Small town throw down

Baxter residents expected a “small town throw down” and that is exactly what they got during the annual Baxter Fun Days celebration.

Hundreds of attendees began the three-day-event by watching the truck and tractor pull Friday and ended the weekend by listening to the band “Slipstream” during the street dance on Station Street.

The truck and tractor pull drew in a packed crowd to Chad Floras Field from 7 to 10 p.m. Following the pull, a fireworks show illuminated the night sky and the popular show didn’t disappoint.

Janell Travis, Baxter Fun Days committee member, said the committee’s hard work always pays off when she witnesses families and attendees enjoying themselves year after year.

“It has gone really well,” Travis said Saturday. “I love seeing people of all ages and people from different communities at the event.”

Travis, along with 16 committee members headed up the event this year. Travis said committee members are always open to new ideas to bring to Baxter Fun Days, however, they also work to carry on traditions.

“I’ve been on the committee for 10 years, and it takes a lot of manpower to organize and then volunteer,” Travis said.

One new event this year was the Kid Parade which started prior to the main parade. The parade of children on bicycles and power wheels went down Main Street. Featured in the main parade, were Jasper County Fair Queen Jaclyn Michener, Baxter Bolts athletes, members of the Baxter Congregational United Church of Christ and a surplus of tractors.

Travis said it was the first time the Baxter Bolts debuted their school’s new mascot and logo.

“People have been really supportive of the new re-branding,” Travis said. “It’s just great to see the community come together.”

Also new this year, the “Iowa History 101” mobile museum made a stop at the Neil Seales Sports Complex to share the history of the 99 counties in Iowa. The multimedia exhibit in a custom-built Winnebago is a product of the State Historical Museum of Iowa.

Other activities that drew in children included laser tag, a spin-a-roo, the tubs of fun and a animal kingdom bounce house.

Travis said what she likes the most about the hometown celebration is seeing what it does for the community.

“It is a lot of work but when people come and tell you thank you it means everything,” Travis said. “We have a lot of people who donate, and it wouldn’t be possible without their support.”

Contact Kayla Langmaid at 641-792-3121 ext. 6533 or klangmaid@newtondailynews.com