Posted: 7/2/03

79th Fourth of July celebration is on

Cliff Buchan
News Editor

Itís celebration time in Forest Lake. For the 79th consecutive year, Forest Lake American Legion Post 225 will play host to its Independence Day celebration.

A four-day event is planned this year from Thursday, July 3 through Sunday, July 6.

There will be changes this year from the past traditions many have come to expect with a Fourth of July celebration. A new parade route and carnival location are major changes this year. And both are a break in long-running tradition for the summer celebration.

Magelís Carnival of Pine City will play in Forest Lake for the first time this year. The carnival will have its rides, attractions and games adjacent to the Legion Post at 355 W. Broadway Ave. and on NW 3rd St.

Because of construction in the downtown business district, the long-standing Lakeside Park municipal parking lot site is not available to the carnival.

The relocation of the carnival to the Legion grounds and the street on its east side forced a change in the parade route on Friday, July 4.

The parade route will no longer turn north on NW 3rd St. because of the carnivalís placement. The route will continue east on W. Broadway Ave. to Centennial Drive where it will turn north and continue on to NW 2nd Ave.

At 2nd Ave., the route turns east again for a short one-block march to US-61 and its turn south down Lake Street (US-61).

(See map for another look at the 2003 parade route.)

Details for the week

With Magelís bringing its carnival rides and attractions to Forest Lake for the first time, American Legion spokesperson Bob Flaherty said the public will be treated to a first-class, family owned carnival that is sure to please.

The change in the parade route will mean changes for the public accustomed to watching the parade along NW 3rd St. and the western block of NW 2nd Avenue between 3rd St. and Centennial Drive. Flaherty is encouraging parade watchers to arrive early and be aware that many of the old viewing spots are no longer on the parade route.

New viewing points will be available on the Hardwood Creek Trail parallel to Centennial Drive and on W. Broadway Ave. from 3rd St. east to Centennial Drive.

Parade highlights

Don Skow, a two-time Post 225 commander and 30-year Legion worker in Forest Lake, will be parade grand marshal.

Honorary grand marshal is Tony Zangla, Lino Lakes, a 20-year parade volunteer worker.

ìFreedom is not Freeî is the theme of this yearís parade. A new judging category will award prizes to the best hometown parade unit with a red, white and blue theme.

As a special honor and recognition, all active military personnel serving their country are invited to march in uniform at the front of the parade. They are asked to meet at Post 225 by 9:30 a.m. on July 4th.

While the parade route will see a slight change, the parade still goes off at 10 a.m. on July 4th rain or shine. The parade forms on the north and south sides of W. Broadway before starting on 6th St. and going east on Broadway.

A parade with more than 200 units and numerous bands is expected.

The parade will be opened with a fly-over by as many as eight war birds, including fighter-jets, a P-51 Mustang and bombers. Some of the bombers are slated to make an appearance over Forest Lake about 20 minutes prior to the start of the parade as they fly north.

Marching bands expected on Friday include: Chisago Lakes High School, Forest Lake Combined Junior High School Band, Forest Lake City Marching Band, Minnesota Brass, Metro Pipe Band, Jack Brass Band and the Baldwin-Woodville High School Band from Wisconsin.

The Forest Lake City Marching Band will be the lead band for the parade.

The big Independence Day celebration will be capped at 10 p.m. on July 4th with a gigantic fireworks display over First Lake. Good viewing spots can be found at Lakeside Memorial Park.

Legion comes alive

American Legion Post 225 will serve as celebration headquarters more so than ever this year.

With the carnival in operation on the east side of Post 225, 355 W. Broadway Ave., and on NW 3rd St., the Legion grounds will be alive with activity.

The bingo tent will return to the Post 225 grounds this year with a new layout. The tent will run north to south in the Legion parking lot providing more room on the grounds for celebration events and carnival rides.

Bingo will be played 5 p.m. to midnight, Thursday, July 3, 1 p.m. to midnight, Friday, July 4, 3-11 p.m., Saturday, July 5, and 1-10 p.m., Sunday, July 6.

Post 225 will also offer food, refreshments and music throughout the four-day celebration.

Free dance music will be provided inside Post 225 by ìThe Techniquesî from 8 p.m. to midnight July 3-5.

In addition to the carnival food booths, other independent food vendors will be serving barbeque beef, steak and cheese sandwiches, burgers, brats, hot dogs, onion rings, french fries and corn on the cob on the Legion grounds.

Food hours for Legion vendors will be 3 p.m. to midnight July 3, 9 a.m. to midnight July 4, noon to midnight July 5 and noon until gone on July 6.

Carnival rides will be in operation at noon each day during the four-day celebration.

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