Keokuk County communities have a packed schedule of events this week to mark America’s 250th birthday, with celebrations running across Sigourney, Richland, and What Cheer from July 3rd through July 5th.
Sigourney
Sigourney’s celebration gets underway on Friday, July 3rd at 4:00 p.m. with a pool fundraiser and chalk the walk on the square. A kiddie parade steps off at 4:30 p.m., followed by a hospice pie contest, judging, and auction. The evening fills out with a kid tractor pull, a cutie kiddie contest sponsored by the Lions Club for ages 18 to 30 months, a hot dog eating contest at Grant Ranch for ages eight through fifteen, and a Yoker Kin event from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. A bounce house will be set up on the north side of the square and a Kiwanis beer tent will be open through the evening.
On Saturday, July 4th, the day begins early with a 5K and one-mile run at 7:00 a.m., with registration opening at 6:00 a.m. The main parade steps off at 10:30 a.m. from the elementary school. The afternoon brings a Kiwanis lunch, free swim at the pool from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, a horseshoe tournament, a RAGASS 2.0 putt-putt event at Keoco Sale Barn, the America Says game show, and trivia hosted by Lucas Meier. A tractor pull is also scheduled, and fireworks will follow at dark.
Sunday, July 5th rounds out the weekend with morning yoga, an ecumenical church service on the square at 10:00 a.m., and a wiffle ball tournament in the afternoon with food provided by Grant Ranch.
Richland
Richland will host its Fourth of July celebration on Friday, July 3rd at Alumni Park. Inflatable activities and a bounce house will run from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Live music begins at 4:00 p.m. with Adam Whitehead performing through 6:30 p.m., followed by Going Places Band from 7:00 p.m. until dusk. A concession stand will be open throughout, with proceeds benefiting the Pekin eighth grade trip. Fireworks follow at dark.
What Cheer
What Cheer has a full slate of events on both July 3rd and 4th. On Friday evening, the What Cheer Fire Department will host a Firemen’s Ball at the What Cheer Town Bridge — or the fire station at 414 South Barns Street if weather requires — from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. Jake McVey will perform live country and rock and roll music throughout the evening. Free will donations are welcome and attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs and drinks.
On Saturday, July 4th, Hilltop Church will host a free meal in the park along with a bounce house and water slide from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. A kiddie parade for ages ten and under will line up at the Opera House at 1:45 p.m. and step off at 2:00 p.m., with prizes awarded. The main parade will follow immediately after. A queen contest will take place at the Opera House following the parade, and the What Cheer Brick School Museum will also be open. Figure 8 races begin at 7:00 p.m., and a special fireworks display marking America’s 250th birthday will follow at dark.
