The Sturgis Falls Celebration traces its roots to the 1976 Cedar Falls Bicentennial Celebration in honor of the United States’ 200th birthday. Named after William Sturgis, who founded Sturgis Falls in 1845, the event pays tribute to the man whose original settlement encompassed much of what is now downtown Cedar Falls. In 1850, the city was renamed Cedar Falls, but the Sturgis name was revived to highlight its heritage for this annual celebration.

Planning for the Bicentennial began in 1975, spearheaded by Black Hawk County Co-Chairs Wilma Paup and Jean Dobson, along with a dedicated Cedar Falls committee. The team included leaders like Chairman Tom Klemuk, Vice Chairman Judith Cutler, Secretary Rosemary Rasmussen Beach, and Treasurer Trenna King. What started as a one-time event inspired by the United States Bicentennial grew into an annual tradition cherished by the community.

By 1985, the Sturgis Falls Celebration became a non-profit organization with an all-volunteer board of directors. Each member oversees specific aspects of the event, such as entertainment, parades, publicity, and food vendors. Over the years, 95 board members have collectively contributed more than 340 years of volunteer experience to ensure the event’s success.