Latimer celebrates “Take Me Home” fun day (PHOTOS & VIDEO)

LATIMER, IOWA – The small town of Latimer, Iowa celebrated its annual “Take Me Home” fun day on Saturday, July 6th.

Latimer – nestled between Interstate 35 and Hampton – offered many activities to those who attended its fun day. Most of the events took place on or near Main Street.

The day started at 8:00 am with a 5K Run/Walk and also a CAL Volleyball Pancake Breakfast at the Community Center.

Soon after, people were walking the sidewalks to find their spot under the big oak trees that lined the streets and provided much needed shade.

Three young boys sat on Main Street, waiting patiently for the Parade to start at 11:00 am, with wide-open grocery bags, anticipating the treats that were soon to come. It didn’t take long to fill their bags, as most participants in the parade were throwing out handfuls and handfuls of candy.

John Kew, Sr, age 71, was at the parade with his wife, Bazetta and their son, Craig. Mr. Kew was getting his fair share of candy. “I’m getting it for my grandson, Joshua. I might eat some tootsie rolls,” he said with a wink and a grin. They came from Chapin to watch the parade and take in the activities.

Following the parade was the “Little Miss Latimer” contest. There was a special appearance by Miss Iowa USA, Rochelle Orr, who was signing autographs and presenting awards.

The girls in the contest walked up on the stage and performed some acrobatics, gymnastics, and dancing. Some were a little shy and just talked, like two year Kymber Miller, who was there with her mom, Heidi. “Kymber just got on stage and said ‘Hi’ and ‘Thank You,’ Heidi said.

After their performances, each girl received a sash from from Miss Iowa, saying “Princess” on it.

The rest of the afternoon was full of activities. There was vendor tents on Main Street, a garden/antique tractor show, the IA Trolley hand crank cars for kids, Noah’s Ark bouncy house and slide, a craft center for kids, bingo, a cribbage tournament, a puppeteer show, fireman’s waterball, a dunk tank, water balloon fun launch, Photo fun with Mindy, Park Society Cake Walk, volleyball for teens, music and prize drawings.

There was plenty to eat, including the boy’s baseball food stand, Gary’s Lunch Wagon, Corner Market, Latimer Golf Course and Mother’s Place. Mother’s Place was also catering the evening meal.

The evening ended with a street dance with DJ Shel-Shock/Sheldon Eddy and of course, fireworks.

Watch video:

httpv://youtu.be/_2ahVv1984Q

Photos: