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| Forest Lake's July 4th celebration in full swing |
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| Monday, 30 June 2008 | |
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Cliff Buchan News Editor Carnival rides, food, a big parade and fireworks will all be part of the 84th annual Independence Day celebration in Forest Lake. The celebration, sponsored by American Legion Post 225, will span four days this year. The Fourth of July holiday celebration opens on Wednesday, July 2 and continues through Saturday, July 5. “Land of the Free Because of the Brave” is the 2008 celebration theme. The Fourth of July is the big day for the annual celebration. The Independence Day Parade starts at 10 a.m., rain or shine. Joe Houle, a 50-year-member of the Forest Lake Fire Department, is parade grand marshal, and Norm Tolzmann, who has participated in 55 Fourth of July parades, is the 2008 honorary grand marshal. Parade facts A parade lineup of close to 200 units is expected. Bands (including the Forest Lake City Marching Band), floats, clowns and visiting royalty will be featured in the parade. A fly over by vintgage war birds has been booked as part of the parade festivities. Ann Miron of Hugo, the 2007-2008 Princess Kay of the Milky Way, and the field of 12 contestants for the 2008-2009 honor, will take part in the parade. The parade route follows W. Broadway Ave. east from 6th St. to NW Centennial Drive., goes north on Centennial to NW 2nd Ave. and goes back to Lake St. (US-61) before continuing south through the business district. At SW 4th Ave., the route turns west and ends at the Central Learning Center on SW 4th St. The parade will form in two residential area divisions — one north of Broadway and one south of Broadway. Parade fans should be aware of new parade route viewing regulations put in place by the city of Forest Lake. People planning to claim sidewalk and curb spots along the parade route, including home owners, can only do so starting at sunrise on the morning of the parade. The Fourth of July closes at 10 p.m. on Friday with a fireworks display over First Lake. Best viewing spots can be found in the downtown and at Lakeside Memorial Park. Other events A host of events are planned for the celebration. Post 225, 355 W. Broadway Ave., will serve as headquarters. The Legion grounds will again be the site for Magel’s Carnival, with rides, games and concessions in operation daily from July 2-5. The Legion will once again run its bingo tent, beer garden, offer dance music with no cover charge and have its kitchen serving food. The bingo tent will be open on Thursday, July 3 from 6 p.m. to midnight. Hours on Friday, July 4 are 1-9 p.m. The tent will open 5-11 p.m. on July 5 and 2-7 p.m. on Sunday, July 6. Sunday’s tent bingo will serve as the Legion’s regular Sunday bingo day. Three bands will rock the Legion during the celebration. Shakedown will be on stage at 9 p.m., July 2. Little Chicago will perform at 8:30 p.m. on July 3-4. Get Nekked II will be on stage at 8 p.m. on July 5. The celebration, for the second year, will have a strong community flavor. A local fund drive supported by businesses, organizations and individuals raised $35,000 to fund the parade and fireworks. The annual celebration is jointly sponsored by American Legion Post 225, Auxiliary Unit 225, Voiture 44, 40 et 8, and the Sons of the American Legion. For more information about the 2008 Forest Lake celebration, call the Legion at 651-464-2600. For parade information, call parade chair Krista Richter at 651-214-7745. Social Bookmarking ...       |
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