• Article Photo. Superheroes meet the kids before the parade.
    Superheroes meet the kids before the parade.
  • Article Photo. Vinton audience members watch the Iowa Skippers demonstrate jump rope routines.
    Vinton audience members watch the Iowa Skippers demonstrate jump rope routines.
  • Article Photo. The three-person handstand stunt is a favorite for rope jumping audiences.
    The three-person handstand stunt is a favorite for rope jumping audiences.
  • Article Photo. These two Iowa Skippers hold the same rope while jumping.
    These two Iowa Skippers hold the same rope while jumping.
  • Article Photo. The balloons were popular near the courthouse on Thursday.
    The balloons were popular near the courthouse on Thursday.
  • Article Photo. The audience watches as the Iowa Skippers demonstrate jump rope skills.
    The audience watches as the Iowa Skippers demonstrate jump rope skills.
  • Article Photo. Iowa Skippers: A line of jumpers performs.
    Iowa Skippers: A line of jumpers performs.
  • Article Photo. Viking football coach Jim Wochil with his parents at the Farmers Market.
    Viking football coach Jim Wochil with his parents at the Farmers Market.
  • Article Photo. The games for children included the air-powered ducky race.
    The games for children included the air-powered ducky race.
  • Article Photo. Michael Wood tosses the ring over the seal's nose during Thursday activities at the courthouse.
    Michael Wood tosses the ring over the seal's nose during Thursday activities at the courthouse.
  • Article Photo. The Schmidt Family Band fills the courthouse lawn with music.
    The Schmidt Family Band fills the courthouse lawn with music.
  • Article Photo. VSHS cheerleader Kenedy Nichol paints the face of Madison Stein.
    VSHS cheerleader Kenedy Nichol paints the face of Madison Stein.
  • Article Photo. Children cheer on their hamsters.
    Children cheer on their hamsters.
  • Article Photo. Vis Schmidt and his three sons play and sing for the audience.
    Vis Schmidt and his three sons play and sing for the audience.
  • Article Photo. Spiderman: Payton Gill dressed as his favorite super hero for the Kiddie Parade.
    Spiderman: Payton Gill dressed as his favorite super hero for the Kiddie Parade.
  • Article Photo. A kid-drawn cart was one of the modes of transportation used in the Kiddie Parade.
    A kid-drawn cart was one of the modes of transportation used in the Kiddie Parade.
  • Article Photo.
  • Article Photo.
  • Article Photo.
  • Article Photo.
  • Article Photo.
  • Article Photo. Viking players toss small footballs to the kids before the Kiddie Parade.
    Viking players toss small footballs to the kids before the Kiddie Parade.
  • Article Photo. Gwen Clemenson made this tribute to heroes to attach to her scooter for the Kiddie Parade.
    Gwen Clemenson made this tribute to heroes to attach to her scooter for the Kiddie Parade.
  • Article Photo. Batgirl: Jillian Worthen prepares for the Kiddie Parade.
    Batgirl: Jillian Worthen prepares for the Kiddie Parade.
  • Article Photo. Red, white and blue: Cadence and Addison Redlinger dressed up for the Kiddie Parade.
    Red, white and blue: Cadence and Addison Redlinger dressed up for the Kiddie Parade.
  • Article Photo. VSHS senior Chris Merchant autographs a football before players tossed them to the crowd.
    VSHS senior Chris Merchant autographs a football before players tossed them to the crowd.
  • Article Photo. Kelyn Rickels autographs footballs before the Party in the Park Parade which the Vikings led.
    Kelyn Rickels autographs footballs before the Party in the Park Parade which the Vikings led.
  • Article Photo.
  • Article Photo.

Hot dogs at Farmers Bank. A parade that includes bicycles, wagons, scooters and even a kid-drawn cart. Lessons on jumping rope from a team of Cedar Rapids students. Some classic favorite songs by a music group that has literally grown up in front of its audience. 

Those are just a few things that were part of the excitement on Thursday as the annual Party in the Park began. 

The weather was perfect as hundreds of children -- along with parents and grandparents -- gathered outside the bank for hot dogs, chips and pop. Super heroes walked among the crowd, shaking hands and posing for photos. The kids then paraded to the courthouse, where the entertainment included the Schmidt Family Band and the Iowa Skippers. 

Friday events begin at Riverside Park at 6 p.m. and include a pizza-eating contest, a cup-stacking contest, the Doowops and fireworks. See the complete schedule HERE.