The Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Development Group (CDG), a Main Street Iowa organization, is excited to announce the 37th Annual Heritage Days Festival, taking place Friday and Saturday, July 11 and 12. This year’s theme, “Y2K,” celebrates the history, fashion, and songs of the millennium to honor the class of 2000’s 25 Year Reunion!
Presented by the CDG and the Heritage Days Committee, the festival is made possible through partnerships with the Lester Buresh Community Wellness Center, Mount Vernon Alumni Association, Mount Vernon Community School District, the City of Mount Vernon, and other local organizations and sponsors.
“As an alumnus of Mount Vernon, it’s been a special and eye-opening experience to be involved in the planning of Heritage Days,” said CDG director Jessie Thurn. “I am excited to introduce free entertainment options on Saturday, such as the Conservation Station and Kiracatures at Memorial Park, and to relocate the Alumni reception to the Visitor’s Center. The CDG will also present our Volunteer Appreciation Awards on the Main Stage at 11:30 a.m., followed by performances from Dance Arts Iowa and Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Theater.”
Friday, July 11
Festivities kick off Friday, July 11 at 5 p.m. at the Lester Buresh Community Family Wellness Center (855 Palisades Road SW) with inflatables, games, food trucks, and live music. The Mount Vernon Bank Kids Fun Run starts at 5:30 p.m. at the MAC (731 Palisades Rd SW). At dark, enjoy the return of the drone show by Starlight Aerial Productions of Michigan, also held at the MAC.
NOTE: No alcohol is permitted on MAC grounds. Blankets are encouraged for seating in the grassy area near the bleachers; chairs and outside food are not allowed on the football field or track.
Also Friday night, Yock’s Landing (102 First Street SE) will host two live bands:
• Vinny and the Night Prowlers from 8–10 p.m.
• Rattlebox from 10 p.m. to midnight
Saturday, July 12
Start the day with the Alumni and Community Breakfast at 8 a.m. at the Mount Vernon High School Commons (731 Palisades Road SW). The Heritage Days Parade follows at 10:30 a.m. with this year’s “Y2K” theme. Parade lineup begins at 9:30 a.m. at Cornell’s Small Athletic and Wellness Center (835 First St W).
NOTE: There will be no parade parking at the lineup location. Spectator parking is available on City streets south of First Street.
Activities on First Street East and West will be ongoing after the parade including the return of the Heritage Days Car Show, food vendors, and beer tent. At 1:30 p.m., the Mount Vernon Wrestling Club will host their annual Bags Tournament Fundraiser. Starting at noon, the Mount Vernon Lions Club will host Bingo, and the Mount Vernon Pool (919 Second Ave N) will host Y2K Theme Night at 5:30 p.m. with games and prizes! The celebration will conclude with a street dance at the Main Stage featuring the Crazy Delicious Band from 8 p.m. to midnight.
A full Heritage Days schedule can be found under the ‘Events’ tab at www.VisitMVL.com.