A morning parade around downtown and a fireworks show that began at dusk highlighted Independence Day activities in Newton Friday. The parade drew hundreds of people, who lined both sides of fourteen city blocks. The parade was hosted by the Greater Newton Area Chamber of Commerce. Chamber Executive Director Kaylea Marchant says entries this year surpassed 150, and included the KNIA/KRLS Lil Big Red Radio. Last year’s entry total was 115. The parade Grand Marshall was Mel Allen, a Korean War Veteran who also had a 25-year career as a State Trooper with the Iowa State Patrol. Marchant says he’s also responsible for an entry that’s been in several Newton 4th of July parades.

“He also beautifully rebuilt a 1952 Army Jeep that was in the parade. It’s been in plenty of our parades.” 

City sponsored activities in Newton were held at Agnes Patterson Park. They included inflatables for children, a free throw contest, music provided by a DJ, and food trucks. The fireworks show at dusk matched what the City of Newton has done the past several years with fireworks provider J&M Displays of Yarmouth, Iowa.