With May being upon us can only mean one thing, the annual Lincoln Highway Bridge Festival. Established in 1980, and with only a few years of gaps, it is the knowledge of the News Chronicle and Chamber of Commerce that this is the 40th annual Bridge Festival. With something for everyone, this year’s festival is set to deliver.

On Thursday night, Scott’s Amusements Carnival kicks off the festival alongside the dunk tank being available.

Friday will kick off the weekend of entertainment with the Tri-County Community Band returning for another year of thrilling music and cherished classics starting at 6pm inside the fire station at the Tama Civics Center. Tama Citizen of the year, presented by the Tama Fire Department, will follow at 7 p.m. The high school jazz band will finish up the night following the citizen of the year presentation.

There will be a host of food options available throughout downtown Tama available Friday night along with a street dance sponsored by The Pump.

Saturday morning the firefighters pancake breakfast opens up at 7 and lasts until 9:30, with the parade taking place at 10. A caricature artist and face painting opportunities will be available in the early afternoon.

The Safe Routes to School initiative will be hosting the Battle of the Brians. A dunk tank extravaganza focusing on raising funds for the infrastructure and establishing bragging rights between the two mayors conveniently named Brian. From noon to 1, Brian Sokol of Toledo will be in the dunk tank, while from 1-2 p.m. Brian Hanus of Tama will take over. Show your support for your town, your mayor, and the prospect of improved community infrastructure by participating in the Battle of the Mayors.

There will be no shortage of entertainment on Saturday. Gail’s Academy of Dance is offering a special performance starting at 12:30 followed by Katie and the Honkey Tonks from 1:30-3:30. Later in the evening Undercurrent is playing starting at 6.

Chamber Coordinator Marlys Upah spoke about the wide ranging event.

“The Tama-Toledo Chamber of Commerce is proud to sponsor the annual Lincoln Highway Bridge Festival that brings our community together and showcases local individuals and businesses who are the heart of Tama and Toledo. This event has something for everyone, including a carnival, parade, pancake breakfast, food vendors, musical entertainment, activities for kids, and more,” she said. “A huge thank you goes out to all the amazing volunteers who help make this event happen each year — we couldn’t do it without all of you!”

A full schedule of events can be found on the Tama-Toledo Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.