Cliff Buchan
News EditorAmerican Legion Post 225 in Forest Lake is moving closer to cementing plans for its 2004 Independence Day celebration.
This yearís celebration, the 80th annual event under Post 225 sponsoring, will take place Friday, July 2 through Monday, July 5 with most celebration events at Post 225, 355 W. Broadway Ave.
ìService, Strength and Sacrifice in 2004î is the theme for this yearís Fourth of July parade. Because July 4 falls on Sunday this year, Post 225 has moved its 10 a.m. parade to Saturday, July 3 to avoid conflicts with community church services.
Post 225ís annual fireworks display will continue as usual from the water over First Lake and Lakeside Memorial Park at 10 p.m., Sunday, July 4.
The move of the parade to the day before July 4 could mean an improved parade, said Pattie Black, parade chair.
As of late April, Black said this yearís parade has already signed 100 units including two award-winning high school bands.
Black said the Irondale High School Marching Knights and the St. Cloud All City High School Marching Band are both signed for July 3.
Other bands slated to march in Forest Lake on July 3 include: Forest Lake City Marching Band, Metro Pipe Band, Minnesota Brass, Chisago Lakes High School Marching Band, Zurah Steel Drum Band, Kracker Jacks Drumline and the Forest Lake Combined Junior High School Band.
Another first-time band this year will be the North Lakes Academy Charter School Marching Band from Forest Lake.
ìWe are inviting any business or family to consider being a part of the parade and we have the Home Town Pride Award that goes to the best Forest Lake entry, as selected by our judges,î Black said.
Parade participants are asked to utilize the 2004 theme and use red, white and blue colors for Home Town Pride entries.
In its efforts to sponsor the celebration, Post 225 is seeking support from local businesses. Letters to businesses seeking financial contributions have gone out.
Anyone needing more information about this yearís parade or to register a unit may call Black at 651-429-3830.
4 days of fun
The 80th annual Fourth of July celebration will offer four days of fun.
Magelís Midway will bring its carnival rides and attractions to the Legion parking lot for all four days. The carnival will play until midnight July 2-4 and until 8 p.m. on July 5.
Post 225 will also be the site for the annual bingo tent.
Concession stands with food and beverage will be available on the Legion grounds. An outside beer garden will be configured in the parking lot this year in conjunction with the bingo tent.
Dance music with no cover charge will be offered inside the Legion throughout the celebration.
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