By Olivia West
KELLERTON, Iowa — The Kellerton community hosted its second annual “Kellerton Dayz” last Friday, with events and festivities that started late in the morning and lasted until midnight. The day contained a full schedule of vendors and activities for visitors of all ages.
In years past, Kellerton hosted an annual Fourth of July event complete with fireworks at the end of the night. That event was last held in July 2017 and now many of those activities are wrapped into the new Kellerton Dayz.
“We have some incredibly motivated individuals on our department who remember the community events of years past — the big Fourth of July celebrations and the memories they created,” event organizer Tina Vanderflught said of the motivation to have Kellerton Dayz. “We want to bring that feeling back.”
Kellerton locals and those who grew up there remember participating in the cake walk and water fights, as well as the feelings of running around the town and not having a care in the world.
The money raised from events like these go towards Kellerton’s Volunteer Fire Department, helping with the purchase of equipment and supplies that allow the department to better serve and protect the town and surrounding communities.
“In many ways, it’s a full-circle effort,” Vanderflught said. “The community supports us, and we’re able to give right back through both community events and emergency services. It’s a round-robin effect of neighbors helping neighbors.”
Other organizers of the day described Kellerton Dayz as an event offering “fun for the whole family,” featuring entertainment, food, community activities and opportunities for residents to gather and celebrate together.
“Our community is small, and like many small towns, we’ve had to work hard to keep our sense of identity alive,” Vanderflught said. “Events like Kellerton Dayz give us the opportunity to showcase the very best of who we are — the heart of our town.”
With attractions scheduled throughout the day and evening, Kellerton Dayz once again provided a festive atmosphere for attendees of all ages and brought the community together for one of its signature annual celebrations.