The 64th annual Columbus Day celebration will be held over two days this year.

Celebrate Columbus Day on Saturday, October 8th, from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m., and Sunday, October 9th, from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. This year’s theme will be “Bridging,” with a focus on the 100 year anniversary of the swinging bridge’s construction, as well as the concept of bringing people from all over to celebrate.

Saturday will begin with a bridging walk led by Bev Nielson of the Parks and Recreation department. The walk will start at 7:15 a.m. and will follow through a variety of short trails and long bridges. A Lions Club breakfast will also be held at the senior center. A 5K run, car show, pumpkin decorating, face painting, shopping downtown, and other activities are also planned. From 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., food and craft vendors will be on hand. There will be a parade at 2:00 p.m. Live music, including a mariachi band, will also be available to listen to.

On Sunday, there will be a history presentation about the swinging bridge and other topics. The Louisa County and Columbus Junction Homecoming queen Victoria Howell will be dressed in 1922 attire for photos. At 1:00 p.m., there will be a bags tournament. Later patrons can enjoy  a scavenger hunt, archery, and a smores cookout.

There will be two parking areas available. The first location will be in the parking lot of the American Legion, and the second will be in the parking lot of the United Methodist Church. Shuttles will pick up and drop off visitors in both areas.

For more information about Columbus Days, visit the Columbus Junction Swinging Bridge Group Facebook page.