Kiwanis, Optimists adding spark to July 4 celebration

RED OAK — Under the direction of the Red Oak Kiwanis, local service clubs are pitching in to help breathe a little life back into the July 4 celebration.

After holding their annual Duck Race fundraiser at noon  July 4, Kiwanis Club members decided to move it this year to the evening, when local Opt-imists annually wow crowds with their fireworks display.

“In the past, kids that grew up in Red Oak remember a big July 4th celebration with all kinds of stuff going on,” Kiwanis Club President Dr. Terry Gillespie said. “We aren’t necessarily going try to something that big, but we thought people would come out and have a meal, see some fireworks and have some fun at the duck race too.”

Red Oak’s Eagles Lodge will be selling food starting at 6 p.m. in Legion Park.

A patriotic themed kiddie parade follows, with prizes awarded to the most patriotic costumes. The parade and contest will be divided by age groups.

Immediately following the parade, the duck race will take place in the Red Oak City Pool.

Owners of the lucky ducks drawn from the pool of hundreds will win cash prizes. Tickets are for sale at Bank Iowa, KCSI, Hy-Vee and any Kiwanis Club member. Tickets are $5 each.

The grand prize is $700.  

Kiwanis Club members voted this year to donate the funds to the Red Oak Rotary Club Basketball Cage Project.

The Rotary Club is trying to raise more than $200,000 to replace the Middle School basketball cage located on East Corning.

After the duck race, the Chamber Ambassadors are providing live music as Kip Brower will be performing before the fireworks start.

Other service clubs will also be encouraged to participate in the event by providing some activity or booth.

“We think this will be a lot of fun,” Gillespie promised.