Montezuma to celebrate freedom on the 4th

Montezuma is getting ready for a big "block party" - the community's "Let Freedom Ring" 4th of July celebration.

Most of it takes place on Saturday, July 4 this year.

There will be sidewalk sales, food and activities for all ages, giving families a chance for a brief vacation in their own back yard.

Traditional events in the courthouse square area during the daytime include parades, the Montezuma Lions Club chicken barbecue, children's games and bounce rides.

One of the auxiliary events has moved to a new time and location. The "Firecracker 5K or one-mile Run/Walk will now be held on Friday night, July 3 (8 p.m.), and will start at the east end of Stagecoach Trail - the corner of west Madison and North Hayes streets in Montezuma.

Something traditional will cap Saturday - a spectacular fireworks display over Lake Pondersosa at 9:30 p.m. The Lake Ponderosa Association sponsors the fireworks.

The Montezuma Community Boosters co-ordinate the "Let Freedom Ring" festivities, but churches, clubs and organizations also participate. That includes the volunteer fire department, which for years has staged the big parade.

Here is a list of the "Let Freedom Ring" events:

Let Freedom Ring 2015
Montezuma, Iowa

Friday, July 3
Glow Run, 5K or one-mile Run/Walk, 8 p.m., Stagecoach Trail (W. Madison & North Hayes Sts., Montezuma.

Saturday, July 4
On and around Courthouse Square:
Pancake Breakfast, fire station, 7-10 a.m.
Sidewalk sales, 8 a.m.
Inflatables – 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Kids' pet, bike & doll parade, 10:00 a.m.
Big parade, 10:15 a.m.
Water fights, 1 p.m., in front of light plant. Noon registration.
Dedication of Fitzsimmons Schoolhouse – Historical Society grounds, after parade
Bake Sale – Old library basement – after parade.
High Bank Band performs – after parade.
Lions Club chicken barbecue, Memorial hall, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Crafters and vendors – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Shaved ice, cotton candy, funnel cakes and more – through 1 p.m.
Kingdom Klowns balloons, games for the kids and more – all morning and into early afternoon.
Legion quilt raffle winner announced – 12 noon, courthouse area.

At Lake Ponderosa
Fireworks by Lake Ponderosa Association, 9:30 p.m.

Sunday, July 7
Ecumenical church service, 9:05 a.m., Courthouse lawn.
Patriot Chorus will sing