A park full of activities

This year will mark the 19th annual McKinley Park Festival, held alongside Southwest Iowa Jeepaholics’ 2023 Jeep Fest. Hosted at McKinley Park on Saturday, July 29, families will have a variety of activities to participate in.

For the McKinley Park Festival, registration for the kids’ fishing derby begins at 8:15 a.m. across the road from the McKinley Pool. This free event takes place from 9 - 10:30 a.m. and is for kids up to 16 years old. Nightcrawlers, bobbers and hooks will be provided. Prizes will be provided to the winners of each age group: 7 and under, 8-11, 12-16.

The Creston Fire Department will be teaching kids accuracy and aiming with hoses using water activities and games. This will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Free hot dogs and chips will be available starting at 10:30 a.m. until the food is gone. Inflatables are available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All proceeds will go to the McKinley Park Restoration Fund.

Jeep Fest will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at McKinley Park by the bear statue. Jeeps are invited to meet at Southwestern Community College at 9:15 a.m. for pre-registration, to receive a swag bag and prepare for an unofficial parade/right through the town. All traffic laws apply to this ride through and no candy may be thrown.

Registration for a corn hole tournament will begin at 11:30 a.m., with the tournament starting at noon. Cost is $10 per team.

Food trucks available include Little Green Trailer, Reno and Woody’s, SFC The Yellow Wagon, Totally Rolled Ice Cream and Lemon Shake Up. Vendors include Norman Creations, Simply Emily, Cooper’s Truck and Auto, Sips and Shirts, Dale’s Wright Tire and Auto Service and Rustic Graphic Creations and Boutique.

All Jeeps are welcome. There will be no entry fee.