a big year. It’s the 250th anniversary of the United States, so it might be something people want to start thinking about now,” Creston Chamber of Commerce Director Ellen Gerharz said. Crestonians are invited to contact the Chamber with their ideas for next year.