Whether you’re looking for a unique meal, a bargain, live entertainment, family activities or a chance to admire classic cars, Harvard has something planned almost every week in July.
From food trucks and garage sales to a road rally, circus, concert, 5K and veterans car show, the community’s calendar offers a full slate of events organized by local churches, community organizations and volunteers.
The month begins with several opportunities to enjoy visiting food trucks. Fat Fox’s will be in Harvard from 4 to 8 p.m. July 9 and again July 23. Fusion Gourmet visits July 13 from 4 to 7:30 p.m., Serrano’s will serve July 20 from 4 to 8 p.m., and Budda’s Meats closes out the month on July 27 from 3 to 7:30 p.m.
One of the busiest weekends of the summer begins July 17 with Harvard’s Citywide Garage Sales. For three days, residents throughout the community will open their garages, basements and driveways, giving shoppers the opportunity to hunt for everything from antiques and household goods to children’s clothing and hidden treasures.
The excitement continues Saturday, July 19, with the Harvard Road Rally. Sponsored by the Harvard Baseball and Softball Program and the Harvard Community Club, participants will line up at the Harvard Ballpark beginning at 1 p.m. before cruising through the community.
Adding something new to this year’s festivities is the Battle Bus Mobile Arcade.
The traveling video game trailer will be in town during the car show activities, offering gamers of all ages the opportunity to enjoy a unique interactive experience.
On Monday, July 20, the Culpepper & Merriweather Circus returns to Harvard Baseball Fields for two performances at 5 and 7:30 p.m. Sponsored by the Harvard Community Club, the circus also offers the public a behind the scenes look at circus life beginning with the raising of the big top at 9:30 a.m. The midway opens at 4 p.m. with pony rides, inflatables, face painting and concessions before the evening performances.
Local musicians will take center stage July 22 during Concert in the Park. Hosted by the Harvard Community Club, the evening offers residents an opportunity to gather outdoors and enjoy live entertainment in a relaxed setting.
The month concludes with another full day of activities on Saturday, July 25.
The morning begins with the 16th Annual Harvard UCC 5K and 1 Mile Run/ Walk for Harvard Youth, beginning at 8 a.m. near the Harvard Public Swimming Pool, with proceeds from the event supporting the Harvard Methodist/UCC Youth Group, helping fund youth gatherings, Fellowship of Christian Athletes activities, summer camps, worship services and mission trips. The race, which began alongside the Veterans Memorial Car Show, is celebrating its 16th year.
Later that morning, the Harvard Veterans Memorial Car Show will fill the City Park with classic vehicles from across the region. Hosted by the Clay County Kruzerz, registration will be held from 10 a.m. until noon, with awards presented at 3 p.m. Cars, pickups and motorcycles are all welcome, and food will be available throughout the day. There is no preregistration, and the entry fee is $20.
Taken together, the events offer something for nearly everyone. Whether spending the afternoon browsing garage sales, enjoying a favorite food truck, watching the circus, listening to live music, running a race, or admiring beautifully restored automobiles, residents and visitors will have no shortage of reasons to spend time in Harvard this July.
