Ames and its neighboring communities are gearing up for a full weekend of red, white and blue as America marks its 250th birthday.
From patriotic concerts and vintage car shows to parades, fun runs and fireworks, central Iowa’s Fourth of July traditions are stretching across three days.
It’s a weekend built for gathering, celebrating and remembering the history that shaped the nation. Here’s what’s happening:
Ames’ July 4 parade theme is ‘Happy Birthday, America!’
The Ames Municipal Band opens the holiday with a patriotic concert at 8 p.m., Thursday, July 2, at Bandshell Park.
The America 250 Big Bash runs from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, July 3, at the Ames History Museum with food trucks, inflatables, live music and free admission.
The Ames community fireworks show will take place on Friday, east of Jack Trice Stadium. The fireworks will start when the sky is completely dark, expected around 10 p.m.
Independence Day begins with the Bill Bergan 5K’s 8 a.m. start at Ada Hayden Heritage Park.
The Downtown Ames Fourth of July parade steps off at 11 a.m., Saturday, July 4, with the theme “Happy Birthday, America!” and remains one of the city’s biggest summer traditions.
Slater celebrates America 250 with community drone photo
Slater’s Fourth of July celebration begins 6 p.m. Friday, July 3, with the kiddie parade, followed by the community drone photo from 6:15 to 6:45 p.m. east of Nelson Park.
A carnival, food vendors and beer sales open at 6 p.m., while the Kraft Brothers play from 7 to 10 p.m.
Fireworks follow at 10 p.m., Friday.
Saturday, July 4, starts early with the Kiwanis 5K at 7 a.m., followed by a pancake breakfast from 8 to 10 a.m.
The parade begins at 10 a.m., with tournaments at noon, community band and chorus from 12:30 to 4 p.m., trivia from 4 to 5:45 p.m., and queen crowning at 6 p.m.
Colo will host Vietnam-era helicopter
Colo’s Willow Brook Barn will feature an all‑day celebration on Saturday, July 4, beginning with a free family festival at noon, when the YL‑37 “Flying Memorial” Vietnam-era helicopter flies in for visitors to see up close.
Live music from The Chocolate Crackers runs from 1 to 4 p.m.
The evening features the Big Ivory Ticklers’ dueling pianos show with doors at 5 p.m., dinner at 6 p.m., the show at 7 p.m., and fireworks at 10 p.m. Families can stay on site from the first fly‑in to the final spark.
Nevada will serve birthday cake for America 250
Nevada’s Fourth of July opens Saturday with the firefighters’ pancake breakfast from 7 to 10 a.m., the Freedom Run at 8 a.m., and Bricktown Bakery’s bike parade from 8:30 to 10 a.m.
The American Legion parade begins at 10 a.m., followed by a post‑parade gathering around 10:45 a.m. with a “Salute to Service” display and birthday cake for America 250.
A historic film screens at 12:30 p.m. at the Camelot Theater.
Evening events include a military exhibit from 6 to 8 p.m., snacks at 8 p.m., root beer floats at 8:30 p.m. and fireworks at dusk at SCORE Park.
Boone lights fireworks at the speedway
Boone’s celebration starts at 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 4, when the VFW fires up the grill at Herman Park Pavilion.
The Boone Municipal Band performs at 7:30 p.m., giving families time to settle in before heading to Boone Speedway for the city’s annual fireworks show around 9:30 p.m.
It’s a simple, classic Fourth of July lineup that draws longtime residents and visitors alike.
Ronna Faaborg covers business and the arts for the Ames Tribune. Reach her at rfaaborg@usatodayco.com
This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: How to celebrate America 250 in the Ames area on the Fourth of July
Reporting by Ronna Faaborg, Ames Tribune / Ames Tribune
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By Ronna Faaborg, Ames Tribune | USA TODAY Network
