McKinley Park Festival scheduled Saturday

July 23--It's the time of year again when Creston is host to another local festival. McKinley Park Festival is scheduled for Saturday, and is filled with events of all kinds.

Instead of having a movie in the park as has been done in years past, there will be a fireworks show at dusk. The fireworks show is not a new event, just one being brought back.

"The talent contest is always fun, along with parents and grandparents fishing with the kids," said Rich Paulsen, Creston News Advertiser publisher and volunteer for Creston Parks and Recreation Department. "We are doing fireworks again this year, and that is always a big hit with everyone."

Other events include a fishing competition, hog roast and auction.

Sponsors for the 10th annual festival are Central Iowa Amusement, Creston Park and Recreation Department, Creston Publishing Company, First National Bank, High Lakes Outdoor Alliance, Iowa State Savings Bank and Tyler Insurance.

Money raised during the festival will go to renovations for McKinley Park, such as dredging the lake sometime in the future, according to Paulsen.

Events

A skateboarding competition will kick off the day's events at 3:30 p.m.

A free fishing day for kids starts at 4 p.m., with sign-up from 3:15 to 4 p.m. The fishing lasts until 5:30 p.m., and participants will receive a meal and prizes.

There will be a hog roast at 4 p.m. Meals are $5 and last until the food is gone.

"(A great part is) the families taking advantage of a wonderful park," Paulsen said. "It is an inexpensive day at the park, no cost for any of the events except the hog roast."

A raffle and auction start at 6:30 p.m. The raffle will be for a big screen television or two processed half hogs. Auction items include window air conditioner, Iowa Cubs tickets, gift certificates, Eagles concert tickets and hand-painted Creston Depot sign.

After the auction, Bill Riley talent competition will take place at the band shell. Kelly Busch can be contacted at 641-782-0038 for more information.

Fireworks will be on display at dusk.

During the day

The fishing competition is the highlight of the day, according to John Kawa, chairman of Creston Parks and Recreation Board.

"It's primarily a kids fishing day," Kawa said. "That's what we try to push as much as anything."

There are three classes: 8 years old and younger, 9 to 12 years old and 13 to 16 years old. Worms, hooks and bobbers are supplied to the kids. Kids are encouraged to bring their own fishing rod and reel, and get a free meal for participation.

"We end up giving $500 in Creston Bucks to the winners," Kawa said. "We divide that up accordingly."

The winners are chosen for largest and most fish in each class.

There are also several all day events.

Creston Municipal Pool will have an all day swim for $1. Also, the Union County Historical Complex will be open all day for tourists.

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