FRYfest returns for 15th year with Herky on Parade artists, Maddie Poppe

CORALVILLE — Get ready, Hawkeyes. A celebration of all things Hawkeye returns this week with the 15th annual FRYfest.

The annual celebration, first held to celebrate Hayden Fry’s legendary coaching career at the University of Iowa, packs a full day of events on Friday, Aug. 30, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

This year, fanatics have one last chance to see the 101 Herky on Parade statues displayed at FRYfest and learn more about them at 3:30 p.m. from a panel discussion with the artists who created the statues.

Get an autograph from 2024 Hall of Fame class inductees Mike Boddicker, Sue Bury, Rico Chiapparelli, Adrian Clayborn, Laura Dvorak, Shonn Greene, Kevin Kunnert and Lindsey Meder at 10:45 a.m. Autographs also will be available from the Iowa women’s basketball team at 5 p.m.

“American Idol” star Maddie Poppe returns to her native Iowa to take the stage as this year’s headliner at the High Porch Block Party concert. Opening acts James Tutson and the Rollback start at 8:45 p.m.

In between, catch a variety of games and fun including a pickleball tournament, bags tournament, the High Porch Block Party with the outdoor Kids Zone and the Van Hayden Band.

Hap Peterson, Jared DeVries, Dan McCartney, Don Patterson, Jim Molini and Phil Haddy will reminisce on their memories of the past with Coach Fry at 1 p.m. Later in the afternoon, Gary Dolphin and Pat Angerer will offer a glimpse into the future as they preview the 2024-2025 football season.

For more times and information on events, visit fryfest.com/schedule.

Comments: Features reporter Elijah Decious can be reached at (319) 398-8340 or elijah.decious@thegazette.com.