The Hartley Sentinel-The Everly/Royal News - Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties

A steamy forecast will complement a hot lineup of fun events this weekend in Hartley.

Summer Celebration returns in full force Aug. 5-7. Several crowd favorites are back this year to keep event-goers of all ages busy and content.

"We've got more live music this year, which we hope people will like," said Rachel Wilson, one of Summer Celebration's organizers. "There are still a ton of things on the schedule that people will recognize that have been very popular in the past."

Things kick off Friday night at Neebel Park with a beer garden, meal, sweet corn roast, cow pie bingo, regular bingo and horseshoe tournament. Also featured are antique fire truck rides, a silent auction and outdoor market.

The night concludes with a free performance from DJ Metro Machines under the tent. The Hartley Community Daycare Center will be serving food, while H-M-S Dance Attack will provide other goodies.

Saturday is the big one. A packed schedule will greet guests starting bright and early with a 5K fun run/walk beginning at the fitness center at 7 a.m., followed by a five-mile bike ride sponsored the Hartley Rec Trail Committee. Headlining the morning is the parade through Central Avenue and West Maple Drive starting at 10:30 a.m.

"Our parade theme is 'Through the Decades,' and we're hoping people have fun with that by decorating their floats themed in the favorite decade," Wilson said.

The rest of the schedule on Saturday features events too numerous to list. Kids' inflatables, food, more live music, a car burnout contest and all-school reunion are only a few of the things that will have Summer Celebration-goers walking away satisfied.

Sunday's schedule is much lighter. Featured are a community worship service, quilt raffle and omelet brunch to round out the 2022 rendition of Summer Celebration.

"We had a good year in 2021 coming off the pandemic pause," Wilson said. "We're hoping to see everyone out there again this weekend."