Septemburfest

I'm back in Ventura for the weekend, for the annual Septemburfest celebration. There's going to be a parade, greased pig contest, rodeo, flea market, cow drop bingo, car show, and all the pork burgers you can eat. If you're wondering what cow drop bingo is, it's a game of chance in which a pen is set up in town and spray painted with a grid. For five dollars, you can get a block of that grid in your name. Later in the day, a cow is released into the pen, and if it craps on your block, you win five hundred dollars. I swear I am not making this up. The notice from the Clear Lake Mirror-Reporter is below:

SEPTEMBURFEST

Ventura will host its annual Septemburfest celebration Saturday, Sept. 2.

The day will begin with a new event, a 5K run/walk at 8 a.m., followed by the traditional parade at 10 a.m. A flea market, midway, and many activities will open following the parade. That list of activities includes vendors, rides and games, with Velcro® jumping, Bungee® run, gladiator, joust, ferris wheel, moon walk, spin art, pony rides, train rides, NASCAR race track, monster truck race track, dunk tank and BINGO. Other special events include a display by artist David Rottinghaus beginning at 11 a.m., a car show from 11:30-2:30, and free style stunt bike show at 11:30 a.m. Registration for the car show will take place from 8-11:30 a.m. Trophies will be awarded from 2:30-3 p.m.

The Guns and Garters Wild West Show will be offered at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Admission is free. The Ventura Drill Team will also present a demonstration at 12:15 p.m. Bossy the Cow Bingo starts at 1 p.m. at the elementary school. The greased pig contest for all ages begins at 1:30 p.m. and a tractor pull is set for 2:30 p.m. at the school grounds. Mystical Rodeo Co. Bull and Barrel Rodeo will take place from 5:30-7:30 p.m. just west of the Top of Iowa elevator in Ventura. Purchase admission tickets in advance at Farmer's State Bank, Colony Inn, Steakhouse Cafe, Ventura Mart and Lake Street Styles. Those interested in entering the bull riding or barrel racing competition should contact Kevin Monroe at 319-864-3317. Muttin Bustin, a special event for children, will be held during the rodeo. Advance signup is needed for kids to participate. Signup is required Wednesday, Aug. 30, from 4-5 p.m. at Brenda's Hair Den in Ventura.

Septemburfest activities will end with a street dance near the Community Hall from 8 p.m. to midnight. Music will be provided by Echo's V, specializing in music from the 1950s and 60s. An auction will be held during the dance at 10 p.m. by auctioneer Mic Knutson.