The Sturgis Falls Celebration grew out of the 1976 Cedar Falls
Bicentennial Celebration. It is named after William Sturgis, who founded
the community of Sturgis Falls in 1845 when he settled here with his
family. (William’s claim encompassed most of what is now downtown Cedar
Falls.) Although Sturgis and his family moved on a mere three years
later and his settlement was renamed Cedar Falls. When searching for an
appropriate name for an annual Cedar Falls Celebration, it seemed a
good choice to once more honor the man who first settled this great
community.
The United States Bicentennial was the impetus for planning that first
Citywide celebration. To celebrate the United States Bicentennial, each
State established a Committee to organize the cities in their state. The
State of Iowa’s Bicentennial Committee appointed a person from each of
the 99 counties. The Committee chair from Black Hawk County requested
the Junior League in Black Hawk County organize the Black Hawk County
cities. The Black Hawk County Co-Chairs were Wilma Paup and Jean Dobson.
The Cedar Falls Bicentennial Committee consisted of many people,
including Tom Klemuk, Chairman; Judith Cutler, Vice Chairman; Rosemary
Rasmussen Beach, Secretary; and Trenna King, Treasurer. This Committee
organized the Bicentennial Celebration for Cedar Falls, plans for which
began in 1975. This Celebration became what is now known as the Sturgis
Falls Celebration.
The organizers of the 1976 Celebration enlisted the support of
individuals, local organizations, city government, the Chamber of
Commerce, the University of Northern Iowa, and the State of Iowa.
Working together, they planned a one time event which had such an
enormous impact on and received such positive support from the community
that they did it again in 1977... .and 1978... .and every year since.
The Sturgis Falls Celebration incorporated in 1985, acquired non-profit
status and created an all-volunteer, hard working Board of Directors.
Each Board member has specific responsibilities which he or she oversees
during the course of the year, as well as during the Sturgis Falls
Celebration weekend, i.e. entertainment, parade, publicity, street fair,
memorabilia, food and beverage, etc. The Board works hard to put on the
best, most varied entertainment possible, while keeping a close eye on
expenditures. An important aspect of the Sturgis Falls Celebration is
its role as a fund-raiser for local groups. Many service groups depend
on Sturgis Falls as their largest fund-raiser of the year. In addition,
profits from the Celebration are funneled back into the community as
donations, large and small, to civic groups, police and fire
organizations, senior citizens groups, scholarships for college-bound
area students, Cedar Falls Parks Department improvements, Community Main
Street causes, Recreation Department needs, etc. Since its inception,
the Sturgis Falls Celebration has donated in excess of $500,000 to a
variety of local community projects, causes and scholarships.
Perhaps the most unbelievable aspect of this entire weekend is that it
is TOTALLY FREE! There is no admission charge to any of the concerts or
stage shows. Visitors can meander through four parks enjoying a wide
variety of music and entertainment and not have to spend one penny. The
Board of Directors focuses year round on safeguarding this traditional
free weekend.
As the Celebration turns “35” the Board wishes to express its gratitude
to the countless individuals and community service groups who give their
time and talent to help make the Sturgis Falls Celebration a success
each year. With their support and the support of the City of Cedar
Falls, the Celebration continues to flourish. You are very much
appreciated and are the reason for its continued success!