Iola Military Show celebrates 25 years

It has been a quarter century since the military units rolled up on the Iola grounds, and organizers will celebrate with a new addition to the Vintage Military and Gun Show later this month.
The 25th annual event begins at 8 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 13 and 14, at the Iola Car Show Grounds, Iola. There will be gate admission daily with cost at $8 for adults and children 12 and under free. Gates open at 8 a.m. daily.
“This event will share military history as an important role military veterans and their equipment have made for peace and freedom,” said Joe Opperman, public relations and marketing director for the show.
“The whole show is very interesting,” he said. “It’s got lots of opportunity to see various pieces of history and learn things in a fun and interesting environment. It’s a great way to enjoy and preserve history with the family.”
The show, which has a theme of planting and drilling machines, features an array of fun and educational items and experiences, he said, including M35A2 truck rides, steamed corn from antique equipment, vintage weapons demonstrations, vehicle parades, an indoor gun/weapon show, live encampments, scheduled re-enactments and a swap meet.
This year also boasts a new event: the Xtreme Air 5K, a bouncy inflatable obstacle course that is designed for all ages, all fitness levels and dedicated to lots of fun, organizers said.
“The Xtreme Air 5K is a unique, family 5K obstacle course run featuring 12 high quality inflatable obstacle stations throughout the run,” Opperman said. “Consider this to be the ‘everyman’s’ Spartan/Mud run.”
A dozen inflatable obstacle stations contain challenging and fun layouts. In the first obstacle, “Game On,” participants will climb as they make their way to the second obstacle, “I’m Tired.” The “Up and Down” has a steep and daunting climb. “Lateral Damage” is all fun and games as participants have to duck, dive, and dodge through the obstacle. The Gauntlet is the last obstacle and includes swinging balls, large inflatable X’s and an inflatable jungle to shimmy through, and there are all sorts of challenges in between these five.
Registration for the run is $50 until Friday, Aug. 12, then increases to $60 on race day. Children 12 and under are $25 – children must be a minimum of four feet (48 inches) tall to participate. Registration includes a wristband for the Military Show so participants can enjoy the entire day. Verified military and first responders receive a 25-percent discount. Group packages also are available.
The Xtreme 5K is offered from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 13. To register or for more information on the Xtreme 5K, visit xtremeair5k.com/event/5k-iola-wi/.
The Military Show is operated as a nonprofit organization that contributes financially to several other organizations and nonprofits in the area.
“Bring the whole family for fun and affordable weekend they won’t forget,” Opperman said.
For more information on the military show, visit iolavms.com.
Itinerary for the weekend includes:
Saturday, Aug. 13
Vintage tractor and equipment demonstrations and games throughout the day.
7 to 10:00 a.m. Genuine G.I. Breakfast of S.O.S in Activity Center.
8 a.m. Show opens with the Posting of Colors.
8 a.m. Gun Show opens in Activity Center – East end.
8 a.m. Military exhibits open in Activity Center.
8 a.m. Encampments available for visiting in east area of Swap Meet.
8 to 11:30 a.m. Xtreme Air 5K.
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. M35A2 (deuce and a half) truck rides.
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Steamed Corn from a 1910 Baker Antique Steam Engine in the Tractor and Equipment area.
11 a.m. Threshing oats, southwest of tower.
1 p.m. Vietnam Re-enactment, southeast of tower.
2:30 p.m. World War II Battle Re-enactment, southeast of tower.
3 p.m. Weapon demonstration, southeast of tower.
3:30 p.m. Vehicle parade, southeast of tower.
4 to 6 p.m. Dinner, $13, includes choice of pork chops or broasted chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetable, dinner roll and milk, soda or coffee.
Sunday, Aug. 14
Vintage tractor and equipment demonstrations and games throughout the day.
7 to 10:00 a.m. Genuine G.I. Breakfast of S.O.S in Activity Center.
8 a.m. Show opens with the Posting of Colors.
8 a.m. Gun Show opens in Activity Center – East end.
8 a.m. Military exhibits open in Activity Center.
8 a.m. Encampments available for visiting in east area of Swap Meet.
9:30 a.m. Non-denominational service, encampment area east of Swap Meet.
1 p.m. World War II Battle Re-enactment, southeast of tower.
1:30 p.m. Weapon demonstration, southeast of tower.
2 p.m. Vehicle parade, southeast of tower.