Wayland News

It is with mixed emotions that I announce my retirement the end of June. I have enjoyed the past 15 years of employment at the Wayland Office of the Winfield Beacon/Wayland News and in that capacity sending news to the Washington Evening Journal and the Mt. Pleasant News. I wish all our readers the best and will remember these years fondly.

Plans are being finalized for the annual Independence Day Celebration in Wayland for Friday, July 4.

The day will begin with the annual Wayland Lions Club hosting their sausage and pancake breakfast from 6:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the Community Center. Eat a hearty breakfast for a free-will donation to the Wayland Lions Club.

The Freedom Fun Walk/Run will begin at 7:30 a.m. at the Central Park. This event is held rain or shine. Participants must sign a waiver form before participating on the day of the event. Donations will be accepted for the European educational trip.

9:30 a.m. will see the lineup for the parade with tractors on Washington Street beginning at The Bar; horses on Pearl Street by the Wayland Mennonite Church; kids will start their lineup at the corner by Peoples Savings Bank; and the autos/floats begin at Miller Plumbing on Main Street.

Tim Meyer will announce the parade beginning at 10:30 a.m. on Main Street, and again, this event happens rain or shine!

The Midwest Memories and Wayland Museum will be open during the day for you to check out.

A lunch will be served by Crawford Meat Plant from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Wayland Community Room. Hot dog, chips, cookie, tea or lemonade can be yours for a free-will donation to European educational trip.

At approximately noon, a kickball tournament will begin at the WACO Softball and Baseball Fields. Concession stand will offer pork patties, candy, and pop. Proceeds will go to the European Educational Trip.

Following the parade, at approximately 12:30 p.m., the firefighters will be set up for all ages to try their skills at water fight games.

The Wayland Area Antique Tractor Club will have their tractors on display at the location on North Street (across Hwy 78 from Pratt?s Dairy Den).

The Annual Parkview Benefit Supper will be held from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the lower level of Parkview Home on North Jackson Street. Turkey tenderloin, hot dogs, potato salad, baked beans, bars, homemade ice cream and beverage will be served. Free-will donations go toward resident room window replacements.

At dusk, the firemen will set off the fireworks which are donated by the City of Wayland. (In case of rain, fireworks will be displayed on Saturday night, July 5.)

Throughout the festivities, you may participate in the citywide scavenger hunt game. Forms are available at Dairy Den, Post Office, Wayland State Bank and City Hall. Games may be turned in at City Hall office or drop box.

Warrior Nation (WACO) will be selling homemade ice cream sandwiches from 9:30 a.m. to noon.

The Wayland Lions Club sponsors the Breakfast, the Freedom Fun Walk/Run, the Parade, water fights, and the fireworks.

Editor?s note: If anyone is interested in becoming the Wayland correspondent, please call Linda Wenger at The Journal at 319-653-2191.