Hull, Iowa (Sioux County Radio) — Hull is welcoming residents and visitors for food, entertainment, and community fundraising during this weekend’s Hull SummerFest.
The celebration continues through Sunday, July 19, with activities ranging from an outdoor movie and car show to Northwest Iowa’s Biggest Candy Parade, a carnival, street dance and community worship service. Hull Area Chamber Executive Director Jess Wheeler and volunteer Christiana Westra tell us about the weekend.
Wheeler says the Chamber works with sponsors and community organizations to keep activities affordable while supporting groups in Hull.
Saturday begins with the Hull EMS 5K and a new one-mile family walk at Ignite Gym and Fitness. Registration opens at 7 a.m., with the race and walk beginning at 7:30.
The family walk was added after organizers heard from people who wanted a shorter option that would be easier to complete with young children, strollers, or dogs. Hull EMS member Adam Vander Stoep says its partnership with Ignite is intended to make the event welcoming to people at different fitness levels.
Registration is $30 for either the 5K or the one-mile walk. Participants receive a shirt, finisher medal, and other items and will be eligible for several prize drawings. Registration is available through RunSignup by searching for “Hull Ambulance 5K,” and organizers will also accept registrations Saturday morning.
Proceeds support Hull EMS equipment and training. Vander Stoep says the department recently received a new ambulance, but must continually replace aging equipment—including defibrillators that can cost around $100,000.
The American Legion pancake breakfast will also begin at 7 Saturday morning, followed by Northwest Iowa’s Biggest Candy Parade at 10 on Main Street.
Activities move to Westside Park following the parade. More than 20 vendors are expected for the craft and vendor show, joining the carnival, inflatables, food trucks and children’s pedal pull.
Westra says the vendor show will emphasize locally made products, including baked goods, sourdough bread, wooden flowers, jewelry, painted rocks, and other handmade items.
One of Saturday’s new events is the first Hull SummerFest Tailgate and Barbecue Competition, organized by Old Parlor Meat Company. Judging and public taste-testing will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. at Westside Park.
Teams can compete in appetizer or side dish, main dish, and dessert categories, with the public selecting the winners. The first-place team in each category will receive $450, while second place will receive $300. An overall winner will also receive a traveling “Best Bite” trophy.
Old Parlor owner Curt Van Grouw says the competition is not limited to experienced barbecue teams.
The competition will benefit Bright Start Daycare and Preschool. Bright Start recently doubled its classroom space and now serves about 90 children, ranging from infants to children who have completed first grade. The facility is already full and has a waiting list, and proceeds will help pay expenses from the completed expansion.
Taste-testing is limited to 200 participants. Wristbands cost $25 each or $20 each when purchasing four or more. They are available at American State Bank, Iowa State Bank, and D&K Door in Hull, as well as Old Parlor Meat Company in Rock Valley.
Saturday concludes with the SummerFest Street Dance from 9 p.m. to midnight. Soul Root will perform, with gates opening at 8:30. Admission is $20, and attendees must be 18 or older.
SummerFest concludes Sunday with a community worship service at 10 a.m. at Hesla Field. The service will move to Western Christian High School in the event of rain.
Listen to the full Daily Grind interviews about SummerFest, the Hull EMS 5K and family walk, the barbecue competition, and the Boyden-Hull Summer Theatre production.
Find the full schedule of events and more at HullChamber.org/summerfest.
