Cliff Buchan
Forest Lake Times

A call to all troops ó both active and reserve members, has been issued by American Legion Post 225 in Forest Lake.

The military members are wanted to form a marching unit to help lead the 82nd annual Independence Day celebration parade here on Tuesday, July 4. The parade goes at 10 a.m., rain or shine.

Barb Olson, parade chair, and Bob Flaherty, Post 225 spokesperson, said any active member of the military or any reserve or guard component member is welcome to join the unit for the parade march.

ìWe encourage all our area military personnel to join us in this salute to our men and women now serving in harmís way,î the two Legion officials said in a joint statement.

During the past two years, a number of Gulf War veterans have responded to the call and the invitation is good again this year, Flaherty and Olson said.

ìIf theyíve got a uniform, put it on and come on out,î Flaherty said. Military per-

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sonnel who wish to march are asked to be at the Legion, 355 W. Broadway Ave. by 9 a.m. on July 4th to form the unit.

Military personnel with questions, should call Barb Olson at 651-464-5769. General parade questions or registration questions should also be directed to Olson.

City Band back

A highlight of the Legionís 4th parade will be the return of the Forest Lake City Marching Band. After a two-year hiatus, the band will return and has bolstered its percussion section with the addition of members from the Forest Lake High School Drumline.

The band began practice sessions on June 1 and will rehearse every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at American Legion Post 225, 355 W. Broadway Ave.

Steve Hursh, a 1970 Forest Lake graduate and city band charter member, said it is the goal to keep the band marching. He says the band expects to march with a musical block numbering 50-60, but new members from throughout the area are welcome to join.

ìWe hope to continue the fine traditions of the marching bands nurtured to excellence at Forest Lake High School over several decades by directors Rollie Nelson and Rich Hahn,î Hursh said.

With the addition of high school drumline members, City Band leaders are hopeful the youth contact will coax other high school students with an interest in marching to join the community band that is now in its 25th year.

For information about the band, call Jay or Krestie Voelker at 651-433-3328, George or Vicki Mickelsen at 651-257-1453, or Steve or Nancy Hursh at 651-464-1936.

Olson said she expects a parade with 200 entries and bands that showcase the Forest Lake Junior High School Band, the Minnesota Brass and the Chisago Lakes High School Marching Band from Lindstrom.

Celebration facts

The 2006 Independence Day celebration will span five days, opening Friday, June 30 and continuing through Tuesday, July 4.

Major events include the parade at 10 a.m. on July 4th and the fireworks over First Lake at 10 p.m. on July 4.

The parade will follow its usual route forming in three divisions in the residential areas north and south of W. Broadway Ave.

From 6th Street, the parade will move east on Broadway to NW Centennial Drive where the route turns north and continues to NW 2nd Ave. The route then makes a one block swing east to Lake Street (US-61).

Once at Lake Street, the parade will move south through the business district before turning west at SW 4th Ave. The parade will continue west before ending at the Central Learning Center.

Parade fans should arrive early to secure good viewing locations, Olson and Flaherty said. Good viewing spots can be found along Broadway and Lake Street.

The judging and announcing stand will be on the south side of Broadway across from Post 225.

Parade details

Past Legion Commander Keith Hegstrom of Forest Lake will serve as grand marshal this year. Hegstrom, who is an active member of the American Legion and VFW Post 4210, works as club manager for the VFW Post in Forest Lake.

Sam Mattson, Forest Lake, another long-time Post 225 member, is honorary grand marshal.

Floats and royalty from many area communities, including the St. Paul Winter Carnival, are also scheduled for the parade.

Celebration HQ

Post 225 will serve as celebration headquarters for all five days of the event.

The bingo tent will be up and in operation each day.

Bingo hours are 6 p.m. to midnight on June 30, noon to midnight on July 1, noon to midnight on July 2, 6-11 p.m. on July 3, and noon to 9 p.m. on July 4.

Magel Carnival Midways, Inc. of Pine City will bring its rides and attraction to the Legion grounds, as well, with the show in operation from June 30 through July 4.

Post 225 will transform itself to function as a small ìfood fairî with many extra vendors selling burgers, brats, french fries, onion rings, sweet corn and more on the Legion grounds.

The Post 225 kitchen will also be serving food throughout the celebration.

ìTo The Coreî will provide live dance music with no cover charge starting at 8 p.m. inside the Legion on June 30 and July 1. The final night of free dance music will feature ìDa-Beutersî from 8 to midnight on Monday, July 3.

The Legion outdoor beer stand will also be in action during the celebration, providing beverages for bingo players.

The annual Independence Day celebration is sponsored by Post 225, the Ladies Auxiliary Unit 225, the Sons of the American Legion and Voiture 44, 40 et 8. The celebration is in partnership with many area businesses who assist with funding and the city of Forest Lake.

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Forest Lake Times
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880 SW 15 St.
Forest Lake, MN 55025
651-464-4601
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