Big 4th planned in Humboldt area

Fireworks
What would an Independence Day celebration be without a super fireworks display? On that count, Russ Seiler and his group of volunteers always deliver.
The group is planning on having another fantastic fireworks display at the Humboldt County Fairgrounds on Sunday, July 4 at around 10 p.m.
“KHBT will be playing some patriotic music and we are planning on having a good show,” Seiler said.
The Humboldt City Council earlier this summer approved $12,000 in hotel/motel tax receipts to pay for this year’s display. Humboldt firefighters will be walking the parade route Sunday evening asking watchers to “fill the boot,” to help pay for next year’s exposition.
“We’ll be using the five-inch shells again. We go through J&M Displays in Yarmouth. They put on shows throughout the U.S. and do an excellent job for us. We have been working with them for a number of years,” Seiler said.
The rain date will be Monday, July 5, at the same time. If there is rain both Sunday and Monday nights, the show will be cancelled.
“We only have insurance for two dates,” Seiler explained.
People at the fairgrounds are reminded that consumer fireworks are prohibited on the grounds and within 500 feet of the fairgrounds.

Parade
Having good volunteers was never more important than in 2020.
With no Chamber of Commerce in town and a health pandemic going on, there was real uncertainty if a 4th of July parade would even happen.
Four husbands and wives thought it should. They thought, why deprive children and families of enjoying an annual outdoor activity if there was a way to hold it in a safe manner.
The parade route was extended with spectators appropriately spaced along the route. It worked.
Fast forward to 2021 and the four couples, Bryan and Brandy Satern, Cody and Delayna Lawman, David and Tina Jones and Doug and Gina Vinsand, are again organizing the event.
“We want the parade to be bigger and better than ever. The old route is back. (Starting on Taft Street North, running south to 1st Avenue North, west to 8th Street North, east on Sumner Avenue through downtown, north on 4th Street North and then west on 4th Avenue North, concluding at Taft Park,)” Brandy Satern said. The parade will take place on Sunday, July 4th at 7pm.
Entry sheets are available by emailing humboldtiowaparade@gmail.com Please include contact name, phone number, email and a brief description of the entry. People may also call or text (515) 890-1441 or (515) 351-1559 to sign up. The entry deadline is Friday, July 2.
Dave Lee has put service to others above himself in a number of different ways, and because of his service to Humboldt County and its citizens, he is being recognized as the Grand Marshal for the 2021 July 4th parade.
Lee has served in city and county government for a number of years and has been active in a number of community organizations and activities, including veteran’s affairs and the VFW, assisting the needy, helping with scouting activities, Kiwanis Christmasland, volunteering at church and other activities.
One of the efforts is putting up and taking down flags on the courthouse lawn for patriotic holidays. Volunteers are needed on Thursday, July 1 at 5 p.m. to put up the flags, and on Tuesday, July 6 at 5 p.m. to take them down. Meet at the courthouse lawn. It takes about an hour.

Run White and Blue
A 5K or 10K Run, White and Blue race will be held on Sunday, July 4, at 8 a.m. starting in front of US Bank in downtown Humboldt.
All entry fees send local Veterans on the Brushy Creek Honor Flight, plus participants receive a shirt.
Race day registration is $30.
T-shirts are only guaranteed for pre-registered participants.
To register, go to getmeregistered.com and search for Run White & Blue, or find the link on their Facebook page (Run White & Blue Run-Humboldt).
Run sponsors include: Berte and Son Construction, Brown’s Shoe Fit, Erpelding, Voigt and Co., Hair Studio 706, Hjelmeland Flooring, Humboldt Mutual, Humboldt Spine and Rehab, Humboldt Vet Clinic and Iowa Home and Property Inspection.

Harness Races
A race for the harness horses, three-year-olds on Saturday, July 3, and two-year-old pacers and trotters on Sunday, July 4, will kick off the annual fairground activities for the 4th.
Post time both days will be at 12:30 p.m.
The racers and their followers always look forward to Independence Day in Humboldt and this year will have a full two days of excitement. Kim Larson will be charting races in Humboldt and Casey Larson will be the official judge.
The July holiday races in Humboldt feature special races and promise fun for the whole family.
The local VFW will be selling food from the fair stand from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday and breakfast will be on the grill beginning at 9 a.m. on Sunday, followed by lunch.

Farmer’s Market
The weekly Humboldt Farmer’s Market is every Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is located directly west of Northland Auto and Carlson Mini-Storage at the former Armory location on Highway 3.
Katie and Chris Christensen with Circle C Farms operate the market. They are expecting more fresh produce as the season goes on.
Nadine Page has her Shorty’s Baked Goods stand every Saturday and is also at Farmer’s Markets in Gilmore City on Tuesdays and Pocahontas on Wednesday. She has a wide selection of baked goods. People can also call for pre-orders at (515) 890-3161.
The Humboldt Farmer’s Market accepts WIC, senior vouchers, Iowa SNAP Food Assistance (Food Stamps), and credit and debit card payment.
In addition to the Farmer’s Market is a flea market operated by Clinton Carlson, who purchased the former Carla’s Antiques building. Flea markets are held on weekends. The flea market will be open on Saturday and Sunday, July 3-4.
“We have antiques and collectibles, produce and plants, Paparazzi jewelry, clothing, nail and skin care items. There may be other vendors like thirty-one and Pampered Chef. I purchased the building this past year and Carla’s antiques have been locked up for 30 years, so there are some good finds,” Carlson said.
Anyone interested in being a vendor can stop by when the flea market is open or email Carlson at humboldtfleamarketia@gmail.com

North Iowa Dragway
The North Iowa Dragway will be hosting the Iowa Hog Drags on Friday and Saturday, July 2-3, featuring motorcycle drag races in conjunction with the ABATE Iowa Freedom Rally that will be going on that weekend. Contact James Barhite for more information at northiowadragway@gmail.com

Bible reading
Several people will be reading the Bible aloud on the front courthouse grounds in Dakota City on Sunday, July 4 from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. There will be no amplification of voices, but people of all ages are welcome to come to the courthouse lawn and hear the word of God. A closing prayer and praise will be held at 3:30 p.m. People can find out more information by emailing: biblereadingHumboldt@gmail.com or call Judy Gronbach (515) 890-1133, if you would like to read.

Post parade activities
The Humboldt Lions Club will be offering an evening meal beginning at 6 p.m. in the air conditioned Humboldt County Events Center food court area on Sunday, July 4.