Celebrate CB is a week-long tradition in Council Bluffs where residents and alumni celebrate the pride of our great community. The 712 Initiative and partners are pleased to announce this year's 50th-anniversary parade theme is "Going for the Gold."
In addition to the 50th anniversary, it is also an Olympic year. Three notable athletes from Council Bluffs will be recognized as Grand Marshalls for the parade. Thomas Gilman, a bronze medalist in wrestling at the 2020 Olympic games, David Kjeldgaard, a National Wrestling Hall of Famer, and Josh Turek, a four-time Paralympian in Wheelchair Basketball.
“It gives me a great amount of pride to be recognized and to be able to be the Grand Marshall of the parade in front of my city,” said Turek. “It is very humbling, and I feel very honored to be able to have this opportunity.”
Mayors Proclamation
Monday, May 9 | 1:30 p.m.
Bloomer Elementary School
At 1:30 p.m.; Mayor Matt Walsh will declare May 9-15 as Celebrate CB week at Bloomer Elementary School.
Clean Sweep
Tuesday, May 10 | 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Various locations throughout Council Bluffs
The Clean Sweep event runs from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. for a community-wide spring cleaning. Volunteers from across Council Bluffs get together to clean up; last year, the community collected 3,500 pounds of garbage. Refreshments will be given for volunteers. To volunteer, visit The 712 Initiative website
Scavenger Hunt
May 9 - 15
Throughout Council Bluffs
During Celebrate CB week, there will be a community-wide scavenger hunt. Thanks to Iowa West Foundation, the scavenger hunt will be conducted on the free Otocast app. Prizes will be awarded for visiting notable sites in Council Bluffs throughout the week leading up to the parade. More details coming soon!
Carnival
May 12 - 15
Bayliss Park
Enjoy a fun day at the carnival in the north part of Bayliss Park, May 12-15. The carnival will open from 5:00 -10:00 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Saturday. The last day will be Sunday 1:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Farmers Market Council Bluffs
Thursday, May 12 | 4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Bayliss Park
The Farmers Market will be present at the park on Thursday evening from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. located on the south side of Bayliss Park.
Agriculture Cookout
Friday, May 13 | 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Bayliss Park
From 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce Agricultural Committee will host the Agriculture Cookout, sponsored by the Southwest Iowa Education Foundation. Proceeds to go to students perusing the field of agriculture. Tables and chairs will be in the southeast area of Bayliss Park.
Celebrate CB Parade
Saturday, May 14 | 10:30 a.m.
Downtown Council Bluffs
The parade will begin at 10:30 a.m. and will wind its way through the downtown streets. The parade theme for this year is "Going for the Gold!" because this year is the year of the Olympics and marks the 50th anniversary of Celebrate CB. To register for the parade, visit The 712 Initiative’s website. Registration ends May 1, 2022.
Please note: The CB parade has historically taken place on the third Saturday of May. This year's parade will take place on the second Saturday of May, May 14, beginning at 10:30 a.m.
Post-Parade Kids Activities
Saturday, May 14 | 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Bayliss Park
Following the parade, will be free kid activities in the southeast corner of Bayliss Park.
Returning to Council Bluffs for the Festivities?
Hidden gems and long-standing favorites abound in Council Bluffs, whether you want to unplug or amp up. Or if you're looking to unveil the nightlife or create your own still life. Rediscover the fantastic food scene, or take in the unbelievable scenery... you don't have to travel far to revisit your favorite place in Council Bluffs. We're all locals here - some just stick around a bit longer.
Begin planning your CB reunion by using our Trip Planner Tool and don't forget to book your hotel room today to take advantage of our special rates!
