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Celebration is ‘favorite part of year’ for some residents

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By Jason Liegois | Sunday, August 13, 2006 | No comments posted

CAMANCHE, Iowa — Crowds lined 9th Street in Camanche on Saturday to watch the annual Camanche Days Parade, one of the highlights of the town’s four-day festival.

Some lining the streets said they were there primarily for the parade, which featured area fire and police departments, politicians, and musicians and dancers. Others, however, said the annual August festival is a big part of their lives.

“Camanche Days is actually some of the best days I have,” said 10-year-old Kyle Henricksen of Camanche, who was waiting along the side of the road for passing parade members to start passing out candy with his father, Mike. “It’s my favorite part of the year.”

While midway rides and candy were a main attraction for kids like Kyle, older kids said the social aspect of the festival also was very important.

“I love how you can hang out with your friends before school starts,” Ali Petersen said.

She said the start of school in Camanche in just more than a week as she watched the parade with friend, Kelsi Sachsenmaier, also of Camanche.

“You get to hang out with your friends and eat good food,” said Sierra Carver, Camanche, as she and her friends ranked the hot dogs and funnel cakes as particular favorites.

“And boys, don’t forget that,” added Aarika Stone of DeWitt.

Adults who have seen the fair grow and prosper during the more than a quarter-century that it has been running said that it is a strong part of the community’s identity.

“It’s just a time for the community to get together and support things like the pancake breakfast,” said Pam Kair, Camanche. She also said enjoying the evening entertainments from local church groups and area bands.

The breakfast she referred to is a longtime feature of Camanche Days, sponsored by the Camanche Fire Department, and will run from 6 a.m. to noon today. As in past years, the breakfast is a benefit for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

“It’s seeing people that you don’t see every year,” said Marv Lind. “We have our own class reunion out here.”

Today will be the last day of the festival. Other activities on the schedule today include musical entertainment during the afternoon and evening, and the festival-ending fireworks display at 9 p.m.

The city desk can be contacted at (563) 383-2245 or newsroom@qctimes.com.