EVENTS & INDEPENDENCE DAY
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INDEPENDENCE DAY
The Gowrie Independence Day Celebration is one of the longest running patriotic events in the State of Iowa and at the centerpiece of this pride is American Legion Peterson Post #431.
The Legion along with the support of many local businesses and organizations help make the whole celebration a great success! They also assemble the signature parade entry that provides an unforgettable patriotic experience. Six floats carry over 270 American flags. Each flag is labeled with the name of a deceased veteran buried at the Gowrie Township Cemetery or is a past member of Peterson Post 431.
Schedule for 2024!
Saturday, June 29th
8:30 am Tractor Ride Sponsored by Central Plains (Southeast Valley) FFA Chapter. Registration at 7:30 am. Departs from Laurel Park at 8:00 am towards Moorland, Rinard, Farnhamville and back to Gowrie.
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Tuesday, July 2nd
1:00 - 8:00 pm Swimming Pool Open Regular Hours
5:00 pm American Legion Peterson Post #431 Pork Loin Dinner
7:00 pm American Legion BINGO City Park Shelter House in City Park
Get tickets for the annual American Legion Post #431 Raffle Drawing
Evening Carnival in City Park Sponsored by American Legion Peterson Post #431
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Wednesday, July 3rd
1:00 - 8:00 pm Swimming Pool Open Regular Hours
Evening Carnival in City Park Sponsored by American Legion Peterson Post #431
8:00 pm - Street Dance sponsored by Gowrie Growth Group (G3G) featuring a DJ Jerrod Hanson on Market Street in front of Casey's.
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​Thursday, July 4th
All Day Gowrie Municipal Golf Course hosts the annual Men's Amateur Golf Tournament. Spectators welcome and food available. Tournament tee times available in advance by contacting the course at 515-352-3320.
7:00 am - 9:30 am Gowrie Volunteer Fire Department Pancake and Sausage Breakfast at the Fire Station
7:30 am Freedom 5K Fun Run/Walk at the Football Field. Sign up at the event beginning at 6:30 am. Free will donation or 3 canned goods. All proceeds to the local food pantry.
8:00 am - 2:00 pm American Legion Auxiliary Food Stand in the Gowrie City Park shelter house
9:00 am - 4:00 pm Craft Fair at the Gowrie City Park sponsored by American Legion Peterson Post #431. Contact Jim Peterson for details.
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​10:00 AM INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE
No entry form or pre-registration required. If you have questions please contact the parade coordinator Lisa Willardson. All entries should begin lining up the morning of the parade between 7:00 am and 9:00 am. Line up on the East Side of Gowrie before 9:00 am to be considered for judging. Click Here for more information.
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​After Parade Annual Chicken Dinner at the Gowrie United Methodist Church. Fried Chicken, homemade pie, and all the trimmings! Box dinners to go or limited inside dining available.
11:00 am – 3:00 pm Freedom Cruise Car Show at Laurel Park. Free entry & dash plaques. Food stand available. Elias Netz live music from 11:30 am – 2:30 pm.
All Day Carnival in City Park Sponsored by American Legion Peterson Post #431
1:00 pm Cow Pie Bingo at Gowrie Tire & Service at 1110 Elm Street. Advance tickets available from Xi Eta Sigma sorority members.
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Swimming Pool Open
1:30 pm - Gowrie Fire Department Water Fights on Elm Street. Contact Brett Carlson or Troy Thomas for questions.
2:00 pm Bill Riley Talent Show at the Betty Nyght Hamilton Bandshell in the Gowrie City Park sponsored by the Gowrie Area Arts Council.
12:00 pm - 4:00 pm Gowrie Depot Historical Museum Open at Laurel Park
10:00 pm Fabulous Fireworks Thanks to community pop can donations, the can sorting crew and the Gowrie Volunteer Fire Department for their coordination.
​Advance Carnival Tickets will be available the week before the 4th $5 per sheet at Security Savings Bank in Gowrie and Farnhamville, Heartland Bank in Gowrie and Callender, Bruntlett Elevator and Design Electronics.
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Saturday, July 6th
Landus is sponsoring a Pool Party with free public swimming all day 1:00 pm - 8:00 pm - Meal served at 5:00 pm with an hour break.
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