Sue Carnahan, chair for the 2017 Lincoln Highway Bridge Festival, says entertainment and events for the 33rd annual Lincoln Highway Bridge Festival are fast taking shape. It is set this year for May 19 and 20 in downtown Tama.

The Tama Firefighters Association will be honoring the 2017 Tama Citizen of the year during the Festival on Friday night, May 19. Each year since 1982 the Firefighters have chosen a nominee to recognize as a person who has contributed to the city through volunteer efforts.

You are invited to nominate the recipient of the award given by the Firefighters since 1982. Submit your nomination to Tama Firefighters Assoc., c / o Judy Welch, City Clerk, 305 Siegel, Tama, IA. 52339 by the deadline of Friday, May 12, at 5 p.m.

This year the past honorees and their families have been invited to attend the Friday evening ceremony at the Fire Station.

They include:

1982- Victor Varnum; 1983- George Novotny; 1984- Maxine Brandon; 1985- Dr. A. J. Havlik; 1986- Marie Vileta; 1987- Anna Rose Blayer; 1988- Ben Jones; 1989- Bess Ingles

And, 1990- Inez Novotny; 1991- Ron Cory;1992 BobThomas;1993- Leonard Taylor; 1994- Roger Hill; 1995- Rose McNamee; 1996- Ed Draisey; 1997- Mike Haughey; 1998- Virginia Allen; 1999- Don Wacha.

Also, 2000- Darla Cory; 2001- Bob and Laura Etta Metz; 2002- Dave Nitz; 2003- Ed Hardon, 2004- Ernie Buresh; 2005- Robert W. Harrison; 2006- Pat Downs; 2007- Hans Moeller; 2008- Bill Smith; 2009- Jake Jacobson; 2010- Joe Waterbury; And, 2011- Patti Youngman;2012- Cliff Havens; 2013- Sue Carnahan; 2014- Kenny McAdoo; 2015- Cletus Miller. 2016- Byron Witt.

Meanwhile, Sue Carnahan reported “some of the do not miss events this year include:”

Awesome musical entertainment by the 34th Army Band- “Scrap Metal”, Marty Mincer- world champion ragtime piano player, and the James Longerbone Band- a group of local talented musicians!

5K Run sponsored by the South Tama County Activity Boosters

Free kids activities including Tom Terrific- Balloon Artist, Barb Jacobs- Caricature artist- A bubble area by the Grout Museum and more!

Family photo booth

Of course there will be other favorites like the Parade, Pancake Breakfast and the Fireman’s Carnival!

Be on the lookout for an official schedule of events that will be released soon!