NORTHWOOD, Iowa — Over the Fourth of July weekend, Northwood residents will have the opportunity to listen to musical entertainment, play softball, attend a pool party and watch as fireworks dance across the night sky.

The activities begin on Friday night with the opening of the beer garden and a performance by Cherry Gun. Food will be available alongside of the entertainment by the Daisy wagon and Mr. Taco.

Bright lights and screaming rockets will be the center of attention on Sunday night. The fireworks begin at 10 p.m. and are being set off by the Northwood Fire Company. Money for the fireworks was raised through the donations of local citizens amounting to approximately $3,500.

Along with the fireworks, Sunday will also feature interesting sports competitions. Events range from the Northwood-Kensett Educational Foundation Golf Tournament at 1 p.m. on the links at the Northwood Country Club to the morning softball tournament.

Horseshoes and a bean bag tournament will be new to this year’s weekend celebration.

“We’re going to try them out,” city counselor Teresa George said. “They’re going to be down at Swedsrud park.”

Perhaps the most interesting event of the weekend will be hosted on Sunday as a fundraiser by the NWD Athletic Complex. The Mr./Miss Northwood contest will begin at 6:30 p.m., where male participants will dress as females. The men will compete in three categories: evening gown, swimsuit and a talent show.

Participants will not win any money but they will be crowned Mr. and Miss Northwood. George said the last time this event was held was about seven years ago.

“It is just fun, a real hoot,” George said. “Guys dance around on stage and strut their stuff to win.”

The competition will mark the final event of the Northwood Fourth of July celebration.

Schedule of events

Friday, July 1
6 p.m.: Adult beverage garden opens
7 p.m.: Music D.J.
9 p.m.: Cherry Gun

Saturday, July 2
8:30 a.m.: Tune run/ Walk registration at Northwood Theatre, run at 9 a.m.
8:30 a.m.: Registration for disc golf
9 a.m.: Softball tournament
9:30 a.m.: Tee off for disc golf
12 p.m.: Awards presentation for disc golf
1 p.m.: Inflatable in the park, horseshoe and bean bag tournament
6 p.m.: Beer garden opens on Central Avenue
9 p.m.: Rhino in the garden

Sunday, July 3
9 a.m.: Softball tournament
10:30 a.m.: Ecumenical Community Church service in Swedsrud
11:30 a.m.: Community Picnic (Iowa Grille)
1 p.m.: NKCEF annual golf tournament at NWD Country Club
6 to 8 p.m.: Pool party for grades K-12; music, games, food
10 p.m.: Fireworks at the airport

Monday, July 4
7 a.m.: Breakfast by the Methodist men
11 a.m.: Parade
2 p.m.: Miss., Mr., Jr. Miss., Jr. Mr., Little Miss, Little Mr., Citizens awards, float awards, house decorating
3 p.m.: Lions Club duck race
3 p.m.: FFA pedal pull by the swimming pool
4:30 p.m.: Meal at the fairgrounds BYQ-Team barbecue
6:30 p.m.: Mr./Miss Northwood contest
7 p.m.: Firefighter’s raffle