LAKE PARK, Iowa - Lake Park will celebrate its 31st annual Farmers Appreciation Days this weekend.
The festivities will begin Friday with a Golf Fun Night at the Silver Lake Country Club. Saturday is filled with fun events for the entire family.
“There are going to be vendors, and the museum will be open all day,” said Lynette Ehret, one of the festival’s coordinators.
Among other events scheduled for Saturday are a free ice cream social to cool everyone down at 10 a.m., prior to the parade that starts at 10:30 a.m. This year’s grand marshals are Ralph Lundquist, a Vietnam War veteran, and Cecil Zahren, a World War II vet.
Some of the new events this year include bingo, cribbage and the Lake Park Pool Triathlon. The triathlon is a fundraiser for a new local pool. Everyone who participates will be giving back to the community’s swimming facility.
The city park will also be the site of inflatable games for kids up until 4:30 p.m., and the band 80HD will perform its eccentric mix of ’80s and ’90s rock to top the night off.
“They play a little bit of everything,” Ehret said.
The seventh Annual Farmers Appreciation Tractor Ride will begin Sunday afternoon. Everyone who owns a unique, old or new tractor is invited to participate in the short journey to the Round Lake Winery, where the tractor ride will stop for a quick lunch.
Another event taking place throughout the weekend is the 1800s Historic Settler Re-enactment at the City Park. Children and adults can participate in traditional events, including the tomahawk throw, basket weaving and other historical activities.
The Community Center will also host a special tribute to soldiers killed in the line of duty since 9/11. Called “Remembering Our Fallen,” the special tribute will start Friday and continue through Aug. 5.
All are encouraged to attend the festival.
“It’s just a great weekend for the whole family, and there’s something for everybody,” Ehret said.
A schedule of events follows:
Friday
5 p.m.: Golf Fun Night at the Silver Lake Country Club
Saturday
8 a.m.: Emersombiguns for the Cure 5K run/walk; 1-mile fun walk
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Vendors at the Heritage Square and Market Street
10 a.m.: Free ice cream social on Market Street
10:30 a.m.: Parade
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Lunch served at the Water Plant
Noon to 4:30 p.m.: Inflatables and games for kids at the City Park
Noon: Grilled burgers and brats served and equipment viewing by Lake Park Fire Department members
Noon: Slow pitch softball tournament
1 to 3 p.m.: Open house to the new addition and Wellness Center at Harris-Lake Park High School
1 to 5 p.m.: Free family swim day at the Lake Park Pool
2 to 4 p.m.: Bingo at Cap’ n Ken’s
2 to 5 p.m.: Cribbage tournament at Cap’ n Kens
3 p.m.: Lucky Duck draw
5 p.m. to 1 a.m.: Beer garden open in front of Lake Park Auto Repair
9 p.m. to 1 a.m.: Street dance featuring 80DH outside of Johnny’s Pub
11 p.m. to 4 a.m.: Breakfast buffet at Cap’n Ken’s
Sunday
1 p.m.: Seventh annual Farmers Appreciation tractor ride at the City Park
3 p.m.: Lake Park Pool Plunge youth triathlon (open to kids ages 5 to 14)
3 p.m.: Lake Park Firemen’s Cruise-In at the City Park
5 p.m.: Lake Park Firemen’s supper at the City Park
6:30 p.m.: Lake Park Firemen’s raffle winners will be announced
