Festivities planned for Fourth of July in Newton

Looking for something fun to do with family and friends this weekend?

Look no further than Newton. The Greater Area Newton Chamber of Commerce along with local businesses are sponsoring events to mark the Fourth of July holiday.

Activities begin bright and early with breakfast served by local groups and businesses.

• Biscuits & gravy will be served from 7-9:30 a.m. at Advantage Credit Union parking lot

• Pancakes served at the Masonic Lodge, 208 First Ave. W.

• Breakfast pizza from Domino’s served by Newton Kiwanis from 7:30 to 11 a.m. on the square.

The annual parade will begin at 9:30 a.m. and travel along First Avenue and North Second Avenue.

John McConeghey will serve as grand marshall for the Fourth of July parade.

Following the parade local talent will be providing entertainment on the west side of the Jasper County Courthouse lawn.

Newton City Municipal Band, Triumph Martial Arts, Sugar Creek Cloggers and the Newton Fiddle Club all will be performing following the parade.

Also following the parade, antique tractors and steam engine display will be located on the east side of the square.

To keep the children busy, a bounce house will be on the northwest side of the square at 11 a.m. along with children’s activities and face painting.

Children also can take a ride on the “Smiley Face Train” until 12:15 p.m.
The Newton Convention & Visitors Bureau will host a raffle drawing and announce the winner at 2 p.m.

Local food vendors including Amboy Grange, Fair Foods Concessions, Jasper County Cattleman, Smokin’ Mississippi Queen BBQ, Tropical Snow and Zimmerman’s Kettle Corn will be located on the west side of the square.

Other activities in the community include the Newton Sky Kings RC Flying Club Air Show. The Sky Kings will be flying until dusk at the Newton Waterworks Park.

Those wanting to take in some racing can do so at the Iowa Speedway with a free racing event sponsored by GASS. The event is a 135 lap race with professional drivers competing. The Newton Club will be open for spectators and food and beverages will be available.

And no Fourth of July celebration would be complete without a fireworks show.

Thanks to generous donations by local residents, a fireworks display will begin at dusk Sunday at Woodland Park in Newton.