Fourth of July celebration in FL underway

Posted: 7/3/02

Fourth of July celebration in FL underway

Five days of fun are in full swing in Forest Lake. The 78th annual Fourth of July celebration sponsored by American Legion Post 225 and Auxiliary Unit 225 opened Wednesday and continues through Sunday, July 7.

Today (Thursday) is the celebration highlight with two major events scheduled.

A parade featuring 200 units is set for 10 a.m. today, rain or shine. Best viewing spots can be found along W. Broadway Avenue and Lake St. (US-61) through the cityís downtown. The parade begins on NW and SW 6th Sts. and W. Broadway Ave.

A gigantic fireworks display over First Lake will cap todayís events. The fireworks will be shot at 10 p.m.

Robert Flaherty, Forest Lake, past Post 225 commander and past state department commander in Minnesota, is the 2002 parade grand marshal.

Honorary grand marshals are Ed and Joanne Cary, former owners of WLKX radio in Forest Lake. The Carys sold the radio station a little more than a year ago.

FL City Band set

A highlight of the 2002 parade will be another appearance by the Forest Lake City Marching Band, now in its 21st year.

The alumni and citizen band will make its second consecutive home town appearance after being revived in 2001 for its 20th anniversary. Retired Forest Lake band director Rollin Nelson will lead the award winning alumni band in the parade.

As the band takes to the streets today, invitations for new members are being extended. ìWe need some new blood,î said Steve Hursh, an active City Band member throughout its existence.

Many of the band members are Forest Lake High School graduates, but not all, Hursh says. Band membership is open to anyone interested in playing and marching, he says. All former Forest Lake musicians are welcome, but the ranks are also open to any resident of the area who is interested in taking part, Hursh said.

ìWe are the band with heart,î Hursh said. Throughout its existence, the band has been known for its snappy patriotic and traditional marches.

For information on joining the City Band, call Hursh at 651-433-2528 or Kresti Lyddon or Jay Voelker at 651-433-3328.

Other events

The Legion Post at 355 W. Broadway Ave. will be celebration headquarters offering inside dining and outside food booths plus live entertainment, including free dance music.

Bingo under the tent will be sponsored by the Legion Auxiliary Unit 225.

Mystic Attractions Carnival will offer its rides and concessions in the municipal parking next to Lakeside Park throughout the celebration. Because of road and utility construction on and south of E. Broadway Ave, access to the carnival lot is restricted.

Carnival patrons are asked to park along US-61 or find parking to the west and walk to the carnival grounds.

A day by day schedule of events is listed below.

Wednesday, July 3