Raccoon River Days
Each year, the first weekend of June.
Van Meter gathers together to celebrate our town
Raccoon River Days Countdown
Day(s)
:
Hour(s)
:
Minute(s)
:
Second(s)
Each year, on the first weekend in June, Van Meter hosts a community celebration, Van Meter Raccoon River Days, providing an opportunity for everyone to come together and enjoy fun for all ages. With events like a 5k run, a pie auction, live music, a parade, and a spectacular fireworks display, there’s something for everyone.
We need your help to make this event a success. If you would like to volunteer to help this year or in the future you can sign up below or email VMCD1877@GMAIL.COM for more information.
Raccoon River Days Schedule
Friday, June 6th
University Kids Presents: Little Mr. & Miss Contest
Friday, June 6th: 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Memorial Park
Get ready for some fun at the Little Mr. & Miss Contest, part of Van Meter’s Raccoon River Days! Open to kids ages 4–6 who attend Van Meter School or live in the area, this free event includes interview questions, a themed outfit contest, and a dance-off — all with a Western twist (think cowboys, cowgirls, and ranch hands). Winners will ride in the next day’s parade! Join us Friday, June 6th at 6:00 p.m. in Memorial Park, with registration starting at 5:30 p.m. Questions? Email universitykidsdirector@gmail.com.
Saturday, June 7th
Park2Park 5k and 1M Foam Fun Run
Saturday, June 7th: 8:00am
Registration starts at 7:00 at the Rec Complex
Join us for the 5K & 1 Mile Run/Walk during Van Meter’s Raccoon River Days! The 1 Mile Run will begin within 3 minutes after the 5K start.
All participants get a finisher medal, with top finishers earning extra prizes—including medals, gift cards, raffle tickets, and a spot in the Water Parade!
Water Parade
Saturday, June 7th: 10:30 – 11:30am
Location: Van Meter United Methodist Church
Parade staging begins at 9:45am. Participants who do NOT want to be in the water portion of the parade will meet at the Van Meter United Methodist Church (100 Hazel Street, Van Meter, IA 50261).
Participants who do want to participate in the water portion of the parade will meet at University Kids (111 DeSoto Road, Van Meter, IA 50261). The water portion of the parade will not begin until participants reach Memorial Park.
Any parade attendees sitting on the parade route between Memorial Park and the end of the parade (601 Main Street, Van Meter, IA 50261) will be sitting in the portion of the parade route that will include water guns. water balloons and more.
Community Lunch provided by Van Meter Fire Department
Saturday, June 7th: 11:30am – Food is gone
Van Meter Recreation Complex
Van Meter Fire Department will be serving Hot Dogs, Chips, cookie and water. Free Will Donation
First Annual Raccoon River Days Kickball Tournament
Saturday, June 7th: 11:30am – 2:00pm
Van Meter Little League Baseball Fields
Looking for teams of 10 to participate in our first annual kickball tournament. No age group restrictions this year, but based on sign ups we may create age divisions. Games will last no more than 1 hour each.
Registration $20 per team due by Wednesday June 4th so we have time to prepare brackets.
Annual Raccoon River Days Bags Tournament
Saturday, June 7th: 2:00 – 4:00pm
Van Meter Soccer Complex
2 person team double elimination bags tournament. Please bring your own bags and boards if you possible. Planning on watching? Please bring your own chairs and blankets.
$20 per team registration. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place teams will be paid out 50%, 30%, and 20% of total entry fee.
Carnival
Saturday, June 7th: 4:00 – 9:00pm
Van Meter Soccer Complex
We will have several games for all ages to enjoy at no cost. This year we will have a Dunk Tank and we are in need of some local celebrities to dunk! There will also be spin art. Be sure to follow our Facebook page for more updates.
Smoked Pulled Pork, Baked Beans, and Mac N Cheese Contest
Saturday, June 6th
Van Meter Soccer Complex
Contestants can choose to participate in any one, or up to all three contests. For the pulled pork we will provide you with 2 pork butts. If you choose to enter either the baked beans or mac n cheese contest you will receive two aluminum pans, you will need to provide your own beans and Macaroni. Winners will be announced during the Dessert Auction.
Drop your cooked food off at the designated tent at the soccer complex no later than 4:30pm.
Community Dinner served by E-Bank
Saturday, June 7th: 5:30pm – Food is gone
Van Meter Soccer Complex
Come join us for pulled pork sandwiches, baked, beans, mac n cheese and drinks!
Live Music by Anthony Koester Band
Saturday, June 7th: 7:00-10:00pm
Van Meter Soccer Complex
Anthony Koester Music Plays a mix of todays and Yesterdays Country hits! Thats not all! A good mix of other genres including 90’s hits, Classic rock, Modern rock, Pop Hits and more!
Dessert Auction
(formerly known as the pie auction)
Saturday, June 7th: 8:00pm
Van Meter Soccer Complex
Bring one dessert to the Van Meter Fire Station between 2:00 and 3:00 on June 7th. Desserts will be in on-site refrigerators, and judging will begin at 6:00. Winners will be announced during the Dessert Auction at 8:00 over at the Van Meter Soccer Complex.
Registration form to come.
Please bring this with you when you drop off your dessert.
Fireworks
Saturday, June 7th: 10:00pm
Van Meter Soccer Complex
End the night by enjoying some fireworks with us!
Sunday, June 8th
Community Worship Service
Sunday, June 8th: 10:00am
Van Meter Legion Shelter
Coffee and Donuts will be served prior to service at 10:00 with Worship Starting at 10:30. Bring your own chairs!
