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GARWIN — It will be a taste of Americana when the community celebrates Garwin Freedom Days July 3-5. This year’s theme is “Built By Generations.”

“We have a great little town, and it was built by many generations, and we want to honor them,” said Darcy McCubbin, who serves as president of the Garwin Enrichment League, who is putting on the event.

Therefore, there will not be a grand marshal for the parade.

“The parade is really dedicated to all of those that have made Garwin a great place to live,” she added.

Friday, July 3

Day one begins with a sand volleyball tournament at Garwin City Park, starting at noon. Cost is $30 per team. Four-person minimum and six-person maximum. Cash or check is due at check in. Register day of or by emailing: cellis@gmgschools.org.

The Little Miss and Mr. Freedom Days honor will go to one girl and one boy going into second or third grade. Crowning will be at 4 p.m. at the bandstand in the park. Candidates should arrive 15 minutes early. The winners will be drawn at random, and will get to participate in the grand parade.

The grand parade starts at 6 p.m., with line up at 5 p.m. at Garwin Farm Service. No need to register, just show up.

The Garwin Band will follow the parade. DJ Beau Allen will be on hand at the beer garden from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., set up in front of Garwin Bull.

Saturday, July 4

The Wayne Judge Sr. Memorial Antique Power Show will go all day in Garwin City Park.

The Lion’s Club breakfast, freewill offering, is set for 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Garwin Community Building.

The 5K walk/run in Garwin City Park is for all ages. Registration starts at 7 a.m., with the race kicking off at 8 a.m. Entry fee is $20. (Under 10 divisions and senior citizens divisions freewill donation). Medals will be given for: under 10, middle school, high school, adult, and senior citizen divisions. McCubbin noted the race is a fundraiser for the GMG iJAG.

Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates (iJAG) is a statewide nonprofit organization and affiliate of the JAG Network.

The American Legion will do a flag raising in the park, at 8 a.m.

The vendor/merchant showcase, also at the park, is set for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“They are going to be set up just kind of around the park in different areas. We don’t have a specific place, just kind of mingling through,” she said.

Registration is not required. Bring your own canopy and tables/chairs.

“They’re welcome to set up in the parade and showcase their business and goods,” McCubbin added.

An area for youngsters will be set up at the park. For $5, get a wristband, good all day, for inflatables and a waterslide, open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“We have one bouncy house that is specifically for toddlers. We always try and have something just for the littles, so they’re not trampled by bigger kids. The water slide is for all kids. We also have an inflatable, it’s new this year, called the Hippo Chowdown, and it’s kind of like a real-life version of Hungry Hungry Hippos (game),” she said.

A returning favorite is the Firecracker Lawn Mower Races, set up on Main Street, north of the American Legion.

“It’s always a good time,” she said.

The green flag drops at 10 a.m., drivers meet up 10 minutes prior. Cost is $20 per team.

Rules: no zero-turn mowers, and the belt that engages the blade must be removed. Teams must have four members and at least one guy and one girl. Drivers must wear a helmet and closed-toed shoes.

Pre-register by calling Wyatt at: 641-481-2266.

If your kids need a place to hang out (or cool down), Legos will be set up to play with at the Garwin Community Building, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“That’s new this year. The 4-H club is running that,” she said.

The Garwin Fire Department Hog Roast fundraiser will be set up in the new fire station, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“For the most part, they have finished the new building,” she said. “The firemen are pretty psyched about it. It’s a pretty nice building.”

Kiddie Tractor Pull will start at 1 p.m. under the hoop in the park. The bags tournament will take place in front of Garwin Bull. Register at noon, starts at 1 p.m.

Encore Legends will perform at the beer garden from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Fireworks start at dusk, paid for by the enrichment league.

Sunday, July 5

The final day will see a community church service under the hoop in the park, starting at 9:30 a.m. A bake sale will follow. It is a collaboration among Carlton Brethren Church, Garwin Christian Church, Garwin Valley Community Church and Iowa River Church. There will not be seating provided. Bring your own chair.

The Garwin Bull will be raffling off meat bundles throughout the day on Saturday, with proceeds being donated to the Garwin Enrichment League.

There will be food trucks too. Clare’s Tenderloins by Mya (Friday only). Back Roads Eats & Sweets Friday and Saturday. Gyro Spot is Friday only. Saddle Up Drink Co dirty sodas and Lucky Wife Wine Slushies, both Friday only. Pretzel Parade will be there Friday and Saturday. La Terraza Saturday evening only.

The Boy Scouts will be selling water and snacks at the concession stand on Saturday.

For more information, reach out to: garwinenrichmentleague@gmail.com.