News : Things to do on the 4th of July

Some of the patriotic resources available at the local Vinton Public Library

If you are looking for some fun things to do on the 4th of July, don't forget to take the kids to enjoy the splash pad at Kiwanis Park, or enjoy some play time at Riverside Park, then swing by BL Anderson to check out the new look there! Grab a patriotic book at the library today to enjoy over the weekend!

If you prefer a road trip this weekend, here are some activities around the state that you can enjoy over the fourth. 

Amana

• Firecracker 4th Antique Show
  • Amana RV Park
  • • Friday, July 4th from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Admission is $4
• 4th of July in the Park
  • Amana Community Park
  • Friday, July 4th
  • Featuring pick-up baseball/soccer/volleyball games, a pot luck dinner, live music, and fireworks over Lily Lake

Belle Plaine

• July 4th Celebration
  • Franklin Park
  • Friday, July 4th beginning at 8 a.m.
  • Featuring a 5K, a parade, games/tournaments, swimming, food, a beer tent, fireworks, and more

Cedar Rapids

• Freedom Festival
  • Yoga on the Island
    • Mays Island
    • Friday, July 4th from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
    • Free with Freedom Festival Button
  • Car Show
    • Downtown Cedar Rapids
    • Friday, July 4th from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
  • Pancake Breakfast
    • Veterans Memorial Building, Cedar Rapids
    • Friday, July 4th from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
    • Meals are $10 or $5 with a Freedom Festival Button - ages 5 and under eat free
  • Patriotic Pop-Up Vendor Market
    • Veterans Memorial Building
    • Friday, July 4th from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Celebration of Freedom
    • Downtown Cedar Rapids
    • Friday, July 4th from 1:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
    • Featuring live performances, food trucks, face painting, bounce houses, fireworks, and more
    • Freedom Festival Button required for entry

Independence

• Celebrate Indee
  • Riverwalk Parks
  • Dates/Times
    • Thursday, July 3rd from 4 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
    • Friday, July 4th from 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
  • Featuring a parade, a fun zone, live entertainment, fireworks (July 4th), tournaments, food, and more

Ridiculous Days

• Anamosa, Iowa
• July 4th & 5th
• Featuring a hot dog eating contest, a "Messy Play" event, breakfast, a costume contest, a car, truck, & bike show, and more

Greater Ottumwa Rodeo

• Greater Ottumwa Park
• July 4th & 5th at 7 p.m. - gates at 5 p.m.
• Tickets are $12 at the gate for ages 13+ and $5 for ages 6 to 12