With the Fourth of July falling on a Friday this year, Henry County is gearing up for a long holiday weekend filled with star-spangled celebrations in every corner.
Festivities kick off on Thursday, July 3, with lively events in Galva and Geneseo.
Galva Freedom Fest
Galva hosts Henry County’s largest patriotic celebration, and this year’s Freedom Fest promises fun from Thursday through Sunday.
Thursday, July 3:
● Pork Chops in the Park – 5 to 7 p.m. at Wiley Park, hosted by Messiah Lutheran Church.
● Live music by Brad Shryack, presented by the Galva Arts Council on the Doss Memorial Stage – 5 to 7 p.m.
Friday, July 4:
Activities span the day at Wiley Park, including:
● Lion’s Club Pancake Breakfast – 7 to 9 a.m.
● 5K Run – 8 a.m. and Kids Fun Run to follow
● Antique Tractor Show – 9 a.m., registration 7 to 9 a.m.
● Art Jam by Galva Arts Council – 9 a.m.– noon at $5 a square
● Galva Ministerial Association Community Prayer Time – 10 a.m.
● Lunch in the Park – 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. hosted by First Baptist Church of Galva
● Kiddie Tractor Pull – 2 p.m., registration 1 to 2 p.m.
● The Freedom Fest Parade steps off at noon from the elementary school, winding through neighborhoods and finishing around Wiley Park.
The Old Red Farm Shed on Rt. 34 open for tours following parade until 4 p.m.
Festivities at the Galva Park District
● Food Vendors – 4 p.m. to dusk
● Bouncy Houses – 6 to 8:30 p.m.
● Face Painting – 5 p.m.
● Dunk Tank fundraiser – 7 to 9 p.m.
● Kickball tournament.
● Galva American Legions Presentation of Colors – 7 p.m.
● The evening ends with a dazzling fireworks display at dusk.
Saturday, July 5:
● Garden Tractor Pull behind River Valley Cooperative 1207 SE 2nd St – 6 p.m., signup at 5 p.m.
Sunday, July 6:
● Community Worship at Wiley Park Memorial Stage – 9 a.m.
● Galva Levitt Free Concert Series featuring Emerson Woolf and Coral Moons – 6 p.m., Galva Park District
Geneseo – Thrill on the Hill
Also on Thursday, July 3, Geneseo lights up Richmond Hill Park with:
● Food and beverage vendors – 5:30 to 9 p.m.
● Children’s activities – 6 to 8 p.m.
● Face painting – 6 to 8:30 p.m.
● Live music from The Spazmatics – 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
● Fireworks at dusk
Kewanee Fourth of July Celebration
On Friday, July 4, Kewanee becomes the hub of patriotic fun:
● Francis Park Festival – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. featuring music, food booths, tractor & car shows, crafts, and flea markets
● Rib Eye Sandwich Drive-Thru hosted by First Presbyterian Church -11 a.m. to1 p.m., 307 S. Tremont St.
● Free public swim at Northeast Park’s Family Oasis Aquatic Center – noon to 6 p.m. Live music at the park by High Jinx 7:30 p.m. and fireworks around 9:30 p.m.
Orion Independence Day Fun
Also on Friday, July 4, Orion celebrates with:
● Food vendors, face painting, and a visit from MedForce Helicopter from 5:15–6:45 p.m.
● Live music by Mo’s Garage – 5:30 p.m.
● Skydivers at Orion High School Football Field – 8:30 p.m.
● Lighted Parade – 8:45 p.m.
Parades, fireworks, great food or family fun–Henry County has your Independence Day weekend covered!