Plans coming together for city sesquicentennial
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Plans to celebrate Mount Ayr’s 150th birthday are coming into focus thanks to efforts by the Mount Ayr Sesquicentennial Committee.
At its most recent meeting December 1, the committee approved the official sesquicentennial logo and announced several activities/events that will take place over the three-day celebration, September 19-21, 2025.
Entertainment acts set to perform include eight live bands/musicians, circus performers, bagpipers, the Omaha Destruction drill team, and others to be announced.
Activities include a Scottish Tea, golf tournament, cemetery tour, car show, grand parade, a Croquet-Mania contest, an 1800s fashion show, historical presentation, basketball tournament, and nostalgic contests like beard growing and arm wrestling.
A full carnival spanning all three days will be held with wristbands available closer to the event.
The Trent Stewart Memorial 5K run will be held on Saturday.
Possible additional events include an antique farm show at the fairgrounds.
Kids will enjoy inflatables, a foam party, and removable tattoos.
A beer garden will be open at Trail’s End Saloon.
The Clearfield Lions are allowing the use of two of their state fair shuttle to transport people from one location to another.
Mount Ayr Chamber member banners will be displayed as they are during Ayr Days.
Souvenirs will be available for purchase, and plans are in the works for a commemorative cook book.
At its latest meeting the committee approved the official sesquicentennial logo as designed by Burt Murphy and Brad Elliott at Podium Ink.
Committee marketing director Carrie Main is planning to make available a mobile phone app that will list a guide to events. She is also working on adding links to the city website that will direct people to a special page devoted to the sesquicentennial. A dedicated Facebook page will also be available.
The committee is seeking sponsorships for the celebration. Anyone wanting to contribute to the celebration are invited to drop off or mail payments to Mount Ayr city hall. Please note “Sesquicentennial” on the payment. Receipts for tax deductions can be provided upon request.
The city and the Southern Iowa Council of Governments are collaborating on grant opportunities as well.
The Sesquicentennial Committee is comprised of 25 community volunteers who meet the first Sunday of each month at the courthouse.
Committee officers include Korbie Rinehart, chair; Tracee Knapp, vice chair; and Erika Shields, secretary.
For more information, email the committee at info@mtayr150.com.
[Side note: The “Welcome to Mount Ayr” signs on either end of town say “Established 1855.” Mount Ayr was not incorporated until 1875.]
