Fourth of July festivities begin downtown and end at Agnes Patterson

Newton knows how to celebrate the Fourth of July. It’s one of the best times of the year to be in the city. In addition to the massively popular Fourth of July Parade, the town is full of activities throughout most of the day, leading into a finale of fireworks at Agnes Patterson Memorial Park.

Let’s start with the parade. Vendors will be available starting at 7:30 a.m. Friday, and it is likely that no matter the weather people will be reserving their spots in and around the town square. If you see a few lawn chairs sitting idly by themselves, be kind and leave them be. The parade will start at 9:30 a.m.

Greater Newton Area Chamber of Commerce organizes the parade every year. The nearly one-mile route is often filled with hundreds of entries and features plenty of candy and excitement. The parade grand marshal this year is Mel Allen, who has had a storied career in the military service and as a state trooper.

Allen was nominated by his son, Dan Allen. In addition to his service, he also ran a register repair business for 25 years and worked as an active member of the Golden Kiwanis, Izaak Walton League and Masonic Lodge of Newton. He has participated in the parade in the past in a restored 1952 Army Jeep.

By the afternoon, the festivities will kick up again. The free throw contest starts at 5 p.m. in Agnes Patterson. Three age divisions are available: 12 and younger, 13-17 and 18 and older. Registration will take place the day of the event. Kids and teens start at 5:15 p.m. Adults start at 6:15 p.m.

The Dental Practice, TruBank and Dodd’s Trash Hauling & Recycling, Inc. have sponsored this year’s Free Throw Contest. Prizes will be given to the first and second place finishers in the contest. All free throw participants will receive a participation medal. The contest is held at the court by the soccer fields.

The Kids Zone, sponsored by Community Heights Alliance Church, will feature inflatables 5:30-8:30 p.m. with live music from DJ Ex 6:15-9:15 p.m. The entertainment is sponsored by DMACC and Walker, Billingsley & Bair. All the while there will be food trucks to enjoy.

Fireworks will begin at dusk. The show this year is sponsored by the City of Newton and Bolton & Menk.