Volga City will celebrate community, tradition and summertime fun on Saturday, July 18, during the annual Volga Day celebration.
The event is organized by the Shaping Volga Endowment Committee and community volunteers. Their goal is to provide family-friendly fun, promote positivity throughout the Volga community, as well as raise awareness and funds for the Shaping Volga Endowment.
This year’s celebration includes a 5K, tractorcade, rubber duck race, live music, homemade food and a full day of family-friendly activities designed to entertain visitors of all ages.
The day’s festivities begin with a 5K walk/run at the Volga U Campground. Registration opens at 7:30 a.m. behind the shower house, with the race beginning at 8 a.m. Pre-registration is $25, while day-of registration is $30. Each participant will receive a medal, and Sacred Heart will provide bananas following the race.
Registration for the annual tractorcade begins at 8 a.m., with the ride departing at 9 a.m. Participants will enjoy a scenic tour of the Volga area with snacks and water provided along the route. Restored classics, family farm favorites and modern equipment are all welcome. The event is limited to 50 tractors and lasts approximately three hours. For information, contact Derek Deitchler at 563-412-9499.
A sand volleyball tournament begins at 10 a.m. in Volga Park behind the Opera House, and a pickleball tournament will be held at 10:30 a.m. at the Burnout Pads. Volleyball entry is $30 per team, with half the proceeds benefiting the Shaping Volga Endowment Fund. The remaining proceeds will be split 70/30 between the first and second place teams. To register, contact Ellie at 563-380-4043. Pickleball entry is $20 per team, with a 50/50 payout. To register, contact Jerilyn Fedeler at 563-920-2324.
Children’s activities begin at 11 a.m., including carnival games, waterball, bounce houses and a slip-and-slide. Kids crafts will also be offered from 3 to 5 p.m.
Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the main park shelter by Central’s Ag in Belgium & Netherlands class. The menu includes walking tacos, pulled pork, pulled pork mac and cheese, brats, chips, ice cream, brownie sundaes, angel food cake, pop and water.
The Volga City Library invites artists of all ages to “Chalk the Walk” throughout the day.
Thyme Within Health and Wellness Studio will host a free make-and-take Victorian hand fan activity from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Corner Stop will sponsor bingo, rock painting and yard games throughout the day.
The Volga Day parade begins at 2 p.m., with lineup starting at 1 p.m. on Cass and Archer streets. Floats, classic cars and community organizations are encouraged to participate. The parade will travel south on Washington Street from Cass Street, east on Cedar Street, then north on South Main Street.
This year’s grand marshal is Mary Jo Fettkether, recognized for her 35 years of volunteer service with Volga EMS.
The daughter of Jim and Pam Shea, Fettkether grew up in Volga with her six siblings in a home on the corner of Cass and North streets. She remembers a childhood filled with activity.
“There was always entertainment happening somewhere, whether it was playing in the streets, splashing in the river or a ball game like football, softball or something in between,” she recalled.
Her family’s DX station on Washington Street served as a gathering place for the community, where cold sodas and conversation were always available. Clarence Furhman, Ronnie Nelson, Socks O’Brien, Hilbert “Hib” Dice and Wayne Olsen were just a few of the regulars who kept the stories flowing while Fettkether and her siblings worked the gas pumps and watched the counter.
Fettkether attended school in Volga and Elkader, graduating from Central Community High School in 1974. She married Ed Fettkether that June. Together they raised four children, Eddie, Jim, Lawrence and Josie, on their family farm north of Volga.
Her interest in emergency medical services began because of her son Eddie’s struggles with asthma. Wanting to help him until medical care arrived inspired her to pursue EMT training. Although Eddie passed away in August 1990, she credits Mary Jacobs with encouraging her to continue. Fettkether still remembers attending her first EMT class in January 1991 alongside Kenny Hurley and Jennifer Dillon.
Her younger sister, Teresa, described her best when she said, “Mary Jo is always looking to help people.”
That commitment extends beyond EMS. Fettkether served nearly 20 years as president of Sacred Heart Church’s Altar and Rosary Society, whose fundraising helps maintain the church and supports families facing illness or the loss of a loved one.
Fettkether said one of the reasons she loves Volga is because “In Volga, there is always someone there to help.”
Her willingness to put others first, bring comfort during difficult moments and support families in crisis has made her a trusted presence in the community for more than three decades.
Immediately following the parade, spectators can head to the Volga River for the annual rubber duck race. Ducks are available for purchase ahead of time at The Corner Stop or the day of the event at the Shaping Volga table. Gift cards to The Corner Stop will be awarded to the top three finishers: $150 for first place, $100 for second and $50 for third.
The Volga Fire Department and Volga EMS will serve smash burgers from 4 to 7:30 p.m.
Live music will be featured throughout the celebration, with Jesse Polkinghorn performing following the parade in Volga Park and Beau Timmerman taking the stage at 6 p.m. Both performances are sponsored by Moore’s Surveying and AOK Repair.
