One last hurrah
KEITH COUSINS/Press file Members of the Kipling family throw handfuls of candy to kids watching Spirit Lake's annual Labor Day parade in 2016.
Not even the coronavirus can stop Spirit Lake from celebrating Labor Day weekend with a parade, car show and free corn on the cob.
The two-day celebration starts with the Roy Racy VFW Post 1473 car and motorcycle show from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, followed by the parade at 11 a.m. Monday. Vendors will be in Spirit Lake City Park both days from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
"It should be a good turnout with this coronavirus settling down," Post 1473 Commander Gary Stairs said. "We usually have anywhere from 80 to 100 participants, pretty much filling up the park."
One of the few cities to hold a Fourth of July parade, organizers are excited to keep the momentum going with Labor Day celebrations. Parade participants can line up at 10 a.m., judging is at 10:30, and the parade starts at 11. With its red, white and blue theme, it will travel down Maine Street and Fourth Avenue. The caravan will lead onlookers to the park, where live music will fill the air and vendors will offer food and crafts.
Post 1473 will also host its 40th annual corn feed, giving away over 400 ears of buttery, salty corn to event-goers.
"It's one last hurrah before everything gets weird again and school starts," said Jeneva Stubbs, president of the Spirit Event Committee. "When things are unpredictable, at least they can count on the parade as something to look forward to."
Hand sanitizing stations will be available throughout the park.
Cars and motorcycles of all kinds are welcome to register for the 11th annual show from 8 to 11 a.m. Cost is $25 and there will be awards.