There is something special about the New London 4th of July Celebration this year. It’s the 75th Anniversary of VFW Post 7641 and the Auxiliary. A parade is planned to honor the post and auxiliary at 1 pm Sunday. Cash prizes are being donated by the Big River Tractor Association for first, second and third place. Entry forms are available at the VFW. Deadline to enter is July 1. Parade participants will receive complimentary hotdogs. There will also be a bags tournament and coloring contest for children. Maid Rites, beans, chips and lemonade or water will be available and the bar will be open. The day begins in the New London Park where the Holiday Stroll committee will serve pancakes starting at 7 pm and walking tacos at 11 am. There will also be kids games in the park beginning at noon.
The Wayland Independence Day celebration is back this year featuring the parade at 10:30 am along Main Street. The Firefighter water games for the kids start after the parade. The Lions Club Breakfast kicks off the day at 6:30 am at the community center. The WACO Basketball teams will serve lunch from 11 am to 1 pm at the High School and, of course, there will be fireworks at the High School football field at dusk. This year there will be a special grand opening for the West Park Wetlands from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. Fee hotdogs, cake and beverages will be served compliments of the Wayland City Elected Officials and staff. Project donors will be recognized and the family of former Mayor Greg Rich will cut the ribbon for the new walking path. Another special event includes the “Changing of the Chief.” Ron Roth (rowth like row a boat) has served the Wayland community for 20 years and is retiring July 26. Roth began his law enforcement career in 1979 in East Dubuque where he was originally from. The new police chief is Dustin Stuelke (stool-kee)