Milo throws biggest little Fourth of July party in Warren County
Teresa Kay Albertson
Warren County residents have plenty of choices when it comes to Fourth of July celebrations.
Here’s a run-down of all the activities you don’t want to miss.
Mighty Milo throws a party
With a population of 775, the town of Milo throws its heart and soul into the Fourth of July, with a daylong celebration that includes parades (yes, multiple), a car show, talent competition, live music and fireworks.
“We try to have a good time down here,” said Bill Baughman of the Milo July Fourth committee. “It costs us probably $15,000 to $20,000 to do this. We raise money all year long. Ours is one of the longest running celebrations in the state.”
Activities held throughout the day include water fights, games, corn hole and sand volleyball tournaments, inflatable rides, eating contests, a dunk tank and a kiddie train.
Milo is located about 10 miles southeast of Indianola.
If you go, grab a raffle ticket. The large raffle prize is a backyard package, including a grill, patio furniture, patio heater, fire pit and yard dice set. Large raffle tickets are $5. Raffle tickets for smaller items are 25 tickets for $20.
MILO FOURTH OF JULY
When: July 4, 7 a.m. to dusk
Where: All activities are held at Milo City Park, at the corner of Spruce and Third streets, unless otherwise noted.
7-10 a.m.: Breakfast at the Milo Community Center, 198 Main St.
10 a.m.: Kiddie parade
11 a.m.: Parade
After the parade: Tractor show on Third Street. No registration required. Car show on Spruce Street. To register, email at milofourthofjuly@gmail.com. Costs is $10.
3:30 p.m.: Milo’s Got Talent. Register at milofourthofjuly@gmail.com.
7 p.m.: Live music: Trespassing Band at Milo baseball park, 498 Elm St.
Dusk: Fireworks at baseball park.
Carlisle spreads party over 2 days
Carlisle kicks off its Fourth of July celebration early, with a family fun run Saturday along the Carlisle Nature Trail to raise money for the city's two-day celebration on July 3 and 4.
Medals are awarded to the first place male and female runners in each age group. Registration opens at 7:30 a.m. at Carlisle Middle School, 325 Scotch Ridge Road, with the run at 8 a.m.
CARLISLE FOURTH OF JULY
When: July 3 and 4
Where: All activities are held at Carlisle City Park, at the corner of North First and Park streets, unless otherwise noted.
JULY 3
5 p.m.: Food vendors, games, kiddie rides, inflatables and more.
6 p.m.: Kiddie parade. Meet at the park's basketball court.
JULY 4
7:30 a.m.: Pancake breakfast and Carlisle Community Building, 35 Vine St. Cost: Free will donation.
9 a.m.: Parade line up at Garfield and School streets.
9:30 a.m.: Parade, starting on School Street, west to North First Street, north to Market Street, west to Lindhardt Road, south to School Street, ending at Carlisle High School.
After the parade: Festival all day, with food stands, small carnival rides, inflatable rides, games, bingo, live country music with Robbie Huffaker.
10 p.m.: Fireworks (Pro tip: The best viewing is from the park.)
Norwalk
Even with thousands of RAGBRAI riders coming through town July 23, Norwalk's Fourth of July will still pack a lot of fun.
The daylong celebration begins at 10 a.m. with a parade, starting at Norwalk High School, 1201 North Ave. Anyone can sign up to be in the parade, just fill out a registration form from the city's website and bring it to line up.
NORWALK FOURTH OF JULY
When: July 4
Where: All activities are held at Norwalk City Park, 907 North Ave., unless otherwise noted.
JULY 4
10 a.m.: Parade begins at the high school, travels south on Cherry Street to Elm Avenue, west to Lane Avenue, north to School Street, east to Main Street, north to North Avenue, east to Cherry Street and back to the high school.
After the parade-3 p.m.: Vendor show, food, games, crafts and live music.
Dusk: Fireworks shot from McAninch Sports Complex, 200 Wright Road
Teresa Kay Albertson is a lead news reporter covering Warren County for the Indianola Record Herald and the Des Moines Register. She can be reached by email at talbertson@registermedia.com, by phone at 515-284-8561. Follow Teresa on Twitter @TeresaAlberts11.
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