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A grand celebration

Williams to observe July 4 and sesquicentennial

— Daily Freeman-Journal file photo The Hemken Family Band was part of the 2018 Williams Fourth of July parade. This year, Williams is combining its Fourth of July festivities with the community’s 150th birthday celebration. A full slate of activities is planned including the parade, games, activities and entertainment in the park.

WILLIAMS — The Lions Club of Williams knows how to celebrate the Fourth of July and this year all the stops are being pulled out for the community’s 150th sesquicentennial celebration.

Festivities begin on Wednesday, July 3 with the Kids Parade at 6 p.m. on Main Street. Following the parade, Iowa Falls State Bank will host a free meal in front of the bank.

The 68th annual Lions Club Fourth of July Parade will begin Thursday, July 4 at 10 a.m. with Al McCoy, “The Voice of the Phoenix Suns” serving as the parade grand marshall.

The Colors will be advanced by members of the Williams American Legion Post 633.

After the parade, activities will be held throughout town. At the community center, a vendor and craft fair will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Featured at the community center will be Logs4Heroes – chainsaw art for Wounded Warriors and the Meat Wagon of Jewell.

Kickball tournaments will be held at the ball diamond beginning at noon. The Hemken Collection Museum on Main Street will be open from 12 – 5 p.m.

Throughout the afternoon, there will be carnival attractions, the community food stand, the Williams Area Development Cake Walk and WHH 4-H Club concessions. The Hamilton County Crime Stoppers Nickel Scramble will be held at 1 p.m.

The Williams Little Princess Program will be held at the park gazebo at 1:30 p.m., followed by music by the Hoelscher family.

The Kids Pedal Pull will be held on the east end of the park at 2 p.m. and the 125th time capsule will be excavated near the flag pole at 4 p.m. MAC Life Church will sponsor inflatable rides and the Iowa National Guard climbing wall will be available for the adventurous.

The Williams American Legion Post 633 will be open from 2 – 4 p.m. on Main Street. After completing a successful fundraiser for a new roof last year, new displays have been added to the exhibit. Free ice water will be distributed to visitors and every veteran will receive a free token of appreciation. There is no admission charged.

The Car, Tractor and Bike Show will be held on Main Street from noon – 3 p.m. A program about the ISU Land-Grant and Williams history will be presented at the Williams Public Library beginning at 12:30 p.m.

Water Fights will be held at the fire station at 3 p.m. and from 3 – 9 p.m., Jason Will will perform on Main Street.

Cash Drawings for ten $25 prizes, the $500 Grand prize and the Williams Sesquicentennial Quilt will be held at 4:30 p.m.

The widely acclaimed Williams Lions Club Fireworks will cap off a day of festivities at about 9:45 p.m. July 4.

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