Residents are invited to explore Minburn during the annual 4th of July celebration

Community members can learn new facts about Minburn when the annual Fourth of July celebration returns.

“This year our theme is Discover Minburn and I think we’re going to highlight Minburn in a few different ways, like the Amazing Race, the scavenger hunt, and all the traditions that we’ve had over the years that we’ve been going on,” said organizer Megan Cline. “Just to get people to look at Minburn through a different lens and look at all the details that make Minburn special.”

The 4th of July festivities start a day early with free skating and live music.

A meal with a voluntary donation will be served by the Friends of the Minburn Public Library from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM on Wednesday, July 3 in Meek Park. The skate shack is open and children can skate for free on the outdoor rink in the park. Kick will perform from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

“That’s a tradition we started a few years ago and it’s really fun, it gets everyone in the mood to celebrate,” Cline said of the Meet Me in Minburn concert series.

The festivities continue on Thursday, July 4, with sandwiches at the food shelter in Meek Park, followed by the parade at 9 a.m. The parade line-up begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Heartland Co-op. Cline said no registration is required and everyone is welcome to attend.

After the parade, family games will be played at Rogers Park, along with a bag tournament at Mudders.

American Legion Osborne Post 99 will host an all-wheel show on Baker Street, with check-in at 10 a.m. Area residents are invited to bring their classic cars, motorcycles and trucks and there is no charge to participate.

The American Legion Auxiliary serves a midday meal at the Meek Park Food Shelter. Food trucks will also be available at Meek Park from 10am to 4pm.

Bingo will be played at the food stall at 1:30 PM and Zoo Crew will have mounts available at the skating rink from 2:00 PM.

New this year is an Amazing Race competition at 2 p.m. During the race, there are stations throughout the city where teams can complete a task.

“Come to the skate hut with your team, ready to have some fun. Make sure there is at least one adult 18+ in your group,” Cline said.

Children and adults can also go on a scavenger hunt to learn facts about Minburn. Scavenger hunt sheets can be picked up and returned at the skate hut.

There will be a puppet show on stage in Meek Park at 3 p.m., followed by open skating and a balloon artist.

Dinner begins at 5:00 PM at the Meek Park Food Shelter, followed by the raffle. Raffle tickets cost $1 or 6 for $5, with all proceeds going to Minburn’s Fourth of July celebration. Tickets are available from Minburn Public Library, Mudders Bar, Heartland Co-op and Minburn City Hall.

The Minburn American Legion Pie Auction will be held at 7 p.m. Cakes can be dropped off at the Legion Hall on July 4 from 8 a.m. to noon to be included in the evening auction. Proceeds will go to the Minburn American Legion and Cline said the legion will then donate money for the fireworks show.

The cake competition is open to adults and children and cash prizes will be awarded in each category. Each cake baker age 17 and under will receive a $10 prize.

“We encourage everyone to participate and have fun,” Cline said of the cake contest and auction.

The 4th of July festivities conclude with a fireworks show at 9 p.m

Cline encourages area residents to come see all the activities on July 3 and 4.

“There is something for everyone and something to eat all day,” she said.

For more information, visit minburn.org or the Minburn Iowa-Annual 4th of July Celebration Facebook group.