I-Cubs to Host 13th Annual Naturalization Ceremony on July 6

DES MOINES, IA - The Iowa Cubs will host their 13th Annual Naturalization Ceremony on the field at Principal Park on Tuesday, July 6. The ceremony will take place prior to first pitch between Iowa and the St. Paul Saints, scheduled for 6:38 pm.

Traditionally, the ceremony has been done on the Fourth of July before the start of an Iowa Cubs game. This year, Iowa is on the road on Independence Day, but will treat their Tuesday, July 6 game as their typical July 4 event.

Iowa Cubs Principal Owner and Chairman Michael Gartner will open the ceremony with welcome remarks before court is called into session by senior federal judge Robert Pratt. 25 candidates from 15 different countries will be individually honored before taking an oath of allegiance to the United States of America.

The first on-field citizenship ceremony at Principal Park was held on September 4, 2009. Since then, the Iowa Cubs have been a part of the naturalization of 396 citizens of the United States through the last 12 years.

Following the ceremony, the Iowa Cubs and St. Paul Saints will play the first game of a six-game series, with post-game fireworks set to complete the celebration.