Tipton celebrates its 175th birthday

TIPTON - Tipton is doubling up on celebrations this weekend.

It is observing the Fourth of July while celebrating its 175th anniversary.

A not-so-secret birthday party has been in the works in Tipton. This week, anyone driving through the town on Highway 38 should spot the telltale signs of celebration.

Festivities started Thursday and wraps up Sunday.

'It's going to be good, clean fun,” said Mike Pelzer, chairman of the planning committee. 'There's something for everyone as far as we're concerned.”

A variety of events have been planned for the festivities, from beard-growing contests to pie-baking competitions. They will be spread out at different locations. Perhaps the highlight is the Hairball rock concert scheduled for today at the fairgrounds, which had to be booked far in advance because of the act's popularity.

The events tie in well with the Fourth of July, a holiday that Pelzer said always has been family-oriented in Tipton.

'That's one of the traditions that kind of makes us who we are,” Pelzer said.

He added that the town put more emphasis on its firework show, scheduled for Sunday evening, than ever before.

'This should be the biggest fireworks show we've ever had in Tipton,” he said.

Pelzer said about 70 volunteers are helping out with the events, which started with the mayor's picnic in Tipton's courthouse square Thursday night.

Tipton traditionally holds a big celebration every 25 years, Pelzer said.

'It's an opportunity to look back on the last 25 years,” Pelzer said, adding that it also is an opportunity to look to the future.

Todd Miller, a board member of the planning committee, said in the last 25 years the downtown business district has changed to include more service-oriented businesses, such as restaurants.

The celebration enables people with Tipton ties to reconnect with their hometown and history. On Thursday, there was a time capsule event, and Friday activities included tours of the high school.

Tipton, the county seat of Cedar County, has 3,221 residents, according to the last census, city manager Chris Nosbisch said.

'Tipton is a lovely town. I love being here,” said Cheryl Fisher, a business owner. 'The town is just so nice.”

Other activities to come this weekend include slow-pitch softball and a car show.

Pelzer said many of the activities and entertainment are free or low-cost.