Newton lets freedom ring

While everything else Fourth of July related didn’t take place in Newton this year, the community still brought out their vehicles and lawn chairs to watch the bright lights and loud booms Saturday night at Agnes Patterson Park.

The coronavirus pandemic has caused many events nationwide to be canceled including many of those yearly traditions surrounding Independence Day. There was no parade, there were no vendors or what Newton residents have come to expect but still the fireworks went on with the help of Kim and Jon Sinner with J&M Displays.

“We hope that everybody enjoys it. We hope it is as good as last year. We got a lot of compliments,” Kim Sinner said.

Just before the show was set to begin, Newton Fire Department Chief Jarrod Wellik came out to make sure everything was set and safe to begin the show. The encouraging sound of the constant stream of fireworks being ignited throughout the community before the show gave a glimpse of normalcy during an otherwise off Fourth of July.

“I hope they can see that life does go on and this is just kind of one of those little things that still is normal for the summer,” Wellik said.

There were cars parked all throughout Agnes Patterson Park with people eagerly awaiting the show. Some were sitting in lawn chairs on the ground while others were sitting in the backs of trucks.

There were still plenty of people who came out to watch the fireworks like the Dougan family but they did miss some of the other yearly traditions.

“It was nice at least that they kept the firework show going. We were a little disappointed not having the parade,” John Dougan of Newton said.

While the Fourth of July was lacking of parades, vendors and games, there still was that one event where everyone could come out and celebrate the holiday. Agnes Patterson and even the surrounding area was filled with people coming together and celebrating the holiday.

“To me, this is an event that regardless of how you feel about anything, this is an event you can come an enjoy,” Dougan said.

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