Your guide to Coralville 4thFest

CORALVILLE - Patriotic pride takes over the city of Coralville this weekend as the annual 4thFest kicks off, attracting thousands of visitors and Coralville residents.

The celebration begins Saturday and continues through Tuesday. A variety of events are planned, including a carnival, free concerts, a parade and fireworks. Most events take place in S.T. Morrison Park, 1513 Seventh St.

'It is just a lot of fun,” said Paula Bakey, chairwoman of the 4thFest Committee. 'I hope it's great weather. I'm really looking forward to everything planned.”

According to Bakey, the annual festival has been around for 35 years.

'I just love the atmosphere,” Bakey said. 'It's a lot of work preparing it all ... (but) we get so many people coming up and thanking us for putting on such a family friendly event that brings the community together and that's why I do it every year.

'For the smiles on people's faces, that's why we do it.”

Here is what you need to know before heading out to this year's festival:

PARKING

General parking is available in the Town Center Parking Ramp at the corner of Fifth Street and 12th Avenue; at Northwest Junior High School, 1507 Eighth St.; and on area streets as permitted.

Handicapped parking is available at the Coralville Recreation Center, 1506 Eighth St. Some street closures may be in effect beginning at 9 a.m. on Tuesday and lasting until the parade ends.

CARNIVAL

A carnival is being put on in the parking lot of the Coralville Community Aquatic Center, 1513 Seventh St., by Superior Carnival. Ride tickets prices are as follows:

' $15 for 20 if purchased through Friday at Coralville City Hall, Coralville Public Library and Coralville Recreation Center.

' $20 for 20 at the gate.

' $20 wristband for unlimited rides from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday. Purchase at the gate.

ROAD RACE

The 4thFest 5k run/walk steps off at 8 a.m. Saturday with a kids mini-marathon (26.2 yards) to follow at 8:45 a.m. Race day registration for $35 is at the Coralville Recreation Center, 1506 Eighth St., which also is where the race begins.

CONCERT

Tommy James & the Shondells, known for hits like 'Hanky Panky,” 'Crimson and Clover,” 'Mony Mony” and 'I Think We're Alone Now,” take the stage at S.T. Morrison Park at 8 p.m. Monday. The Sidewinders are the opening act at 6:30 p.m. The concert is free.

PARADE

The annual 4thFest parade, featuring marching bands and floats, begins at 10 a.m. Tuesday. The two-mile route begins at the intersection of Ninth Street and 22nd Avenue. The theme of this year's parade is 'Coralville Drive-in Theatre.” Barry and Roxie Bedford are the grand marshals.

FIREWORKS

A fireworks show is set to go off after 9:35 p.m. Tuesday at S.T. Morrison Park. Bring lawn chairs and blankets, but not sparklers - they are not allowed in the park.

PETS

Pets must be leashed at all times unless confined by a tether or within the owner's enclosed property. Pets cannot be tied to public property, or off-leash in public spaces, even with the owner present. If you take your pet to 4thFest, it must be on a leash, under control of an adult at all times and current with its rabies vaccine. Pets should always wear ID tags when leaving their owner's property.

SMOKING

No smoking is allowed in the park during 4thFest.

VENDORS

A variety of vendors, including those selling food, are to operate booths Monday and Tuesday at S.T. Morrison Park.

INFO & SCHEDULE

<URL destination="http://www.coralville.org/310/4thFest ">coralville.org/310/4thFest

l Comments: (319) 368-8538; elianna.novitch@thegazette.com