Make plans to enjoy Fourth of July, LakeFest July 4-5 in Greenfield

Two days of fun are planned for the upcoming Independence Day in Greenfield. The only remaining ingredients that are needed for the celebration are favorable weather and people to enjoy the festivities.

Fourth of July planning got off and running this winter as a team effort drawing on the strengths, connections and interests of various people involved in the process. The theme is “Back with a Bang!,” proving Greenfield is able to continue to bounce back from hard times such as last year’s tornado.

“If anybody doubted us, we want to show we can still do this,” Greenfield Chamber Main Street Promotions Chair Gina School said.

One change is that the parade will be at 10 a.m. on July 4 — an hour earlier than in the past — with a route beginning by Greenfield United Methodist Church, traveling around the south side of the square and ending on East Iowa Street.

Following the parade there will be something for everyone on the square. There will be bounce houses, live music, kids water fights with the fire department, Ag 4 All exhibits and other performers.

“There’s going to be one bounce house that will be a water slide,” School said.

Kinetic performer Laura Ernst will bring her act featuring her juggling, twirling and acrobatic talent to the square as part of the afternoon entertainment. She’s performed here before and has appeared on America’s Got Talent. There will also be several eating contests the crowd can participate in.

“There will be lots of entertainment for all different kinds of people,” School said. “We’re working on a firecracker fun run as well in the morning. That’s not 100% official on time or location.”

The Warren Cultural Center will host an event that is a partnership between Cumberland Rose Players and The Sidey Collection at 2 p.m. showcasing classic newspaper readings and photos from Fourth of July celebrations through the decades.

A display by Top Notch Fireworks will be at the conclusion of Lake Fest Saturday, July 5 at Lake Greenfield. Lake Fest is set to include food trucks, a beer garden, on-your-own yard games, a bounce house, BINGO, inflatable bull riding, face painting, balloon art and live music by Iowa singer-songwriter Matthew Kane.

There will be a disc golf tournament happening during Lake Fest that will serve as an open house for the 18 holes that have been replaced in the last several months.

“We want people to come out to Greenfield and do all the things,” School said. “I think there’s a little bit of something for everybody.”