The four-day event, which runs from Wednesday through Saturday this year, features several new activities.

"The Ice Cream Days committee has been busy planning the four days filled with activities," said Sue Butcher, Le Mars Area Chamber of Commerce operations manager. "There is something for everyone, and definitely lots of free ice cream through the four days."

New on Thursday is the Splash Dance at the Le Mars Outdoor Pool for all ages, with music provided by Bob 102.3 FM starting at 6:30 p.m. Half of the proceeds from this event will go to the Tom Skram Memorial and PanCan (for pancreatic cancer research) and the other half to updating equipment at the city's outdoor pool. There will also be free ice cream treats courtesy of Wells' Dairy.

Thursday features a family bike ride starting at 6 p.m., and ending at the Primebank Ice Cream Social.

New this year will be entertainment and an outdoor movie at the Olson Cultural Event Center on Thursday evening, starting at 8 p.m. There will be simulated hunting video for kids an adults to test their skill at hunting big game to small flying birds, hosted by the Pheasants Forever Youth Board.

There will also be Kid Kar Racing, with Hot Wheels® cars for all ages. Competitors can keep the cars, donated by American Bank and Wal-Mart. Again, there will be sweet treats compliments of Wells' Dairy.

Friday includes the 13th annual YMCA 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament in downtown Le Mars. Registrations are due no later than June 6.

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Friday evening's Cleveland Castle Family Fun Fest has a new twist this year with ice cream relay games. Mr. Twister will be on hand with his balloon twisting skills.

Saturday morning starts early with the Tom Skram Memorial Fun Run starting at 7:30 a.m. at Gehlen Catholic School. Proceeds from this 5K run, which honors the late Tom Skram, a former Gehlen Catholic teacher and coach, will go to benefit pancreatic cancer research and awareness. Register by contacting the Le Mars YMCA at 712-546-6555 or angelal@lemarsymca.org.

The traditional Saturday parade starts at 9 a.m. from the Plymouth County Fairgrounds and has a special treat with The Gooseman and his Gaggle, in addition to the Su Fu Du drumline, clowns, Shrine units, antique tractors, and colorful floats. Following the parade, Mr. Gooseman and his trained and costumed geese will be available at Foster Park for a closeup look.

Children will enjoy the "Scoops of Fun" kids production area in Foster Park from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. It promises a bucket full of ice cream fun by various community groups providing free craft activities.

Also new this year is a baseball tournament sponsored by Le Mars Little League, with games getting underway at 9 a.m. at the West Floyd Park Little League complex. Games end in the early evening.

Other popular activities on Saturday include kite flying at the Le Mars Community Schools baseball/softball practice fields from 2 to 4 p.m., the Fishing Derby at the Le Mars Municipal Park Pond at 5 p.m., and the Kiwanis/Aktion Club Ice Cream Social at Foster Park preceding and during the Le Mars Municipal Band Concert.

Ice Cream Days will close out with a free concert at Olson Cultural Event Center by The Magnificent Board of Directors showcasing hit songs of the '60s, '70s and '80s. In the case of inclement weather, the concert will be cancelled.

Ice Cream Days are coordinated by the Le Mars Area Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with many volunteers, and is made possible with the assistance of Hotel/Motel Sales Tax Advisory Board.