Newton Fest underway

The three-day Newton Fest celebration kicked off Thursday at Maytag Park.

The first day began with the fourth annual Chalk the Walk at Maytag Park where participants are encouraged and judged for drawing on the sidewalk and was teeming with creativity. The event is sponsored by Buena Vista University.

“Just seeing the kids and the families work hard and make these wonderful creations from their imagination,” Missy Hall, enrollment counselor at Buena Vista University said.

Children and families were hard at work on their drawings during Chalk the Walk.

“The activities for the kids are the best, and they can really showcase their creativity,” Kristin Rogahn of Newton said as her daughter Ava was hard at work on her bunny.

There was quite a turn out at this year’s event, and it was buzzing with excitement before magician Eric Michaels started his show at the Maytag Bowl.

“We have a nice crowd for the magic show and one of the biggest turnouts for Chalk the Walk. It’s nice to see it grow every year,” Jessica Lowe Vokes, co-chair of Newton Fest said.

After Chalk the Walk, Michaels took the stage to perform A Night of Magic before an eager crowd.

Sarah Hummel of Newton, and her son were in attendance for the magic show. Both enjoyed what the magician brought to the stage.

“(My son) really enjoyed when Eric attempted to chop off the other child’s hand,” Hummel said.

There were plenty of children volunteers from the audience who made their way onstage to do some magic with Michaels.

“He is using some of the kids from the audience. That makes it interesting,” Catherine Tinnermeier of Newton said.

This was Michaels second year performing at Newton Fest, but his first year being featured on the Maytag Bowl stage. Last year, Michaels performed several shorter shows during the festival. After the success of those shows, the Newton Fest committee decided to bring him back this year for a larger performance.

“It is really entertaining whether you are 9 or 90,” Lowe Vokes said.

Newton Fest will continue with events throughout Friday and Saturday. Gezellig Brewing Company will open its doors at 5 p.m. Friday and the NHS All Class Reunion will be at 6 p.m. at The Cellar Peanut Pub.

For all those families that have been waiting to take a swim in the pool, the free Newton Fest Pool Party will be from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday at the Maytag Pool. Come on down and make sure you bring your towels.

For the car enthusiasts out there, make sure to stop by the Annual Newton Fest “Cool Cars” Car Show that will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday in the Newton DMACC South Parking Lot. Butch Patrick who played Eddie Munster from “The Munsters” will be making an appearance with the “Munster Koach” and “Dragula” cars.

There will be some new activities on the roster this year for Newton Fest. You will be able to participate in events like archery and outdoor activities with Jasper County Conservation. Join in the first ever Ag Fest with the Jasper County Farm Bureau Federation and learn about agriculture and more.

The new events will bring a wide range of new activities for people to enjoy. Whether that is learning about the outdoors or participating in the inaugural Baking Contest.

“Our goal is to have something for everyone,” Lowe Vokes said.

Newton Fest is more than just a collection of fun events, it’s about coming together and celebrating the sense of community.

“The goal of Newton Fest is to celebrate our community and the people in it,” Lowe Vokes said.

Make sure to stop on out at any of the events you see on the schedule and just a reminder, they are all free. For more a complete schedule of events, visit newtonfest.org.

Contact Dustin Teays at 641-792-3121 ext. 6533 or dteays@newtondailynews.com