For a couple days every summer, the population of Gowrie nearly triples as thousands flock to the community for the popular Independence Day parade, 5K fun run, fireworks, and community dinners. The dozens of events planned throughout the southwestern Webster County community rely solely on the hard work and dedication of local volunteers.

“It takes a lot of volunteers to make the 4th of July celebration in Gowrie happen year after year, over 150 years strong, and we’re proud to play our part by hosting the car show,” said Katie Dorsey, who, alongside her husband, AJ, has organized the car show since 2018.

The Freedom Cruise-In Car Show has been happening in Laurel Park since 1992 with car lovers, families, and community members coming to support the patriotic event. In fact, according to Dorsey, the largest crowd ever is expected for this year’s car show, and additional volunteers are needed to assist with registration, pack swag bags, and usher in participants.

“From helping with morning setup and parking, grilling burgers and helping with concessions to handing out swag bags and assisting with registration–we need extra hands to make it all happen,” said Dorsey.

-Photo by Tonya Harrison
Jaylon, Rhett, and Kyle Olson speed down the giant slide at the Gowrie carnival Wednesday evening. Gowrie’s Fourth of July celebrations kicked off Wednesday and will continue throughout the weekend.

More than 125 classic cars are expected in Laurel Park Friday afternoon following the parade. The first 125 cars will receive dash plaques for participating.

“Join us this July 4th after the parade on North Beek Street for live music, local food, patriotic horsepower, and fun for the whole family,” said Dorsey. “Let’s celebrate freedom, community, and classic cars together.”

The Gowrie Growth Group (G3G) is also hosting the 11th annual street dance on Thursday as part of the town’s Independence Day festivities.

“This year we welcome Nashville recording artist The Isaac Cole Band with opening act Spencer Suchan,” said Greg Hiesterman, president of G3G.

Suchan, a Gowrie native, will take the stage at 6 p.m.. The Isaac Cole Band will perform at 8:30 p.m.

“The Annual G3G Street Dance is the unofficial start to Gowrie’s 4th of July celebrations, so come down on July 3rd to Gowrie for a great night of amazing country music, food and drinks,” said Hiesterman.

The celebration’s favorite event, the Independence Day parade, starts at 10 a.m. Friday with parade entrants lining up on Church Street beginning at 9 a.m.

Following the parade, volunteers will host cow pie bingo and a kiddie tractor pull at Laurel Park. The Bill Riley Talent Show will begin at 2 p.m. at the Betty Nyght Hamilton Bandshell in the Gowrie City Park.

Independence Day events will close out on Saturday with the Central Plains FFA Tractor Ride which begins at 7:30 a.m. at Laurel Park.

“We are really looking forward to having many community members and tractor enthusiasts come together for our FFA tractor ride,” said Emilia Bloomquist, Central Plains FFA secretary.

Gowrie 4th of July Celebration

Today

All Day: Gowrie Municipal Golf Course Men’s Amateur Golf Tournament

7 to 9:30 a.m.: Gowrie Volunteer Fire Department Pancake & Sausage Breakfast

7:30 a.m.: Freedom 5K Run/Walk at football field

8 a.m. to 2 p.m.: American Legion Auxiliary Food Stand in City Park Shelter House

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Craft Fair at Gowrie City Park

10 a.m.: Independence Day Parade

11:30 a.m.: Chicken Dinner at Gowrie United Methodist Church

11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Freedom Cruise Car Show at Laurel Park

1 p.m.: Cow Pie Bingo at Laurel Park

1 to 5 p.m.: Free swimming at swimming pool

1 p.m.: Gowrie Fire Department water fights at Laurel Park

1:30 p.m.: Kiddie tractor pull at Laurel Park

2 p.m.: Bill Riley Talent Show at the Betty Nyght Hamilton Bandshell in Gowrie City Park

Noon to 4 p.m.: Gowrie Depot Historical Museum open

10 p.m.: Fireworks

Sunday

7:30 a.m.: Central Plains FFA Tractor Ride, meet at Laurel Park