Chester celebrating 160th anniversary

Chester - Milestones are an important part of any aspect of life, and the City of Chester is celebrating a milestone this year . . . being in existence since 1858!

The community and Partners in Progress are ramping up the annual Old Settlers Day! This year, an extra day is being added to double the fun! The event is June 9-10, with some tried-and-true happenings, special events and even some new activities!

Saturday

Being revived this year is the Barbecue Contest. Jeff Schlatter at 563-547-0094 is in charge. Call him ASAP to possibly get in on the contest. He will be distributing the meat at 7:30 a.m., with judging at 2:30 p.m. and taste-testing at 3.

Saturday starts out with the always popular tractor pull, located behind the fire station. It starts at 10 a.m. and will go until around 3:30 p.m. Weigh-ins begin at 9 a.m.

Another popular event is the flea market, including crafters and food vendors. As always, that will be held in City Park from 10-4.

Right next door to City Park is the kids events from 10-4. For a $5.00 wristband, kids get admittance to all the activities, including bouncy tent, face painting (10-2) and coin dig at 12:30.

The Chester Firefighters will have their brat stand at the station from 10-3.

New this year, is an obstacle course at City Park, starting at 10. It is being hosted by Mobile Mamma. Learn more about the parenting app at their booth.

Always an interesting addition, is the blacksmithing demonstration by James and Teresa Ness of Borderline Forge. They will be working at the old station, beside the park.

The parade is not a new event, but the time is new! This year it will begin at 11 a.m., starting on James Ave.

Cray Insurance is again offering a free ice cream social at City Park from 12:30-2:30.

Tim’s Mobile Music will be entertaining the crowd at the shelter house at City Park from noon-4.

Graduates and friends of Chester High School are meeting for an all-school reunion at Laddy’s Bar & Grill, with the meal starting at 1 p.m. Even if you didn’t graduate from CHS, stop by and visit with old friends!

Also at 1 p.m. is the kids’ pedal tractor pull, starting with the youngest group.

If a person is in need of some bingo, the game will be played at City Hall from 2-4.

After a busy day, don’t forget to stop by the Community Center at 4 p.m. for a meal being served by the Lime Springs/Chester Girl Scout Troop #28.

Sunday

Ecumenical Church Services will be held at 9 a.m. at the United Methodist Church, with Pastor Paula Hemann doing the service. Afterwards, the youth group will be serving a brunch.

A Blessing of the Bikes will take place at 11 a.m. at the Chester Community Center, with a motorcycle ride taking place after.