The Galva Freedom Fest Committee is working overtime to make this Independence Day a memorable one for Galva and surrounding communities.
According to Chairperson Melissa Halsall, the committee works year-round to plan, raise funds, and organize the celebration.
“It takes hundreds of man hours to plan all the events,” said Halsall. “We work all year long to raise funds so that the fest is always fun for everyone.”
The Fourth of July parade and activities changed its name to the Freedom Fest in 1992 and ever since, the volunteers have been committed to creating a Fourth of July celebration that includes activities for all ages. The festivities begin early, with several days set aside for the event.
Wednesday, July 3:
The Messiah Lutheran Church is holding its annual pork chop dinner in Wiley Park from 5-7 p.m.
The Galva Arts Council Art Jam blacktop painting in Wiley Park ($5 for a 4’ x 5’ space) from 6 – 8 p.m. Children of all ages are invited to create works of art in colorful chalk.
A garden tractor pull sponsored by the Galva/Tri-County Pullers starts at 6 pm behind River Valley COOP, east of town.
The Freedom Fest beer tent will be held at the park district beginning at 8 p.m. It will feature music by Goodtimes Entertainment. A $5 donation is suggested, and attendees must be 21 to enter the tent.
Thursday, July 4:
The day begins in Wiley Park with an 8 a.m. 5K run. Registration is from 7 – 7:45 a.m., with a kid’s fun run taking off at 7:30 a.m. See the Galva Freedom Fest 5K Facebook page for more information.
If you’re hungry, the Lion’s Club annual pancake breakfast will be in Wiley Park from 7 – 9 am. Pancakes, sausage, and coffee are all prepared and served by club members.
The Wiley Park Antique Tractor Show begins at 10 a.m., with registration beginning at 8 a.m.
Lunch in Wiley Park will be available from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., with proceeds going to the Galva eight-man football team.
At noon, the historic Freedom Fest Parade begins. The parade lineup begins at 10:30 a.m. at the elementary school and proceeds down NW 3rd Avenue. It then circles Wiley Park and heads East to NW 1st Avenue, where it turns and heads North to Morgan Road and back to the school.
This year’s Freedom Fest Parade Grand Marshall is Tyler Glaser. He is a community activist and instrumental in bringing the Back Road Music Festival to Galva. He is also a supporter of the Honor Flight, the Levitt AMP concert series, and coaches local sports teams. Halsall describes him as a “community-driven doer.”
Galva’s Ready to Grow Little Mr. and Miss Firecracker 2024, Mateo Duarte and Vivianne Harding, will be featured on a special float, and add sparkle to the celebration.
Afternoon activities include tours of the Old Red Farm Shed until 4 p.m., and a Kiddie Tractor Pull at Wiley Park for children 10 and under at 2 p.m.
Festivities move to the Galva Park District for the evening, with food vendors, a dunk tank fundraiser from 6:30 – 9 p.m., and the Presentation of Colors by the Galva American Legion at 7 p.m.
The National Anthem at 9 p.m. kicks off the famous Galva Fireworks Display.
Sunday, July 7:
Freedom Fest activities don’t end on the Fourth of July. The Galva Ministerial Association will hold its annual community church service in Wiley Park at 11 a.m.
Sunday, August 25:
The Freedom Fest Car Show will showcase vintage and classic cars from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Registration is required, and a small fee is assessed for entries. Trophies for People’s Choice, Best in Show, and Kid’s Choice will be awarded.
Halsall was quick to add that the Freedom Fest committee makes everything run smoothly and tips her hat to its members Dustin Jaco, Annette Smith, Kandy Engels, Shelly DeCrane, Christina Smith, Hawn Kendall, David Benson and Brittany Stewart.
“The celebration would never happen without them”, said Halsall. “It’s all a part of summer in Galva.”
For information on parade entry, 5 K run, or any of the other activities email galvafreedomfest@gmail.com, or call (309) 932-2555. Galva Freedom Fest’s Facebook page is also a source of information and registration materials.
