Royal is ready to party

Residents in Royal are ready to blow off a little steam.

For the first time since 2019, the community is gearing up for Royal Fun Days. The celebration runs July 16-18 and features events for the whole family.

Royal Fun Days was canceled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic; however organizers were still able to hold the tractor pulls.

"There's been quite a bit of talk on Facebook," said Anne Hagedorn, one of the event's organizers. "Everybody is excited to get out in the community and have some fun."

New this year is a 26-mile bike ride to and from Everly on Saturday, while Friday night features stand-up comedy at The Great Hall of Royal. The corn hole tournament on Sunday is also new this year.

"Other than those, it's pretty much the same schedule as previous years, but we aren't doing trivia this year," Hagedorn said. "I think there's something for everyone."

Saturday's schedule is the busiest. In addition to the bike ride, the morning features a slow-pitch softball tournament, tractor ride and display, car show, museum open house, ping pong drop, kids' games and horseshoe tournament. A grill out benefiting Fun Days will be held from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., and a kiddie parade will take place on Main Street at 11:30 a.m.

The afternoon is equally busy. Kids' inflatables and a clown will be at the park, and a motorcycle ride/old car fun run will depart Royal at 12:30 p.m. Also highlighting the schedule are an ice cream social and bingo at the park.

The party keeps rolling into the evening with a burger bar and street dance. Casey Muessigmann will entertain guests until midnight.

Hungry locals can get a full belly Sunday morning courtesy of the Royal Fire Department, which will serve breakfast from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. The cornhole tournament kicks off the afternoon, and Northwest Iowa Tractor Pullers closes out the schedule.

See the ad on Page 3 for a complete schedule, or check out the Royal Fun Days Facebook page for updates.