The mass of events planned for the Fourth of July will offer everyone a chance to get into the spirit. The Ames Jaycees have organized a day full of attractions for Friday, and the City of Slater will be alive from Thursday evening through Saturday night.

Ames’ Brookside Park will be the starting place for a Fun Run/Walk which will begin at 7:00 a.m., with a three-on-three basketball tournament following at 10. Other events include business displays, kid games, skydivers, craft shows and a helicopter landing. The park will be full of food stands including a “Spirit” Garden and a funnel-cake stand at noon, and picnics are also encouraged.

The Rubber Duck Race will begin at 3:00 p.m. for kids and the adult and corporate races will follow. Prizes will be awarded to the kids and adults and a $500 donation to charity will be the reward for the corporate race.

“Last year, we had people lined up to watch the race. It was a lot of fun, and we plan to make it a tradition,” said Glenda Stormes-Bice of the Ames Jaycees.

Two stages will be set up for various bands and entertainers. The main stage will have BeJae Flemming, The Coda, The Nadas, and The Taz Band performing. The acts will start at noon and then continue into the late afternoon. Also, the Ames Municipal Band, Mirage Dance Club, ISU Karate Club, Gilbert Square Dancers, and the Sweet Adelines can be seen on the community stage.

The $8,500 fireworks display will begin at about 8:30 from the Stuart Smith Park. Stormes-Bice advised parking at the Hilton Coliseum and catching a shuttle bus for 25 cents to Brookside Park for the day. The parking spot, she said, should work later as a spot to sit and watch the fireworks.

Slater will also be honoring Independence Day with three days of celebration. Thursday night includes amusement-park rides. The Fourth of July attractions are highlighted by the parade at 10:00 a.m., a lip-sync contest, the crowning of the July 4th Queen and, of course, fireworks. The High Society and Vivace Bands are lined up for Saturday night and karaoke will be available in the town beer garden.