T-R PHOTO BY MICHAEL D. DAVIS Nick Peshel takes his turn in the dunk tank during last year’s Lincoln Highway Bridge Festival in Tama. This year, the tank will be used for a “Battle of the Brians” between Tama Mayor Brian Hanus and Toledo Mayor Brian Sokol to raise money for the Safe Routes to School project in the adjoining communities.

TAMA — With the calendar turned to May, it can only mean one thing, the annual Lincoln Highway Bridge Festival is nigh. Established in 1980, and with only a few years of gaps, it is the knowledge of the newspaper and the Chamber of Commerce that this is the 40th annual iteration of the event. With something for everyone, this year’s festival is set to deliver.

On Thursday night, Scott’s Amusements Carnival kicks off the festival alongside the dunk tank being available.

Friday will kick off the weekend of entertainment with the Tri-County Community Band returning for another year of thrilling music and cherished classics starting at 6 p.m. inside the fire station at the Tama Civic Center. The Tama Citizen of the Year Award, presented by the Tama Fire Department, will follow at 7 p.m. The high school jazz band will finish up the night following the presentation.

There will be a host of food options available throughout downtown Tama available Friday night along with a street dance sponsored by The Pump.

On Saturday morning, the firefighters pancake breakfast opens up at 7 a.m. and lasts until 9:30, with the parade taking place at 10 a.m. A caricature artist and face painting opportunities will be available in the early afternoon.

The Safe Routes to School initiative will be hosting the Battle of the Brians. A dunk tank extravaganza focusing on raising funds for the infrastructure and establishing bragging rights between the two mayors conveniently named Brian. From noon to 1, Brian Sokol of Toledo will be in the dunk tank, while from 1-2 p.m. Brian Hanus of Tama will take over for him. Show your support for your town, your mayor, and the prospect of improved community infrastructure by participating in this battle for the ages.

There will be no shortage of entertainment on Saturday. Gail’s Academy of Dance is offering a special performance starting at 12:30 followed by Katie and the Honkey Tonks from 1:30-3:30 p.m.. Later in the evening, Undercurrent is playing starting at 6 p.m.

Chamber Coordinator Marlys Upah spoke about the wide ranging event.

“The Tama-Toledo Chamber of Commerce is proud to sponsor the annual Lincoln Highway Bridge Festival that brings our community together and showcases local individuals and businesses who are the heart of Tama and Toledo. This event has something for everyone, including a carnival, parade, pancake breakfast, food vendors, musical entertainment, activities for kids, and more,” she said. “A huge thank you goes out to all the amazing volunteers who help make this event happen each year — we couldn’t do it without all of you!”

A full schedule of events can be found on the Tama-Toledo Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.