The 5th Annual Oktoberfest is a free family fun festival at the Newton YMCA all in an effort of “Bringing Together Jasper Communities.” This year we had a new record of more than 1,000 attendees. It proves that families need affordable fun activities and we are proud to be able to provide this opportunity each year for families in Jasper County.
There were many activities for kids to do this year. The safe house and fire truck, hosted by the Newton Fire Department, was exciting for the kids as they learned about fire safety. They were also able to meet Officer Burdess and sit in his police car. The children were able to decorate pumpkins with their families that were donated by the Newton Correctional Facility. They also participated in bingo hosted by Willowbrook, bowling and bean bag toss with the Boy Scouts, riding adaptive bikes from Kid Assist, a prize wheel with Skiff Medical Center, United Way Minute to Win It games with the Girl Scouts, Barrels of Fun train rides courtesy of the Van Kooten family, and sitting in the Iowa Speedway Pace Car. They were also able to make different crafts with the Health Community Impact Team, ISU Extension, and Peck Child Care Center. We were also excited to have staff from Jasper County Conservation and Neil Smith Wildlife Refuge animal furs and tracks on display for the kids. After all that fun, families were able to enjoy free apples and caramel served by volunteers from Clearview Recovery, sponsored by Skiff Medical Center and Great Western Bank, or purchase a slice of pizza from Domino’s of Newton.
We would like to thank Meg Bestell-Eide with Digital Blue Star & StillNewton.com for taking such amazing photos. Also, Wal-Mart & Holiday Inn of Newton for their generous donation so we could offer a prize drawing for the first time. Congratulations to Kaylee of Mingo who won a new bike and helmet from Wal-Mart and Tiffany of Monroe who won a one night stay at the Holiday Inn in downtown Newton.
In addition to all of the activities sponsored at Oktoberfest we would also like to thank the Newton JV Football Team, Newton YMCA, Smith’s Quality Rental, Rigg’s Printing, Sign Pro, Wal-Mart of Newton, Arts Connection, Cardinal Lanes, Newton Hy-Vee, and KCOB FM for their sponsorships.
Click here to view pictures from Oktoberfest.