Fourth of July Activities Update

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As promised, OCMS did not give up on the 4th of July activities. With community help and participation, we intend to make the Women’s Suffrage Salute: Celebration of the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment giving women the right to vote, a memorable holiday with several events. 

After Hormel and Osceola Foods generously donated to the fireworks fund, some other event ideas began to form that can get the community and businesses involved to celebrate the best we can with the restrictions: July 1-12, Virtual 5K, 11.7 Mile Cycle and One mile fun run; July 1-4, Trivia Excursion at local businesses; July 1-4, Reverse Parade- the community will be the parade route; and of course, July 4th, fireworks by J&M Displays at Lakeside Casino beginning at 10pm.

Virtual Race Information July 1-12:

Executive Director Ashleigh Eckels saw Facebook posts about virtual 5k’s and began researching how to organize one for Osceola, “The virtual race sounded like a great way to get active and have some fun.  The best part is that you can complete it wherever or however you would like. “  

Virtual races are a way to stay connected while not being together for an in-person race. A virtual race is individual, at any time of day. Virtual races allow entrants to run or cycle the race on any course in any place: Country road, park path, treadmill, etc. Osceola participants will receive information for a mapped 5K & 1 Mile course if they choose to run the designated route, but it is not mandatory.

Anyone may participate-that is the beauty of virtual races. Here or there, near or far – all are invited to be a part of this unique event to bring people together while staying apart and supporting a great community organization. The Virtual 5K, 11.7 Cycle & 1 Mile Fun Run is an amazing way to stay fit, get your new favorite shirt, all while practicing social distancing.  Every entrant receives a custom high-quality shirt, and race bib.  

Register by 11:59pm June 21, 2020; Entry Fees: $20 - 5K and 11.7 Mile Cycle, includes registration, T-shirt, and bib (shipping is an extra cost)

$15 - 1 Mile Fun Run, registration, T-shirt and bib (shipping is an extra cost)

runsignup.com/Race/IA/Osceola/Osceolas4thofJulyVirtual5kand1MileFunRun or call the office 641-342-4200

T-shirts may be picked up outside the OCMS office, 115 E Washington Street June 30- July 2 from 9am-3pm or choose to have shirt shipped to you for an additional fee (select shipping as an add-on product). 

Individuals may complete the 5K (3.1 miles), 11.7-mile cycle or 1 mile (for kids under 12) at their convenience any time anywhere from July 1-12, 2020. OCMS asks you to share the 5K, 11.7 mile cycle, or 1 mile fun run pictures and videos by: (1) posting in our Facebook event, (2) sharing on social media and tagging @OsceolaChamberMainStreet (3) with hashtags #Osceolas4thofJulyVirtualRace #WomensSuffrageSalute.  If you have any further questions, please email: [email protected] or call 342-4200.

Retail Trivia Event and Raffle July 1-4

To Boost support for local businesses as they try to recover from the shutdown, OCMS is organizing a QR Code Trivia Excursion, “We thought this event would be a fun way to test your knowledge all while visiting and supporting our local businesses,” said Eckels.  Each participating business will have a QR code to scan, or paper entry. To be eligible for the raffle, participants will answer a question and each winner will receive a gift card to an Osceola Business. Gift cards are purchased by Chamber-Main Street.

 

OCMS will post the list of participating businesses with more instructions, once the list is complete. Business list for the Trivia Excursion will be available June 22 on the OCMS Facebook page. facebook.com/OCMS06/ or call the office 641-342-4200

 

Reverse Parade: Show the Women’s Suffrage Theme and/or Red, White and Blue Throughout the Town July 1-4

This new way of parading began with the mandate of social distancing. People ask neighbors and friends to drive by and honk or show happy birthday signs, or graduation best wishes.  Instead of people sitting and watching a parade in crowded conditions, they walk or drive around a designated route and participate: The community participants becomes the parade route.  

With the theme of Women’s Suffrage Salute in mind, families and businesses are asked to decorate and sign up to become part of the parade route. Participants will be judged by community members to earn Warrior Dollars for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. Entrants need to be submitted to OCMS via email or paper form by June 26 for the map and to be eligible for voting. Parade maps will be available at the OCMS office or on Facebook.

Let us make it a special 4th of July with the Women’s Suffrage Salute and celebrating Osceola-style!