April 18, 2024

McKinley Park Festival to be held Saturday

By KELSEY HAUGEN

Alex Fargo, 15, of Creston gets airborne and attempts a kick-flip, hip-transfer trick during the skateboard competition in July 2013 at the ninth-annual McKinley Park Festival. Fargo was one of 22 participants in the skateboard competition that year. (CNA file)

The 12th-annual McKinley Park Festival – featuring free children’s events, food and Bill Riley Talent Search – takes place Saturday in Creston.

The day at the park will include a free skateboard competition and fishing for children, the talent show and a $7 hog roast dinner, which comes with sides and a drink. Children who participate in fishing or skateboarding will receive a free meal of a hot dog, chips and drink.

“It’s mostly for the kids,” said John Kawa, chairman of the park and recreation board. “They all get worms, bobbers and hooks for fishing, they get a deal at the skateboarding competition, and they all get a free meal. And, the family can have a cheap dinner. Everything comes for $7 – you can’t get that anywhere.”

Events

Children may sign up for the free fishing between 3:15 and 4 p.m., and fishing will take place from 4 to 5:30 p.m. There are three age groups: 8 and younger, 9 to 12 and 13 to 16. The High Lakes Outdoor Alliance will hand out prizes for the highest number of fish caught and largest fish.

Registration for the skateboarding competition will be at 2:30 p.m. with the competition at 3:30 p.m. Before the competition, judges will place children into classes based on skill: beginner, intermediate and advanced.

Last year, Pastor Dave Tebbenkamp with First Baptist Church added a station for participants to tune up their boards before competing. He will bring back the tune-up station this year, as well as skateboards to be won.

During the contest, participants will be given points based on how well they skate and tricks they perform. Prizes include trophies for first, second and third place, Creston Bucks and more. There are also awards for best team spirit and best trick.

The event, which was originally started by Rob Silliman, is run by Stacy Van Hal. Last year, Van Hal said about 25 children competed. She said the contest is about camaraderie and skateboarders cheering each other on.

Children participating in the fishing and skateboarding activities will be entered into a raffle. Prizes children may win are Creston Bucks, fishing poles, skateboards, grip tape, wheels and more.

“Every kid will go home with something,” Van Hal said.

The Bill Riley Talent Search will take place at 5 p.m. at the band shell. For more information, contact Kelly Busch at 641-782-0038.

The Creston City Pool and Union County Historical Complex at McKinley Park will be open during the festival.

Proceeds

Proceeds from the festival will go into the McKinley Park general fund and will likely be used toward improvements of the campgrounds and Creston City Pool.

“We don’t make a boatload on this,” Kawa said. “It’s mostly to get people to the park and have them see what the park’s about and have a good time, and it’s a family thing. That’s what we’re all about.”