Chamber seeks grand marshal nominations

Know a person or persons worthy to become this year’s grand marshal of the Greater Newton Area Chamber of Commerce’s Fourth of July Parade? Folks have until May 24 to fill out and turn in nomination forms, which can be found online at www.experiencenewton.com or at the chamber office, 113 First Ave. W.

Taking place 9:30 a.m. July 4, the parade’s theme this year is “Rocket’s Red Glare — A Salute to the 50th Anniversary of the space shuttle program.” Amanda Price, executive director of the Greater Newton Area Chamber of Commerce, is asking parade entries to be creative with the space theme.

“Chamber Ambassadors chose this theme because it fits quite well for this patriotic holiday and celebrates the great history of our country’s breakthrough exploration of space,” Price said. “I hope people will have fun with this theme and put their best effort into their float entries!”

Following the parade, the City of Newton will host Fourth of July activities — such as a sand volleyball tournament, a kids zone, basketball free throw and three-point contests and more — the same day at Agnes Patterson Memorial Park and end the festivities with the annual fireworks display at dusk.

More information about the city’s activities will be announced later this spring.

For those who want to enter a float in the parade may fill out an entry form online or at the chamber office. The chamber is asking for a $10 donation for all entries. The deadline for parade entries is June 30.

Vendors wanting to set up in the downtown square must visit the chamber website to review the registration form and guidelines. Registration fees still apply. All vendors are asked to be set up at 7:30 a.m. The deadline to register as a vendor is June 20.

Volunteers are still needed to help with parking parade entries, traffic control and managing barricades before, during and after the parade is over. There will be a volunteer meeting held prior to the parade where assignments will be handed out.

For more information about the parade visit www.experiencenewton.com, call 641-792-5545 or email info@experiencenewton.com.