By Mari Radtke
The Sutherland Labor Day celebration in Sutherland is a generations long tradition. The event annual features one of northwest Iowa’s biggest parades, feasts provided by the local churches and not for profits organizations throughout the weekend, the burnout contest, a car and tractor show, and Ruritan kids’ races in the park following all of the games and fun. The Sunday night street dance brings out young and old for an adult night out. This year’s feature live music is performed by ÒNot Quite Brothers Band.”Blake Jack and the South 35″ open.
In an effort to keep things fresh, many new events and attractions are added each year. Garage and sidewalk sales boast 21 locations so far, with more potentially being added.
Saturday features both a competitive environment with a slow pitch softball tournament and a 5K run/walk. This is the 3rd year for the softball tournament and the 5k has been going for several years. It is a Saturday full of competition, disappointment, as any athletic endeavor can cause, and great food, fun and camaraderie. The limited number of softball team slots fill fast. They come from all over northwest Iowa. For entry into the 5K, just come to Church of Christ at 203 Oak Street. There are pickleball and corn hole contests. A puzzle party asking for teams of eight. BINGO begins at 5:00pm with lots of prizes and $5 per card. For more information contact the newspaper, 712-376-4712.
An antique tractor ride is scheduled for Saturday also. This event has been on and off in recent years. But this year it is on.
Monday is a big day. Food everywhere begins at 8:00am. The craft and trade show opens at 9:00am at Willoway. A petting zoo and horse rides are new features to Willoway’s food and fair fun. The city park, just a diagonally across the street is filled with kids’ activities. Some activities for adults, too.
THE PARADE BEGINS AT 10:30. The streets seating along the parade route fills up fast. Come early.
Face painting, zoo mobile, balloon art, inflatables, games, mini train rides, and a dunk tank and the fire departments water fights. Cow pie BINGO is back! Beginning at 11:30 until the pie falls the wait is on! Tickets for your chance at having the winning square can be purchased at participating businesses.
The Saddle Club Fun Day and Horse Show is scheduled for the Anderson Arena beginning at 1:00pm.
Bring a volleyball or bean bag team. The competitive spirit lives on throughout the weekend and is highlighted with the kid’s races beginning at 2:00pm. The races are open for anyone age 1 Ð 99.
The Sutherland Museum is open daily.
For the entire detailed schedule, find it on Facebook; Sutherland Iowa Events. Be sure you see the 2025 schedule.