There’s something special about Independence Day in a small town.
It’s the kind of weekend that reminds us to slow down a little. We gather around backyard grills, spend time with family and friends, catch a fireworks show, wave at neighbors we haven’t seen in a while, and hopefully enjoy a little sunshine along the way.
It’s also a great reminder of just how much there is to appreciate right here at home.
As communities across the country continue celebrating America250, we’re taking the opportunity to celebrate our own little corner of America. Around here, that looks like shopping local, spending the weekend at the lake, catching up with friends over a burger on the grill, and supporting the businesses and organizations that help make Appanoose County such a great place to call home.
Shop Local This Holiday Weekend
If you’re looking for the perfect red, white, and blue outfit, decorations for the backyard, something to throw on the grill, or a last-minute hostess gift, we’ve got you covered.
Veronica spent some time visiting businesses across Appanoose County to put together a Local Shopping Guide featuring great Independence Day finds from our local retailers. We hope you’ll take a few extra minutes to browse the list and consider shopping close to home before heading out of town or ordering online.
Every local purchase helps support businesses that sponsor our kids’ teams, donate to community events, create local jobs, and make Appanoose County a better place to live.
Rathbun Lake Fun & Honey Creek Resort Is Back
There’s going to be a lot happening around Rathbun Lake this holiday weekend.
Whether you’re boating, camping, fishing, enjoying live music, or simply soaking up a few days at the lake, it’s shaping up to be one of the busiest weekends of the summer. We highly recommend checking out local restaurants, Louie’s Lakeside Bistro & BBQ, Mexican Affair, Captain’s Landing and Tipsy Turtle Bar & Grill for great bites and entertainment all weekend long.
Before you head out on the water, be sure to stop by Rathbun Lake Marina. It’s truly the hub of lake life, whether you need to rent a boat or campsite, stock up at the marina store, or grab a meal at Louie’s Lakeside Bistro & BBQ before your next adventure.
Another big reason to celebrate this year is the reopening of Honey Creek Resort.
After Friday night’s grand reopening fireworks, the celebration continues on Saturday, July 4 with live music from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Glow Karaoke from 7:30 to 9 p.m., and a lantern release at 9 p.m. It’s the perfect excuse to spend your Independence Day at the lake and help welcome Honey Creek Resort back.
And while we’re all excited to have another great place to relax, eat, and enjoy the weekend, the reopening means so much more than that. Honey Creek is one of Appanoose County’s biggest tourism assets. Every visitor who stays there helps support local restaurants, retailers, attractions, and events, creating a ripple effect that benefits businesses across our county.
Those overnight stays also generate hotel/motel tax revenue that gets reinvested back into tourism projects, community events, marketing, and improvements throughout Appanoose County. Check out the Appanoose County Tourism 20 Year Impact & Investment report for more details on how those dollars are reinvested into our communities.
We’re excited to welcome guests back and can’t wait to see the energy the reopening brings to the entire area.
Cabins are sold out for the weekend, but you can still book a room to celebrate Independence Day at Honey Creek Resort! Visit www.honeycreekresort.com or call 641-724-1450
There are still tee times available at The Preserve on Rathbun Lake. You don’t have to be a guest at the resort to golf at The Preserve. Check out tee times by visiting https://www.thepreserveiowa.com/
In just a few weeks, we’ll have even more to celebrate at the lake! Join us for the Rathbun Lake 55th Anniversary Fireworks Display on July 31st. You can check out the details by visiting the event page on Facebook.
Celebrating Our Community and Country
As you’re out enjoying the holiday weekend, take a drive around the Centerville Square and check out the newly installed veteran and active service member banners. Each banner honors someone who has dedicated part of their life to serving our country, and they’re a wonderful reminder of the sacrifices that have helped preserve the freedoms we celebrate this Independence Day. A second round of banners is already in production, and we’ll be sharing more photos once they’re installed.
Moravia and Moulton will both be hosting fireworks shows over the weekend as well. Moravia’s is July 3rd beginning at dusk from Moravia Community Schools and Moulton’s is July 4th beginning at dusk from the Little League Fields. We encourage you to join in these community celebrations!
That same patriotic spirit will carry into one of Appanoose County’s favorite traditions. This year’s Pancake Day theme is “Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Pancakes,” celebrating America’s 250th anniversary with a little hometown flair. Planning is well underway, and we’ll be sharing the full schedule, entertainment lineup, races, and activities in the coming weeks. In the meantime, be sure to grab this year’s Pancake Day merchandise and get ready for another unforgettable celebration September 25th & 26th!
However you’re spending the holiday weekend, we hope you’ll take a little time to enjoy everything that makes Appanoose County special. Whether that’s discovering a new local business, spending a day at Rathbun Lake, watching fireworks with family, or simply relaxing with friends, thank you for being part of this community. The PACT office will be closed July 3rd & 4th in observance of the holiday.
From all of us at PACT, have a safe, happy, and memorable Independence Day.
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