Doing the 4th of July Right

I was born in Iowa and lived most of my life in the Hawkeye state. After I went into the ministry, my wife and I, along with our young son, ended up in Iowa Falls, Iowa, a town of about 5000 people located approximately one and a half hours northeast of Des Moines. Set along the Iowa River, Iowa Falls is a beautiful town and was a great place to raise our two children (a daughter later joined our son).

One of the things that stands out for me from our 23 years in the town was the way Iowa Falls celebrated the 4th of July. We don't live in Iowa Falls anymore, but over the years we have traveled back there every so often to take part in what has been one of the greatest Independence Day celebrations we've ever encountered.

An Overview Of Riverbend Rally. In Iowa Falls, the 4th of July is not just one day; it's several days. Riverbend Rally is called that because some of the major parts of the celebration--some years, a water ski show, or a parade of floats on the river, and, always, the fireworks show-take place where the Iowa River makes a sharp turn from the west and heads south. During the Bicentennial Celebration of 1976, the master of ceremonies at the bend estimated that there were 20,000 people gathered for the big show at the river. That may have been a bit high, but it was the biggest thing happening in the county during that holiday weekend, and the attendance reflected it. Year after year, it remains the best celebration in the county and several surrounding counties.

A Look At One Day of Riverbend Rally 2007. As I write this, I have in front of me a one page schedule, in fine print, covering the events of Riverbend Rally 2007, which will be held June 30-July 4. Here is a summary of the activities for Wednesday, July 4. The day begins with a flight breakfast at the local airport and continues with several events-a 5K run, a fishing derby, and a golf tournament-- for those who want to do something. For the more sedate, there are open houses at some historical sites, as well as the opportunity to see an art collection donated by someone with ties to Iowa Falls. For the kids, there's a carnival (which actually opens on June 30), a petting zoo, and a kiddy tractor pull. The Bill Riley Talent Show, begun by a well-known Iowa TV personality who grew up in Iowa Falls, will look for talented young people to compete at the Iowa State Fair in August. While you're enjoying the activities, there are several places to get snacks or meals. Toward evening, the annual 4th of July parade takes place--a large parade--with lots of candy being tossed to kids.

Then comes the evening with the activities at Riverbend Park. This year's activities include a concert by the band "Sheltered Reality," a lighted boat parade and the fireworks show. There are plenty of food booths at the river to keep you going through the evening.

Remember, those are the activities for just one day, and not even all the activities for that day!

The Rest of the Weekend. How about the rest of the weekend? Of course, there is the carnival everyday, as well as open houses, the crowning of Little Miss Riverbend Rally and Miss Iowa Falls, and band concerts, and exhibitions of tumbling and trampoline. There are truly activities for every age. If you get tired, just put your lawn chair by the sidewalk, sit down, and greet your friends as they come along.

Going back to Iowa Falls for Riverbend Rally is like going back for a class reunion, or, even better, a family reunion! If you're in the area during the weekend of the 4th, be sure to stop by.

For a complete schedule of Riverbend Rally 2007 and access to other information about Iowa Falls, Iowa, go to:
www.iowafallschamber.com