March 19, 2024

Newton Fest successful thanks to many

Newton Fest wrapped up on Sunday and as we took stock of the event it was clear it was a success. An event as large as Newton Fest is only possible through months of planning, hours of work from volunteers and a group of supportive businesses and organizations, and we want to recognize them for their contributions.

First, thank you to members of the Newton Fest steering committee who began meeting immediately after Newton Fest 2015 concluded. These individuals gave generously of their time to plan and organize every detail. Thank you Natalie Umsted, Amanda Price, Bob O’Brien, Andrew Bassman, Sveta Miller, Linda Klepinger, Terri Ayers, KayLea Zumbach, Mark Hallam, Lisa McKinney, Diane Dafflito, Ange Mowbray, Abigail Pelzer, Jeff Holschuh, Jessica Petersen, Meghan Davis, Bryan Friedman, Graham Sullivan and Scott Garvis.

Thank you to the many organizations who led events. Thank you American Legion, Newton Hy-Vee, Iowa National Guard, Iowa Sculpture Festival Committee, Iowa Speedway, Project AWAKE, Newton Alumni Association, Newton Chamber, Newton Fire Department, Newton Historic Preservation Committee, Newton Housing Development, Newton Main Street, Newton Ministerial Association, Newton Parks & Grounds Department, Newton Police Department, Newton Public Library, Skiff Medical Center and Thunder Nites.

Thank you to the dozens of volunteers who gave of their time during the celebration. Newton Fest went smoothly because of the hours of work and dedication from a great group of community members. From selling T-shirts to judging the talent show, helping keep runners safe to picking up trash, volunteers were the key ingredient in making Newton Fest a safe, fun and successful community celebration.

Thank you to the Newton Daily News, KCOB and Energy FM. Thank you AmericInn for helping with hotel rooms for the band. Thank you to Scoreboard for use of their electricity and Dodd’s for trash services.

We want to say a very special thanks to our sponsors who made it possible to offer 99 percent of the activities free of charge. Thank you to title sponsor Trinity Structural Towers who truly made Newton Fest possible with their $5,000 sponsorship. Thank you co-sponsors City of Newton, First Newton National Bank and Hometown Rewards. Please be sure to thank them when you see these folks in our community.

Finally, thank you to the community members who came and enjoyed the four days of fun. Can’t wait to see what Newton Fest 2017 holds in store.

Jessica Lowe and
Nathan Unsworth

Newton