July 4 activities abound in Mt. Pleasant and Wayland

Mt. Pleasant and Wayland will be hosting July 4th celebrations Wednesday.

Mt. Pleasant?s celebration will begin with a 4:30 p.m. parade Wednesday at McMillan Park.

The popular ?Drive a Tractor,? train, trolley and carousel rides begin at 5 p.m. The Iowa National Guard will have a climbing tower from 5-7 p.m.

Also on tap is a MedForce helicopter on display for the public to see, traction steam engine spark show at dusk followed by fireworks at dark.

Henry County Cattlemen will be grilling ribeyes and hamburgers. Other food and drink will be offered by the Mt. Union Methodist Church, Main Street Mt. Pleasant, Relay for Life and Boy Scout Troop 27. The Golden Eagle Distributing tent will feature Monster drinks.

Front-row parking spaces may be reserved for a fee by calling 319-931-6456. These spaces include a picnic table and allow you to drive up in time for fireworks. Reserved parking places without picnic tables also are available for a fee.

There is no charge to get in to McMillan Park. There are wristbands for sale for unlimited rides on the Midwest Central Railroad. Wristbands also are on sale for unlimited rides on the carousel and Midwest Electric Railway trolleys.

Wayland?s events kick off with the Lions Club breakfast from 6:30-9:30 a.m. at the Community Center. A 5K run/walk starts at 7:30 a.m. followed by the parade at 10:30 a.m.

With temperatures expected in the upper 90s, the firefighter water fights on Main Street following the parade might be a good way to cool off.

Games for the kids are scheduled from 1-3 p.m., and the Wayland Museum also will be open following the parade.

The Parkview Home Benefit Supper is from 4:30-7 p.m. at the Parkveiw Home. Fireworks culminate the day?s activities. In the event of rain, fireworks will be on July 5.

Family fun activities in West Park, Wayland, are scheduled for Tuesday, July 3, from 6-8 p.m. Free hot dogs and chips (until they are gone) will be served.