This year’s Party in the Park Festival will be held June 21-23 and has a tough act to follow after the celebration last year for the 2oth anniversary but the committee has put together some great activities, entertainment and fun.

The theme for this year’s festival is “Celebrating a Community of Heroes.” We have had a couple of devastating weather related occurrences over the past few years that really make us appreciate everyone in the community that has helped in the recovery efforts. But that is not the only heroes that we want to pay tribute to, we also want to show our appreciation for those that help with everyday life situations. It could be your neighbor that helped mow your lawn when you weren’t able to do it yourself, it could be a youth group that helped you during a winter storm. The good thing is that heroes come in all different shapes and sizes and at many different levels of sacrifices. This is all of our chance to thank those that have helped us and were truly our hero even if it was just for 30 seconds or for a long period of time. The committee has decided not to have Grand Marshals this year at either parade and honor everyone in the community because almost everyone has been a hero to someone else in a special way at sometime in the past few years.

Speaking of parades, the first parade we will be having is our Kids Parade on Thursday, June 21 beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Farmers Savings Bank. We have added a little bit of a fun twist to that parade with a Super Hero theme for the kids, so dress up as your favorite super hero and have a great time at the annual Kids Night downtown. After the parade, there will be inflatables, food, games and our entertainment for the night; the Schmidt Family Band and the Iowa Skippers.

Then on Friday, June 22, we head up to Riverside Park for an evening of fun with the headliner act being the Doo Wops singing their variety of songs that will take you back from the 50’s through current songs. Once again on Friday night we will be having the kick off to our fireworks shows. As always, Chuck Yedlik and the Bar Y Pyros will give you a show that you will remember.

The party really kicks in to high gear on Saturday with lots of activities for everyone to take part in and /or just sit back and watch. The entertainment will be great throughout the day and starts with the annual parade from the fairgrounds through the downtown.

The parade begins at 5:30 p.m. but you can start lining up at the fairgrounds at 4:30 p.m. Keep in mind the theme” Celebrating a Community of Heroes” when you are putting together your floats and parade entries. The parade route is as follows:

2nd Avenue from the Fairgrounds to and 6th Street

6th Street from 2nd Avenue to B Avenue

B Avenue from 6th Street to and including the corner of 4th Street

4th Street from B Avenue to 2nd Avenue

The evening entertainment will start off with another great performance by the High Road Band followed by nationally famous Vocal Trash. This is definitely a performance that you won’t want to miss that will be exciting for all ages to watch. Then we will once again be treated to a fabulous firework show to end the 21st annual Party in the Park.

 

 

Vinton’s Party in the Park is our community’s annual celebration made possible by many sponsors and private donors. For a complete rundown of the weekend’s events go to www.vprdzone.com or call VPRD at 319-472-4164 for more information. Forms for activities can be picked up at the Recreation Center including the 5K run & Walk, Dodgeball & Pickleball Tournaments, Bags & Horseshoe Tournaments and the annual Disc Golf Tournament.