Osceola’s Independence Day Celebration draws near

Osceola’s Fourth of July celebration kicks off this year on June 30 at 7 p.m. and runs through July 4. This year’s theme is ‘Rockin in the USA,’ and is presented by Osceola Chamber-Main Street (OCMS).

Events and changes

New and returning events will be seen on the Osceola square this year with some changes, including a different date for the fireworks show and a new start time for the parade.

In year’s past, the fireworks have taken place on the night of the 4th. This year, the fireworks show will be held on Friday, June 30 at 10 p.m. The decision to have them on a different date was due in part to correlate with the opening ceremonies, and the availability of the fireworks company who puts on the show. The fireworks will be sent skyward from their usual spot on the hill behind Lakeside Hotel and Casino. A ‘Red, White and Mulberry’ fireworks watch party will be held at Revelton Distillery.

The Little Miss and Mister contest will also take place on Friday at 6 p.m., and Grand Marshal Terry Jacobsen will be presented following that event.

An old event making its reappearance this year is that of outhouse races, which will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, July 1. Other Saturday events include Northside Neighbors (11 a.m.), foam pit (11 a.m.-12 p.m.), balloon art (1-3 p.m.), glitter tattoos (1-3 p.m.) and pedal pull (2 p.m.). There will be a truck and tractor show with truck pull going on at the Clarke County Fairgrounds on June 30, July 1 and 2.

A patriotic service will be held on Sunday, July 2 at 11 a.m. on the bandstand in the courtyard. Mayberry’s Pet Parade is planned for Monday, July 3 beginning at 5:30 p.m.

On Tuesday, July 4, the parade will start at 10 a.m. instead of 11 a.m., in the hopes that temperatures will be cooler for those in the parade and those watching. First, second and third place prizes of Warrior Dollars will be awarded to floats.

Earlier that morning, the Firecracker 5K Color Fun Run will take off at 7:30 a.m., and a breakfast courtesy of the boy scouts will begin at 8 a.m. in the fire hall. After the parade, there will be the pie auction (11:30 a.m.) followed by a performance by Studio 201 (12 p.m.), and then a Bill Riley talent show (12:30 p.m.). The boy scout’s corn hole tournament will take place that afternoon at 2 p.m.

The carnival will take place all five days: 5-10 p.m. on June 30, 1-10 p.m. July 1, 3-10 p.m. July 2, 5-10 p.m. July 3 and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. July 4. Each evening features different, free, musical entertainment on the bandstand starting: Imperial Mud Puppies (Fri., 7 p.m.), BRNT (Sat., 7 p.m.), Royce John (Sun., 5 p.m.), Lindgren & Griffiths (Mon., 7 p.m.), The Yucks (Tues., 4 p.m.) and Jessi & the Medicine Man (Tues., 7 p.m.). A variety of food vendors will be found around the square, and the Osceola Masonic Lodge will be hosting BINGO.

Volunteers needed

In order for the restrooms in the courthouse to be open during the festivities, volunteers are needed to sit inside the courthouse to monitor them. Time slots are set for 30 minutes each. If interested in volunteering, please contact OCMS at 641-342-4200. There will be porta potties available for use.

Tickets, list of events and forms

Carnival tickets are on sale now through 4 p.m. June 30. Both armbands and ticket sheets are available while supplies last. Locations in Osceola to buy tickets before the carnival opens are: Fareway, Hy-Vee, American State Bank, Community First Credit Union, First Interstate Bank and First National Bank.

A full list of events with dates and times can be found on the Osceola Independence Day Celebration Facebook page, OCMS’ website (https://www.osceolachamber.com/4th-of-july/) and in the June 27 edition of The Weekly.

Forms and rules for various contests can also be found on the OCMS website listed above.

Events are subject to change.