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4th annual Toledo Stoplight Festival set for July 5

The popular Dogs on Skis will return to the bandstand during the 4th annual Toledo Stoplight Festival on July 5. All entertainment is free. Chronicle file/John Speer

Toledo 4th annual Stoplight Festival is branching out a little from previous years. The same Friday night of great bands, BBQ contest and great food, Farmers Market and kids activities will be back in full force.

With the help of sponsorship from Marshalltown Community College, the “Stoplight Riding Lawnmower, Golf Cart and Tractor Parade” will kick off events a couple of days earlier, on Wednesday, July 3.

Nathan Davis, the MCC “front man” for the parade said it grew out of an idea by one of the Stoplight Festival originators, Travis Mullen.

There’ll be prizes for nicest, best decorated and oldest entries in all three categories. Themes can be 4th of July, or any other of the entrant’s choosing, Davis said.

The parade will start at 5:30 p.m. with line up beginning at 5 p.m. at the South Tama Middle School, corner of East Carleton and South Green streets.

Entries are invited to contact Davis at 641-844-5711 or Nathaniel.Davis@iavalley.edu.

However, he said anyone can enter at the last minute just by joining the line up.

Following the parade, spectators are invited to stick around or join in the 22nd annual Harry Gardner Toledo 5K Run – Walk which begins at 7 p.m. at the corner of Broadway and High downtown.

Registration can be made race night or by calling 641-484-4938.

On the 4th of July, Thursday night, enjoy the annual 4th of July fireworks display at the Toledo City Park at Toledo Heights.

Sponsored by the Tama-Toledo area Chamber of Commerce, the cities of Toledo and Tama, area businesses and private individuals, the display is always a crowd-pleaser and promises to be a great another great lead-in to the Stoplight Festival on Friday night.

On the Toledo Courthouse Square beginning at 4:30 p.m. on Friday night, July 5, the Stoplight festival gets underway with a special performance by the Meskwaki Drum Group.

Following their presentation of spirited Native American singing, Paul Hala and Clyde Purk of Peppertree will be on the bandstand.

With 15-minute breaks for set-up between acts, Storm Seymour and Friends, Inner Lite and Dogs on Skis will entertain until 11 p.m.

In addition to a great selection of produce, baked goods and crafts at the Farmers Market, the annual T-T Chamber BBQ Cook-off and other food vendors will be on hand.

Kids can enjoy the Bouncy House, Toledo Fire Department Kids Water Fights and more.