GALLERY: Arena Yolanda Peterson & Mary Jones Memorial Celebration Parade, Fireworks

Kenny Amble, center left holding the American flag, smiles at the camera as he joins other members of Ewing-Olson VFW Post 9336-Arena marching down Sharon Street in Arena to start off the annual Yolanda Peterson & Mary Jones Memorial Celebration Parade on Saturday, July 18, 2026. Photos and videos by Bonnie Stickel, Administrative & Calendar Coordinator & Taylor Scott, Managing Editor.

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Arena Yolanda Peterson & Mary Jones Memorial Celebration Parade

The Arena community gathered on July 18 as the annual Yolanda Peterson and Mary Jones Memorial kicked off with a 3:00 p.m. parade along Sharon Street.

What began years ago as a heartfelt tribute by families and local volunteers has blossomed into an annual celebration of summer fun for the River Valley area.

Arena Yolanda Peterson & Mary Jones Memorial Celebration Fireworks

Fireworks light up the sky over the Arena Community Park during the Yolanda Peterson & Mary Jones Memorial Celebration Parade on Saturday, July 18, 2026. Canadian wildfire smoke moved in throughout the day before and during the show, but that didn’t dissuade attendees from the annual display. Photos and videos by Bonnie Stickel, Administrative & Calendar Coordinator & Taylor Scott, Managing Editor.

Following the parade, the festivities shifted to the Arena Community Park for an evening packed with small-town staples, including face painting, bounce houses and a bean bag tournament.

Folks grabbed dinner at the Home Talent Chicken BBQ, before filling the stands for a Home Talent baseball matchup between the Arena Aces and Dodgeville Knights. As dusk fell, a spectacular fireworks display lit up the sky over the park.

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