For over 40 years a festival in May has turned out community and brightened spirits. Originally the Apple Blossom festival, the now Lincoln Highway Bridge Festival, sponsored by the Tama Toledo Chamber of Commerce, is gearing up for three days of fun next week.

“This festival truly has something for everyone, from a carnival and parade to a pancake breakfast, food vendors, live music, and children’s activities.” said Matt Zmolek, President, Tama-Toledo Area Chamber of Commerce.

Friday, May 15 is a night of entertainment inside the Tama Civic Center, hosted by the weekend announcer Cat Campbell Currier.

The evening kicks off at 6 p.m. with the Tri-County community band. The group has members from, you guessed it, multiple counties, and is under the direction of STC band Director Mike Carnahan. The band plays a variety of music from polkas to jazz to the occasional pop tune and patriotic music.

At 7 p.m., the Tama Fire Department will present the 2026 Tama Citizen of the Year. Last year, Karen Mixdorf was honored with the award. Nomination forms closed earlier this week with an announcement coming soon about who this year’s recipient will be.

Coinciding with the citizen of the year, Tama service awards are scheduled for 7:15 before returning to the STC High School jazz band closing the show at 7:30.

Plenty of food options will be available at the food court. A mixture of local trucks and some out of town additions round out a healthy selection.

Saturday, May 16 starts with the annual fireman’s pancake breakfast from 7 to 9:30 a.m.

Hardon’s Outdoor will host a Traeger party starting at 9 a.m. and lasting until 1 p.m.

The parade is set to go at 10 AM with floats, bands, businesses, and emergency service vehicles, taking to the streets of Tama and tossing candy to children of all ages.

A new addition to the festival this year starts at 11 a.m. at the old paper mill. Deer Creek Pullers, sponsored by Rusty Ridge Campground and USS Polaris, is set to entertain festival goers.

Entertainment for Saturday features a K9 demonstration from the police department at 11:30, Gail’s Academy of Dance at 12:30 and FunkDaddies closing out the show from 1 to 4 p.m.

The food court will also be available on Saturday. Along with Scott’s Amusements Carnival, operating Friday through Sunday.

In a statement to the News Chronicle, Chamber President Matt Zmolek highlighted this year’s festival.

“The Tama-Toledo Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to once again sponsor the annual Lincoln Highway Bridge Festival, an event that brings our communities together and celebrates the outstanding individuals and businesses that make Tama and Toledo so special.” Zmolek continued, “We’re especially excited to introduce a new event this year–the Tama Fire Department’s lawn mower and side-by-side pulling competition at the old paper mill grounds. We are deeply grateful to the dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly to make this event a success year after year. Their efforts are the heart of this festival, and we couldn’t do it without them.”