Newton Fest 2017 to add carnival, much more

Newton Fest is going to be bigger and better in 2017 with the addition of Joe’s Old Fashion Carnival. The carnival will open on Thursday night and be open on Friday and Saturday as well. Exact times will be announced as Newton Fest gets closer.

“We are very excited about the addition of the carnival to Newton Fest,” said Jessica Lowe, co-chair of Newton Fest. “The committee has discussed a carnival since the inception of the event and it is finally happening. The carnival is going to be something new and fun for children, teens and adults to enjoy. It has been many years since there has been a carnival in Newton and the Newton Fest committee is excited.”

Joe’s Old Fashion Carnival, owned by Joe Henscheid of Des Moines, will be located on the DMACC Newton Campus and features carnival rides that are from 2015 and newer. Discounted tickets will be available prior to the carnival opening.

“Thanks to the hospitality of DMACC Newton Campus, the carnival will be located on the school’s green space. This will be a great location for people to enjoy the rides and games and still have plenty of room for the many other events planned around downtown Newton during the four-day celebration,” Lowe said.

Newton Fest starts on June 8 and goes through June 11. The schedule of events is still being finalized but some of your favorites, including Bill Riley Talent Search at Maytag Bowl, Newton Main Street’s Backyard BBQ competition, Greater Newton Area Chamber of Commerce’s Classic Cars Around the Courthouse and live music on Saturday night, will be back. The Iowa Speedway is also bringing the Hot Rod Power Tour to Newton on June 11.

Continue to visit www.newtonfest.org or Get to Know Newton of Facebook for all the details.

Newton Fest, the community event that began in 2015, is meant to celebrate what is great about our community. From showcasing Red Pride to admiring Newton’s artistic side, the weekend is planned by a group of local citizens and community organizations to provide family-friendly, affordable fun for everyone.