The 120th anniversary of the Soldiers Reunion kicked off Sunday afternoon with music and classic cars.
The annual Soldiers Reunion Cruisin' & Car Show, now in its 18th year, is one of the most popular activities during the week-long celebration, said Wayne Dellinger, Soldiers Reunion chairman. The car show is expected to attract thousands of area residents and hundreds of vintage vehicles, Dellinger said.
The classic car event is part of the Reunion's week-long tribute to U.S. military personnel, past and present.
For the cruising part of the event, Newton's one-way streets will transform into two-way streets, bringing back muscle-car memories for many area folks.
"Young people of the county used to cruise around the court square every weekend," Dellinger said.
The band Moods and Memories will provide entertainment Sunday.
Sponsored by the Newton Merchants Association and American Legion Post 16, the Soldiers Reunion celebration will continue Monday with Gospel Music Night beginning at 7:30 p.m. at Courthouse Square.
Tuesday will feature Beach Music Night beginning at 7:30 p.m. with the Craig Woolard Band.
Wednesday's activities will include a baby parade at 6 p.m., A "Pet Mania" pet show at 7 p.m. and a street dance at 7:30 p.m.
Reunion Day on Thursday will include a 4 p.m. program to honor the service of local veterans and the Reunion Day Parade at 5 p.m.
Vendors offering food, artwork and crafts will be set up on the downtown square on Reunion Day.
Also on Thursday, American Legion Post 16 invites all veterans to its annual Soldiers Reunion Fish Fry at noon at the Legion building at 1020 Southwest Blvd. All veterans will be served a free meal. For more information about the fish fry, call 464-2509.
The Newton Parks and Recreation Department also plans a variety of activities and events during Reunion Week to enhance the celebration. Included are a men's softball tournament, horseshoe and badminton tournaments, a 5K run/walk and a bike ride.
The Soldiers Reunion began in Newton on July 4, 1889, as veterans of the Civil War answered a statewide call for recognition of their wartime efforts and to receive their pensions.
Most Reunion Week events are centered around the old courthouse square. All events are family-friendly, featuring patriotic themes throughout the city.
For more information about the Soldiers Reunion, call Wayne Dellinger at 464-3906. For more information about Recreation Department-sponsored activities, call the Newton Recreation Center at 695-4317.
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