Independence Day activities sponsored by the City of Newton begin at 5 p.m. in Agnes 

Patterson Memorial Park. Festivities will include food trucks and music provided by a DJ leading up to the fireworks show at dusk. A free throw contest takes place at 5 p.m., while inflatables for children will be up from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The City of Newton has a $15,000 contract with J & M of Yarmouth for tonight’s fireworks display. City staff says it will be similar in length and scale to last year’s show. The southeast Iowa company has provided Newton’s 4th of July fireworks for many years. Their contract with the City of Newton includes several discounts, including a 15% loyalty program discount.