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Good things are happening this week
There are a lot of exciting things happening in Montezuma these days.
The Streetscape project has vastly improved the look of the downtown square. It really adds a splash of color to the downtown area. It’s something we can all be proud of.
And just across the street work wrapped up Monday (except for installation of the flag pole) on the new Bill of Rights monument. What a fabulous addition to our community. Not only are we the first-in-the-nation to get such a monument, it happened because people opened their hearts and pocket books to make it a reality.
The new monument will be dedicated Saturday following the “Let Freedom Ring” celebration parade. Chris Bliss, comedian, juggler and founder of www.mybillofrights.com will be on hand, along with several dignitaries, to help with the dedication. Thinking of parades, Montezuma knows how to throw a bash. In my opinion, there are not too many towns that can hold a candle to what is in store for the folks attending this week’s Fourth of July celebration – even though it’s a day later on July 5.
Even if there were no Bill of Rights monument dedication, Montezuma knows how to put on a party. Keith Brake sent me an e-mail Monday with a few additions to this weekend’s activities. Here they are plus a whole bunch more.
• Sons of Union Veterans - will have an encampment on the courthouse lawn and may be marching in the parade, depending on the number of soldiers who show up. Republican Managing Editor Dann Hayes is a Civil War re-enactor and a member of the camp. He seems to enjoy dressing up in blue suits, carrying a rifle around and playing soldier.
• Headin’ Home – gospel quartet will be performing from 1 to 3 p.m. near the courthouse. The Des Moines-based quartet is sponsored by Cornerstone Baptist Church.
• Cheerleaders - will be doing a pie in the face game. This is always a hit (literally) among the youngsters and even some adults. I’m staying out of the way.
• Cookout Contest – is a new event this year being held along Fourth Street on the east side of the square. As of Monday there were only three entries. Hopefully more will enter. Cooking gets underway at 8 a.m. with judging to follow at 11:30. It’s still not too late to sign up for this free event. Entry forms can be downloaded at www.montezuma.org.
• Parade – one never knows who might be cruising down Main Street during the “Let Freedom Ring” celebration parade. This year’s grand marshals are Lea Arendt and Irene Fleming.
Only in small-town America do young teens drive their hot rod figure 8 cars and men drive their tractors in a parade. You’ve got to love it!
If you got a truck, a trailer, an old car, a new car, a four-wheeler, two feet and a bit of imagination come join the parade. It leaves the south parking lot of the school at 10 a.m., that’s 30 minutes earlier than in past years.
• Air Bounce Games – are always popular with the youngsters. There is a fee to enter the games.
• Smiley Face Train – returns this year. Like the bounce games, it is a hit among the youngsters. The train will be in the parade and will be offering free rides after the parade.
• Petting zoo – is always a hit and will be on the courthouse square for both young and old to enjoy.
• Arts and craft show – free to vendors and the public on the courthouse lawn from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. All vendors have to do is show up and set up on the northwest portion of the square.
• The Quilt Guild - is sponsoring a quilt show and sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Vannoy Chevrolet.
• Sugar Creek Cloggers – the always popular group from Des Moines will be in town to perform starting at 12:30 p.m.
• Lions Club chicken barbecue – has been a favorite tradition in Montezuma for many years. This year the tradition continues. Serving starts at 11 a.m. in the Memorial Hall and continues until 1 p.m. or until all the chicken is gone. Cost is $7 and tickets are available from any Lion or here at the newspaper office. • PALS – Poweshiek Animal League Shelter volunteers will have pets available for adoption.
• Other activities - the courthouse lawn will be filled with children’s games and food such as cotton candy, snow cones and fry bread. The Kingdom Klowns of Iowa will be on hand making balloon sculptures for the youngsters. In addition, the Montezuma Country Club will be serving pie and ice cream and Ellie’s Soda Fountain will be serving brats, hamburgers and hot dogs. Hopefully I didn’t forget an event or somebody. My deepest apologies if I did. • Fireworks – will once again fill
the skies over Lake Ponderosa. Grab a lawn chair or blanket and head out early as parking can be a challenge. The Lake Ponderosa Association sponsors the fireworks display.
• Ecumenical Service – brings together congregations from four Montezuma churches. This year the Rev. Dr. Charles “Chuck” Klink, the new minister at the United Methodist Church, will be the guest speaker. Joining him will be Gordon Johnson of Davenport, a Revolutionary War Minuteman re-enactor, who will be stopping by to talk about God’s faith and our freedoms. Service time is 9 a.m. Sunday, July 6 on the west lawn of the courthouse. Saturday’s event is just one of the many good things that make Montezuma unique. I hope you will take time out of your busy schedule to gather up your family and come be a part of the celebration. I’ll be busy on Saturday snapping photos for next week’s edition. Don’t let that stop you from saying hello. And remember, “Good Things are Happening” all the time.