Byron to celebrate ‘Legacy of Liberty’ next week

The Byron community will celebrate the 250^th birthday of the United States with the annual Byron Days festivities next week, July 10-11.

Committee chairwoman Rebecca Bates said this year’s theme is Legacy of Liberty in honor of the USA’s Semiquincentennial.

It all begins with the Family Fun Night Friday, July 10, at 5 p.m. in Jones Park, sponsored by the Byron Recreation District. The event features numerous games and activities. Jamie Hawley is in charge of the event.

The annual food truck rally also begins Friday evening and continues Saturday. Bates said a record 18 food trucks have signed up, “our biggest number yet and the biggest food truck rally around here,” she added.

The teen dance follows from 9 p.m. to midnight at Jones Park for 13- to 18-year-olds. Admission is $5, and music will be provided by Michael Bernard and Chris Bickford of My Custom DJ.

Saturday schedule

The annual fun run kicks off Saturday events at 7 a.m., sponsored by Club Dauntless, and will be a color run this year. Registration begins at 6:30 a.m. at Jones Park, and the event offers both a one mile and 5K race heading north out of Byron on Road 5, then reversing back.

Runners may also register on the celebration website: ByronDaysWY.com and may also access the site with a QR code featured on posters and newspaper ads. Kristen Olsen is in charge of the 

The Byron Days Parade will follow at 10 a.m. with lineup on the east end of town on Mountain View Avenue. Those wishing to enter the parade may do so on the celebration website or contact Kristen Olsen at 707-349-9977. Elaine Abraham is the parade marshal.

Following the parade, Jones Park will come alive with the annual marketplace starting at 11 a.m. featuring numerous vendors plus the food trucks. Those wishing to set up in the park may fill out an application on the Byron Days website or call Bates at 272-6645.

Also starting at 11 a.m. will be the annual co-ed volleyball tournament and the cornhole tournament. Natalie Collins is again in charge of the volleyball tournament, and the registration fee is $60 for a six-person team. Teams may register online or call Collins at 307-760-1557.

The cornhole tournament is being once again organized by Powell American Legion post. For information or to sign up, call Greg Bessler at 307-254-2837.

A classic car show will be held Saturday starting at 11 a.m. on North Center Street near Jones Park. The show is being organized by CARS Street Machines. For more information, contact Les Files at 272-9354.

Numerous activities for kids will be offered in the park during the afternoon including inflatables, water slides, games and more.

Music will be provided by Bunky Anderson Saturday at the South Pavilion in Jones Park.

The annual Byron High School alumni gathering is also planned for July 11 at Town Hall with registration at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner and a program. The museum will be open during the evening.

Live music performed by The Tinderhooks will begin at 8 p.m. in the park, and the annual Byron Days fireworks will light up the sky at 10 p.m. on the baseball field, choreographed by Caleb and Joshua Sanders and Pyro Up Wyoming. A 24x24-foot square for VIP seating may be reserved for $100 on the event website.

Bates also noted that T-shirts for the celebration are on sale featuring a colorful and patriotic scene painted by Glen Hopkinson.