Summertime in Iowa means plenty of things. For small towns, it means music, parades, activities and a sense of community.

The town of Stratford, spearheaded by the Stratford Community Development Corporation, will aim to make the first weekend of July theirs with all of the above.

Starting at 3 p.m. today and stretching to the noon hour on Sunday, the “Stratford on the Loose”‘ celebration will be in full swing at Stratford City Park and down the town’s main thoroughfare Shakespeare Avenue.

Since announcing the event earlier this year, “Stratford on the Loose” went from a one day event to a celebration stretching over the course of three days.

At 3 p.m. this afternoon, Stratford Communications will host its 120th Anniversary Celebration and barbeque. The event will go on until 7 p.m.

The featured musical act for the evening is Booneshine, a local band based in and around Boone. Booneshine will take the stage at Stratford City Park from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. this evening.

At 10 a.m. on Saturday, the Stratford Lions will put on a parade through town, followed by a vendor fair and handmade market that will start at 11 a.m. and go on until 5 p.m.

From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., there will be various kids’ activities — made up of inflatables, a barrel train and other games, sponsored by the SCDC.

Beginning at 11 a.m. and going on until 7 p.m. is a silent auction.

The noon hour will feature a pedal pull, brought to the masses by Stratford Fire and Rescue and United Coop. Rungos will rev up its bags tournament at the same time.

The beer garden starts at 1 p.m., and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., there will be a White Elephant Bingo.

All throughout the day, food vendors will be available.

At 5 p.m., the day will culminate with a street dance, featuring music from Hawk McIntyre and Blacktop.

McIntyre is a Boone singer-songwriter, who appeared on Season 18 of “The Voice.” Blacktop is a country and classic rock cover band from Des Moines.

Sunday will see a community church service with music from the Armouraires Quartet, which commences at 10:30 a.m. Following the service, there will be food provided by Stratford Stride.