This year’s 4th of July celebration in Sully will focus on celebrating Hometown Pride on Tuesday, July 4.
The community’s annual festivities will kick off a few days prior to the 4th with the Annual Tractor Ride on Saturday, July 1. On Sunday, July 2, the Diamond Trail Golf Course in Lynnville will host the popular Par 3 Partee golf tourney. Later that night, a community worship service with Sully First Reformed Church’s Pastor Jeff Knouse speaking will be held at 6 p.m. in Sully Central Park.
On July 4, in Sully, a full day of family-friendly activities will kick off with the annual fly-in, weather permitting, at the Sully Airport. The SFRC Faithwalkers’ breakfast and 27th Annual Freedom Fun Run/Walk are all part of the morning festivities that have historically drawn early crowds of people ready to celebrate their patriotism.
At 10 a.m., the 4th of July opening ceremonies will take place and feature Lynnville Friends Church’s pastor Jamie Bogaard leading the prayer, the flag raising by Dan and Stephanie Dykema and family at the Jasper County Freedom Rock, and singing of “The National Anthem” by Dylann (Huyser) Williams of Lynnville. The kiddie parade around the Sully square and 20-block big parade will immediately follow opening ceremonies. This year’s parade marshals are retired Sully firefighters Ed Van Kooten and Arie Scholten.
Event organizers encourage past and present community members who hold hometown pride close to their heart to get involved and make this year’s parade a great one. Whether you are associated with one of the local churches, businesses, schools, or non-profits, the community’s Hometown Pride runs strong. Organizers encourage people to get involved and creative in showcasing their hometown pride with a parade entry. Ideas include celebrating the successes of our hometown athletes, a milestone family anniversary, or a collector car or tractor for all to see.
Other activities on the 4th of July include the Cutie Contest, children’s carnival, area firefighter’s and kids’ water fights, and antique tractor pull. New this year is a cornhole tournament sponsored by the Sully Hometown Pride Committee. The meal served in central park by the Sully Lions Club will benefit the Park Improvement Fund in memory of long-time Sully Lion’s Club member, Don Musgrove.
In case of inclement weather, 4th of July celebration updates will be made on multiple social media pages. Watch the Hometown Press and City of Sully’s Facebook pages for any cancellations or postponements of the 4th of July activities.
Saturday, July 1
8:45 a.m: Annual Tractor Ride starting in Sully on the north side of the square, then south to Peoria, New Sharon, Barnes City, Montezuma, and back to Sully via Searsboro and Lynnville.
Sunday, July 2
1 p.m.: Par 3 Partee -10th annual two-person, best shot, 18-hole tourney, open to everyone, at Diamond Trail Golf Course in Lynnville.
6 p.m.: Community Worship in Sully Central Park. Pastor Jeff Knouse speaking, in case of inclement weather the event will be held at Sully First Reformed Church (announced by 4:30 p.m.).
Tuesday, July 4
7 a.m.: Fly-In at Sully Airport, weather dependent. 9-10 a.m. targeting contest.
7-9:30 a.m.: SFRC Faithwalkers Youth Group Breakfast at the Sully Community Center. Freewill offering.
8-9:15 a.m. Parade Registration at Sully Transport.
9:30 a.m. Parade Judging at Sully Transport.
8-10 a.m.: 28th Annual Freedom Fun Run/Walk and Kiddie Run – 8 a.m., one-mile and 5K, starting and ending on the west side of the Sully square; 8:20 a.m., 5K run/walk; 9:10 a.m., free kids run around square for ages 8 and under. Awards ceremony following races.
8 a.m.-noon: Voting for Cutest Baby and Pet Contest – drop your change or dollars in the appropriate cutie’s container at a display of photos of entered babies and pets near the stage area in central park. Each winner receives $100 while the balance will go to Sully Ballpark Renovation Fund.
9 a.m.-mid-afternoon and usual 5-9 p.m.: Deep Rock Ice Cream Shoppe Open, northeast corner of the square.
9 a.m.: Free La Rose Marie Bakery Treats, Coffee, and Lemonade served by Garden Thyme Club in front of the bakery. Sponsored by Sully Business Association.
9-9:45 a.m. and after parade until 12:30 p.m.: DTCC Carnival includes bounce house, snow cones, games, and more with purchase of wristband.
9:30-9:45 a.m.: Kiddie Parade Registration on the north side of the park and go around the Sully square after opening ceremony (approx. 10:10 a.m.).
10 a.m.: Opening Ceremony including opening prayer by Pastor Jamie Bogaard, flag raising by Dan and Stephanie Dykema and family at Jasper County Freedom Rock, and singing of “The National Anthem” by Dylann (Huyser) Williams.
10:10 a.m.: Kiddie Parade and Parade - Kiddie parade goes around Sully square after the opening ceremony, followed by the 20-block extended big parade that starts at Sully Transport and goes through Sully and around three sides of the square like last year.
11 a.m. (after parade): Meal by Sully Lions Club in central park serving choice of beef brisket, pork loin, hamburger, and hot dog sandwiches or meals which include sandwich, potato salad, and baked beans; and beverages will be iced tea, lemonade, and water. Limited tent seating available. Profits will be donated to the Park Improvement Fund in memory of longtime-member Donavon Musgrove.
Noon: Area Firefighters’ and Kids’ Water Fights near Sully Fire Station.
Noon: Cornhole Tournament - get your team ready for the 4th of July cornhole tournament! Registration will start after the parade and close at noon. You can register on the south side of the square by the bandstand, $10 per player and payment can be made when registering. Winning team will receive trophies and registration fees back, and most importantly winners get bragging rights! Water will be available for purchase. All proceeds will go to the Sully Ballpark Rejuvenation Project.
1-5 p.m.: Antique Tractor Pull northwest corner of Sully Business Park on west edge of Sully.
EVENT NOTES:
Parade entries are needed! Over $600 in Sully Bucks awarded to winner and runner-up in each category.
Take lawn chairs to all events.
In case of inclement weather, cancellations or postponements of activities will be posted on the Hometown Press and City of Sully Facebook pages.
CANDY THROWERS: For safety reasons, throw candy all the way to the curb.
