Good ole' Sturgis Falls!

Every summer the last weekend in June Cedar Falls holds it's annual Sturgis Falls celebration. For about the last 6 or 7 years I have been a faithful Sturgis fan!!! I LOVE Sturgis Falls. Yes, all the park sitting, vendor food eating, music listening, people watching, conversations, parade viewing, street fair shopping, and fun is something I look forward to each summer!!! Since I've had kids it has been even more fun and a tradition that I love to spend with them. It may be a bit corny to some, but to the many Sturgis faithfuls it is a must in the Cedar Valley! My husband thinks otherwise, but he always makes an appearance or two as well :) I do have a yearly partner in crime though, so when he's not up to the task to "marathon" it out with me... I can always count on Jen!!! (Thanks Jenny!) I don't know if it is a CF thing or not, but I definitely think there is fun to be had at Sturgis Falls every year.

A couple MUSTS each year are... you must eat a tenderloin- they are HUGE and delicious!, you must also have mini donuts, a strawberry smoothie, caramel apple, and a brat from the Sons of Norway tent. For sure have the mini donuts more then once :) You must also walk the street fair... there are tons of great vendors with such original work and good prices and I always find a special buy each year. This year it was my license plate bird feeder for $6. Original and the kids love to feed the birds in our yard, so practical too :) You MUST attend the parade! No explanation needed! You must sit in Overman park for at least 2 hours and hear good tunes while you are surrounded by good friends and talk to the many other people in the park that you only see during Sturgis weekend!! :-) All in all... this weekend is filled with wonderful memories and traditions and it is a great family friendly environment. So, if you haven't already... put it on the calendar for next year! You can always find us sitting in front of the Sons of Norway red and white tent each year in Overman... I'll keep a chair open for ya! :-)

Jaxon had a fun Big Wheels race... this always kicks off our festivities of the weekend!

Faithful cheerleaders at the Big Wheel race! What a great cheering section!!! Thanks for coming you guys, you're the best :)

Our parade rug...filled with friends :) We always sit in front of the library and get a great view!

Each year we usually see Michael (family friend) in the parade... sometimes it was for baseball league and mostly for band. This was his last year with the high-school band. He is SO fun to watch!! We will miss your performance and enthusiasm next year!!

After the parade... hot and hungry!

Our newest member of our Sturgis Falls weekender's... Avery made her first appearance at the Sturgis parade :) Welcome little friend!!

Jaxon and Mason having a good time in Overman park!

And this was a first for Sturgis... I ran the 1/2 marathon this year!! Jaxon ran the kids Fun Run! We both had a blast! As I was turning the corner to run the last 100 yards into the finish line, Jaxon's group was just starting so I got to follow him into the finishing corral, pretty cool! I don't know... maybe add this to our list of traditions that come with Sturgis??? (If my running buddy is up for it, Kris???? At least the 5K? :-)