• Article Photo. Annie Lent of Vinton threw out one of the first pitches on Vinton Night in C.R. July 10.
    Annie Lent of Vinton threw out one of the first pitches on Vinton Night in C.R. July 10.
  • Article Photo. Scott Betterton was a member of the Dream Team and took the field with the Kernel's catcher.
    Scott Betterton was a member of the Dream Team and took the field with the Kernel's catcher.
  • Article Photo. The sponsors of Vinton Night include Bob Moen, Betterton Family Chiropractic and McDowell's
    The sponsors of Vinton Night include Bob Moen, Betterton Family Chiropractic and McDowell's
  • Article Photo. Area Honor Flight participants were honored again before the game in C.R. Saturday, July 10.
    Area Honor Flight participants were honored again before the game in C.R. Saturday, July 10.
  • Article Photo. Andy and Annie Lent play catch on the field before Annie's first pitch before Kernels play.
    Andy and Annie Lent play catch on the field before Annie's first pitch before Kernels play.
  • Article Photo. Sammie Lundvall raced Shucks, the Kernel's mascot, to home from second. She won, and received $5.
    Sammie Lundvall raced Shucks, the Kernel's mascot, to home from second. She won, and received $5.
  • Article Photo. Sammie raced Shucks...
    Sammie raced Shucks...
  • Article Photo. .... beginning at second base.
    .... beginning at second base.
  • Article Photo. Sammie Lundvall and Shucks prepare for the race to start...
    Sammie Lundvall and Shucks prepare for the race to start...
  • Article Photo. Sammie receives instructions before the race from second to home.
    Sammie receives instructions before the race from second to home.
  • Article Photo. The evening ended with fireworks, fired from behind the center field fence.
    The evening ended with fireworks, fired from behind the center field fence.
  • Article Photo.
  • Article Photo.
  • Article Photo.
  • Article Photo.
  • Article Photo.
  • Article Photo.

The annual Vinton Night at Veterans Stadium took place Saturday, July 10. Vinton children took to the field with the starting nine for the Cedar Rapids Kernels. Other Vinton children served in the High 5 club, greeting the players as they took the field. Several other Vinton representatives also received recognition.

The local sponsors who helped with the purchase of tickets for the young Vinton ball players included: Bob Moen Insurance, McDowell's and Betterton Family Chiropractic.

Greta Geiken of Vinton threw out the first pitch on behalf of her city, a day before her 80th birthday. Annie Lent also threw out a first pitch, although she was representing radio station Z-102.9, which sponsored fireworks after the game.

Vinton shared the stage with veterans, since it was also Military Appreciation Night. Veterans participated in pre-game ceremonies, and a large American flag was displayed during the National Anthem. Some Honor Flight veterans were also recognized, and new Marines recited their oath of office in front of the thousands who attended the game.

The Vinton Parks and Recreation Dept. works with the Kernels each year for Vinton Night.