Free May Day fun planned for Sunday

Sunday will be a day of fun and frolic at Iola’s Riverside Park as the Iola Recreation Department, Iola Public Library, Bowlus Fine Arts Center and Sleeper Family Trust present the May Day Family Fun Festival.
“Absolutely everything about this is free to families,” said Bowlus Marketing Director Candace McRae.
A concert, pioneer games, hot dogs and May baskets will be included in the afternoon event, which runs from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Hot dogs will be served courtesy of Cox Communications from 12:30 to 2 o’clock. Free cotton candy and popcorn will also be available during the event.
Old-time games such as hoop rolling and hula hoops will be organized under the direction of members of the Allen County Historical Society.
Northern Star Girl Scout troop will exchange a flowering plant for every pulled dandelion (root included) brought to the festival.
Staff members from the Iola Public Library will teach children how to make bookmarks and May Baskets, a traditional gift of flowers left on individual’s door steps.
Allen County Community College Red Devils dance and cheer squad will provide face painting.
The Doo Dads, a children’s band, will entertain on the stage by the Community Recreation Building from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
A two-mile run will be hosted by the Iola Recreation Department. The run begins at 1 p.m. and will take place in the park. No preregistration is required.
“The Lorax” by Dr. Seuss will be read at 1 and 3 p.m. by members of Iola’s Take Charge Challenge. The story encourages children to clean up the environment before it’s too late.
Rosco, a young kangaroo owned by Becky Robb, will visit the festival from 2:30 to 3:30. Rosco, who resides in a pouch carried by Robb, is friendly and enjoys gentle petting.
Iola Kiwanis will be provided train rides throughout the afternoon.
Additional sponsors of the event include A&W Restaurant, City of Iola, Community National Bank & Trust, Emprise Bank, Citizens National Bank, Sonic Drive-In, Sonic Sales and service, Iola High School, Jefferson Elementary School, Allen County Farm Bureau, KIKS radio, Iola Register and Allen County Fair Board.
Activities will be moved indoors if it rains.