The annual Lyle Independence Day celebration proves one thing: Just because it isn't July 4 doesn't mean you can't celebrate.

The community celebration begins Friday with music by Kurt Albrecht at the Out of Bounds bar.

Then, the Saturday schedule picks up the pace considerably.

Beginning 10 a.m., a truck and tractor pull at the south edge of the city will entertain spectators.

Lyle's annual truck and tractor pull is a big one and attracts some of the top performers from northern Iowa and southern Minnesota. For fans, it's an opportunity to pull up a lawn chair, grab a cold beverage from the cooler and spend a day in the sun watching favorite pullers compete for prizes and "bragging rights."

Also starting 10 a.m. Saturday is a car show and cruise at 4 p.m. through the community.

The horseshoe tournament starts at 2 p.m. Saturday outside American Legion Post No. 105. The Legion Post members will host a chicken fry beginning at 4 p.m. Saturday.

All the day long, the Copper Kettle restaurant will feature its five burgers and three fries special that has earned a reputation among hungry visitors each year.

Then, deejay TJ Sounds will provide the music for a street dance, beginning at 8 p.m. outside the Legion Post.

Then, Sunday's schedule will attract thousands as it does each year for pre-Independence Day festivities.

An ecumenical worship service at 10 a.m. in Lyle City Park begins the day-long schedule of activities.

Throughout the Sunday schedule, there will be an antique tractor and machinery show, recalling the good old days of American agriculture.

The Copper Kettle relives the "good old summertime" with a special ice cream float and malt menu throughout the day.

Meanwhile, the Legion Post's members will put the first burgers on the grill outside their headquarters in another fund-raiser for community service projects.

Spectators are advised to arrive early for the 1 p.m. Sunday parade through the community. More than 80 units will march in the patriotic salute to life in the heartland.

The Post No. 105 color guard will hold a special flag presentation at Lyle City Park at 2 p.m. when children's games also begin in the park near the Lyle Public Schools playground.

One of the most popular activities for children is the 2:30 p.m. pedal tractor pull.

The Lyle Volunteer Fire Department will host water fights, beginning 3 p.m. Sunday. For those who prefer something different, there is a talent show also beginning 3 p.m. Sunday at Lyle City Park. Mel's Polka Stars entertains in the park 5-7 p.m., featuring the talents of 2002 Lyle High School graduate Brian Klouse. Raffle drawings will be held at 8 p.m. band when dusk arrives, the Lyle Volunteer Fire Department will set off a giant fireworks display over the north side of the community along U.S. Highway 218.

But the fun doesn't end Sunday.

The Six Mile Grove band will entertain in concert, beginning 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 3, outside the American Legion Post headquarters.

Named for the popular country church outside Lyle, where its members attend, the band's popularity grows with its latest CD release and crowd-pleasing performances wherever it plays.

Featuring lead singer/songwriter Brandon Sampson, Six Mile Grove will perform music for listening and dancing pleasures July 3.

(Lee Bonorden can be contacted at 434-2232 or by e-mail at

lee.bonorden@austindailyherald.com)