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With restrictions lifted on mass gatherings and most businesses, the 4th of July celebration went on as close to what normal might be considered Saturday in Pella.

American Legion Post 89 held an Independence Day Ruck to collect food for the Pella Community Food Shelf in the morning, and Historic Pella Trust held blacksmithing and wool spinning demonstrations throughout the day at the Tuttle Cabin.

Many traditional activities were part of the festivities, including fishing at Caldwell Park, swimming at the Pella Aquatic Center, and food trucks downtown.

One of the biggest changes was an expansion of live entertainment, and those featured several community groups on the Tulip Toren, including a ceremony remembering fallen veterans and a flag-folding presentation from the American Legion, a demonstration of skills of students from Triumph Martial Arts, and multiple performances from The Dans Company (see photos below).

The 2020 Tulip Queen and Royal Court were featured before the annual parade, which included approximately 100 entries and followed a reverse route of the typical Tulip Time parade. The defending Class 3A state champions Pella Jazz I were the highlighted entertainment in the evening, before fireworks were again launched near Madison Elementary.

Photos from the 2020 4th of July Parade in Pella:

The KNIA/KRLS Lil’ Big Red Radio took part in the annual Pella 4th of July parade, and non-stop patriotic music was played on KNIA/KRLS Friday and Saturday evenings.