Roaring trucks, bucking bulls and rubber ducky races are only a few experiences offered to area residents this coming weekend during summer community celebrations.

Manson Greater Crater Days

MANSON – Ribs, tub races and street dances are staples of Manson Greater Crater Days celebration, which will be held Friday, Saturday and June 28 at the fairgrounds on the west end of town.

At the top of the list of traditional events is the annual truck and tractor pull. It’s a big draw, said pull organizer Todd Partlow. It has been a part of the summer celebration for more than 20 years, and last year the class open to local competitors attracted between 30 to 40 trucks. He said he expects at least that many to register this year, if not more.

“It’s growing,” Partlow said. “You’re not going to get rich doing it, but it has its appeal. You’re taking a stock truck and modifying it. It’s that sense of competition, of seeing how well you can do.”

As for the spectators, he said, few things can beat the roar of the trucks and tractors as they strive to pull the weighted sled for time and distance. And having the pull as part of Greater Crater Days makes the event easier to experience.

“It’s in your own hometown,” Partlow said. “You don’t have to go to the Iowa State Fair to see the action.”

The truck and tractor pull is sanctioned by the Midwest Pullers Association, a non-profit organization that oversees nearly 20 events each summer, many of which are part of county fairs and community celebrations.

Friday

5 p.m. – Gates open for the annual truck and tractor pull

Food vendors and beer garden open

7 p.m. – Truck and tractor pull begins

9 p.m. – Dance featuring music provided by a DJ

Saturday

8 a.m. – 7th annual Rib Fest cook-off competitors set up

9 a.m. – MACCrater Dash, a costume 5K fun run/walk; registration from 8:15 to 8:45 a.m.

11 a.m. – Parade

Noon to 4 p.m. – Children’s games, activities and competitions

1p.m. – Spelling bee, pizza eating contest

1:30 p.m. – Tub races

2 p.m. – Annual fire department water fights

4:30 to 5 p.m. – Live music by After Midnight, a Manson duo playing songs from a variety of genres, including country, alternative rock and their own original compositions.

5 p.m. – People’s Choice Rib Competition sampling and judging, tickets for tasting are 2 for $3.

6 to 8 p.m. – Performance by Culprits, featuring Dan Zehr and friends

June 28

10 a.m. – Middleton Golf Classic

Pocahontas Heritage Days

POCAHONTAS – With a name like Heritage Days, it’s no surprise the community celebration in Pocahontas keeps to custom when it comes to activities, games and entertainment planned for Friday, Saturday and June 28. However, a few new events have also made it to the roster this year.

“We’ve added a kiddie parade on Friday,” said Brandy Ripley, Pocahontas Economic Development, “along with face painting on both Friday and Saturday. And, while we’ve had a 5K fun run in the past, we made it a Superhero Race this year and encourage participants to dress like their favorite superheros.”

In addition, she said, an adult slow-pitch softball tournament will be held for the first time and a corn hole bean bag tournament will be held.

While organizers occasionally add to the line-up to try to keep the celebration an overall good time for all ages, said Eric List, city administrator, there are specific events that are considered traditions and are always included.

“The street dance is one of the historically larger events,” List said, “and the parade is always well attended.”

Headlining the street dance on Friday will be 4Play, a band from the Auburn-Breda-Carroll-Rockwell City area. They are a four-piece cover band that plays rock, pop, and country at local bars, parties, street dances and weddings. Then, on Saturday, The Senders will perform. This Iowa-born band has been around for 53 years, playing rock-and-roll in dance halls, ballrooms and community events throughout the Midwest. Heritage Days is a regular gig for the group, List said.

“Everyone seems to like The Senders,” he said.

Friday

6:30 p.m. – Kiddie parade followed by face painting under the tent

7 p.m. – Grand Marshal and Pocahontas Community Band concert, Rialto Theater

7 to 10 p.m. – Bowling at The Zone, free on a first-come-first-registered basis

8 p.m. to midnight- Street dance featuring 4Play Band, Main Street, free admission with Heritage Days button, ages 15 and younger are also admitted free.

10 p.m. – Fireworks

Saturday

8 a.m. – 5K Superhero Race, registration begins at 7 a.m. at Gateway Park, prize given for best costume

8 to 10 a.m. – Koffee & Kolaches, St. Peter & Paul Church

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Silk scarf marbling, The Kaleidoscope Factory, $15 admission

10 a.m. – Parade

Following the parade – Bed Races, Main Street

Following the parade – Robotics Lego Mindstorm Drag Race, Main Street

11 a.m. – Corn hole bag tournament

11 a.m. – Coed adult slow pitch softball tournament, Elbert Park

11 a.m. – Farmers market, Courthouse square

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Bowling at The Zone, two games for $5 with Heritage Days button

1 p.m. – Water fights, Courthouse square

2 p.m. – Magic show by Billy Wonder

2:30 to 4 p.m. – Kiddie carnival and face painting

2:30 to 5 p.m. – Inflatables

3:30 p.m. – 7th annual rubber duck race

7 p.m. – Free movie at Rialto with Heritage Days button

7 to 11 p.m. – Concert by The Senders Band, the expo, admission is $10 or $5 with a Heritage Days button. Children admitted free with an adult.

Sunday

9 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Chris Cakes breakfast, under the tent; free will offering with proceeds benefiting the Brushy Creek Area Honor Flight.

Lake City Western Days

LAKE CITY – Cowboys and cowgirls from all over the Midwest will ride into town Friday, Saturday and June 28 for the annual Western Days in Lake City.

Organized for 56 years now, the weekend centers around the two-day Top Rail Saddle Club Rodeo.

According to the saddle club’s records, more than 300 contestants from 10 different states competed last year.

Friday

8 p.m. to midnight – Western Days Street dance featuring Jay Clyde Band and Big Daddy Addy, beer garden on the square

Saturday

8:30 a.m. – Stewart Memorial Community Hospital fun run/walk, registration begins at 7 a.m.

8 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Vendor and craft fair on the square

9 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Pony rides

10 a.m. – Magic show

1:30 p.m. – Parade

2:30 to 5:30 p.m. – Car show on the square

7:30 p.m. – Top Rail Saddle Club Rodeo followed by fireworks, admission at the gate is $15 adults and $5 for children 12 and younger

Sunday

8 to 11 a.m. – Top Rail Saddle Club breakfast

6 p.m. – Top Rail Saddle Club Rodeo, admission at the gate is $15 for adults and $5 for children 12 and younger.