Cliff Buchan
News Editor

Any number of communities in Minnesota can boast of being the stateís Fourth of July Capital, but in Forest Lake Independence Day is a celebration with 80 years of history to its credit.

American Legion Post 225 will conduct its 81st annual salute to Independence Day this year with a four-day celebration slated Friday, July 1 through Monday, July 4.

The Fourth of July celebration will include all the trappings of past events in Forest Lake: a parade, fireworks, a carnival, plenty of music, food and games and ample opportunities to meet old friends and classmates.

The 2005 celebration theme is ìA Proud Past and a Promising Future.î

Parade details

Highlights of the celebration include the 10 a.m. parade on Monday, July 4, rain or shine, and the 10 p.m. fireworks over First Lake to conclude the major events of the day.

Patty Black, parade chair, says 175 units are expected this year.

The parade will be led by grand marshal Louie Flermoen, a longtime Post 225 volunteer, and honorary grand marshal Bob Johnson, a longtime Forest Lake resident and retired business owner. Johnson owned a sporting good store under his name and had many years of work with a local insurance agency.

The parade will follow its traditional route along W. Broadway Ave. and Lake Street (US-61) where prime viewing spots can be found. Parade watchers are asked to arrive early to find good viewing locations.

Bookings are still coming in for the parade, Black said.

Bands expected on July 4th include the combined Forest Lake Junior High School Marching Band, the Chisago Lakes High School Marching Band from Lindstrom and Minnesota Brass.

Black says floats promoting community celebrations in North Branch, Lindstrom, Oakdale and Fridley are scheduled for the parade.

A fly-over featuring vintage war planes will help start the parade at 10 a.m. The fly-over is sponsored by the Forest Lake Area Athletic Association.

A new event this year is a kiddie parade, planned at 2 p.m., Sunday, July 3 on NW Centennial Drive from the Town Square Building parking lot to the Forest Lake City Hall parking lot.

All area children are invited to take part and salute the Independence Day event in their own way.

Saluting veterans

With 2005 marking the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II, Post 225 is extending an invitation to all World War II veterans to ride in the parade. A special unit carrying all W.W. II vets is being planned.

Post 225 is also issuing a special invitation to all active military personnel and reservists to march on July 4th. Last year saw a contingent of Gulf War vets march as one of the lead units in the parade. Those wishing to march should meet at Post 225 by 9 a.m. on July 4th to form their marching unit.

The families of all active and reserve troops are also invited to ride in a parade unit near the marching troops.

Military personnel and their families from throughout the region are invited to join Post 225, Black said.

Veterans and their families who would like to take part are asked to call Black at 651-429-3830 to assist with scheduling.

Anyone planning a parade unit is also asked to call Black at the number above as soon as possible, she said.

More details

Post 225, located at 355 W. Broadway Ave., is celebration headquarters.

The Legion grounds will serve as the setting for four days of tent bingo and the rides and attractions of Magelís Midway.

Food vendors and nightly dance music with no cover charge will also be featured at Post 225.

Buttons carrying the 2005 theme are now on sale for $1 at Post 225. Proceeds are used to help sponsor the annual celebration.

The Forest Lake celebration is also made possible thanks to generous donations from many businesses in the area, Black says.

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Forest Lake Times
P.O. Box 218
880 SW 15 St.
Forest Lake, MN 55025
651-464-4601
Fax 651-464-4605