45th Annual Duesey Days Celebration at Garner

GARNER - "Leading the Way in Progress" is the theme of the 45th annual Duesey Days, Friday and Saturday, July 11-12 in Garner.

There will be craft and food vendors and a beer garden at Central Park both days of the celebration. The Top of Iowa Shrine Club will provide shuttle services throughout the weekend. 

While most daytime activities will take place in Central Park, the evening musical entertainment will be at Garner VFW & Stellar parking lot.

Friday, July 11

The fun starts Friday afternoon. A kids foam party and DJ will be 3-5 p.m. Variety of contest and games for all ages will take place from 3-7 p.m. The Garner Chamber of Commerce Barbecue is at 5 p.m. 

Who will be the next Little Miss and Little Mr. Duesey? Find out at 6 p.m. At 6:30 p.m. Dave Zrostlik, 2025 Duesey Days Parade Grand Marshall will be interviewed.

A new event is the kids color run at 7 p.m.

Evening entertainment moves to the Stellar parking lot with BYOB Brass at 7 p.m. and Not Quite Brothers at 9 p.m.

Tickets are available in advance at the Garner Chamber of Commerce or on-line.

Saturday, July 12

Rise and shine! The annual 10K run /2 mile walk starts in front of Central Park at 7 a.m. Registration is at 6:30 a.m.

The Duesey Days Parade begins at 10 a.m. Prizes and bragging rights will be awarded for the following categories: Best Class Float, Best Overall Parade Entry, Best Use of Theme and Best Interactive Parade Entry. Following the parade, the Garner American Legion will conduct a flag ceremony on State Street.

Hungry? St. Paul's Lutheran Church is serving lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The fun continues throughout the afternoon at Central Park. Music will be provided by Mr. Jeff Music (11 am. to 1 p.m.), Malek's Fisherman Band (1-3 p.m.) and Brody Frayne Music (3-4:30 p.m.)

A Celebrity Dunk Tank will be in operation 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Contests, Contests, Contests

Knockerball (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) is new to Duesey Days. Don't know what that is? Get in the ball and find out!

The Garner Fire Department will sponsor Pee Wee Water Ball at 1 p.m.

Attention rodeo cowboy and cowgirl wannabes...mechanical bull riding will be offered 3-5 p.m. Who will be the ultimate champion bull rider?

Hot dog and ice cream eating contests will be 2-2:30 p.m.

The second annual Power Wheels racing for kids 3-10 is 3-5 p.m. Registration is 2 p.m. Four age groups: 

Hannah Dasher

Up-and-coming country music singer/songwriter Hannah Dasher headlines Saturday evening's entertainment. Dasher has released singles such as "The Tree," "Stoned Age" and "Girls Call the Shots."

Opening acts are Jessie Calvert (6:30 p.m.), the Jake Simon Band (8 p.m.). Fireworks will light up the sky at 10 p.m. Dasher takes the stage at 10:20 p.m.

Advance tickets are available at the Garner Chamber of Commerce office, 485 State St. or on-line at www.garneriowachamber.com.