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The community gathers in droves for the Greater Newton Area Chamber of Commerce's Fourth of July Parade on July 4 in downtown Newton. Is there no better community tradition? The event continuously draws families and friends every year to watch the floats, tractors and walkers go by as they toss candy to kids donning red, white and blue clothes for Independence Day.

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Fierce Faith Music Fest featured performances by Iowa artist Jake Simon, Christian pop musician Riley Clemmons, a sister duo known as The Band JAREN and headliner Colton Dixon.

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Newton Farmers Market moved from its downtown location to the greenspace of Legacy Plaza this year. The market, which is held 4-6 p.m. every Tuesday, saw hundreds of people attend opening day.

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The community celebrates the ribbon cutting of the long-awaited splash pad park in Newton, which was largely fundraised from donations.

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Veterans from Jasper County attend the Iowa Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day ceremony on May 14 at the Iowa State Capitol grounds in Des Moines. It is estimated around 100 veterans from Jasper County were at the ceremony. This year marked the 50-year anniversary of the fall of Saigon, which marked the end of the Vietnam War.

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Runners participate in The Phoenix Phase Initiative's fifth annual Run For Her Life 5K and Half-Marathon on May 17 at Legacy Plaza in Newton. More than 110 people showed up for the run. While a 48-degree day seemed like perfect running conditions, the 18 mph winds made the run even more frigid for participants. Nevertheless, the run continued to draw in big crowds for a good cause and the promise of a free beer at the end.

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Local law enforcement participate in the National Police Week Ceremony on May 15 at the Jasper County Courthouse in Newton. Community members attended the event to honor the six officers who had made the ultimate sacrifice: Prairie City Police Chief Mike German, Lieutenant Patrick Richardson, Officer Bobby Barrickman, Officer Dan McPherren, Officer Donald “Rusty” Hewitt and Reserve Captain Howard Holdefer.

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Volunteers prepare scarecrows the day before Fall Fest on Oct. 12 at Newton Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Business owners and community members created their own scarecrows for the Scarecrow Walk, and each one features their interpretation of the theme "Where's Your Cardinal? You Can't Hide Our Red Pride!"

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Lynn Harnden, a retired Lt. Colonel of the U.S. Army, and the Baxter American Legion completed fundraising and installed at "Huey" helicopter as a memorial to Vietnam Veterans on Sept. 30 in downtown Baxter.