Waterford displays its spirit on the Fourth
By Patricia Bogumil
Editor
Waterford again hosts an exciting lineup of Independence Day festivities for the whole family on Thursday, July 4.
• The fun starts at 8 a.m. with the 5k River City Road Race at Whitford Park. Day-of-race registration ($23) starts at 6:45 a.m.
• Plan to enjoy an early holiday brunch with free grilled hot dogs and cold soda served up at Bon Voyage Cruise and Vacations, 116 N. Milwaukee St., from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Then stop by for dessert and enjoy a free root beer float (for as long as the ice cream holds out!) in front of Patriot Financial, 106 N. Milwaukee St., courtesy of Cousin’s Subs/Figaro’s Pizza, Latitudes Travel and Patriot Financial and Tax.
• At 10:15 a.m. the Childrens Bike Parade, sponsored by Uncle Harry’s Frozen Custard, starts at Milwaukee and Main streets. Kids are welcome to decorate a bike, wagon or whatever. All children under age 6 must be with an adult.
Kids can register in advance at Uncle Harry’s or in person July 4, starting at 9:30 a.m. at Third and Main streets.
• The 32nd annual Grand Parade sponsored by the Waterford Lions steps off at 11 a.m. from Aber and Seventh streets, traveling down Main Street to First Street to Whitford Park.
This year’s parade theme features a “Salute to our Veterans,” a winning theme submitted by Tyler Wesley, 9, son of Eric and Cindy Wesley, Waterford, who is a fourth-grader at Evergreen Elementary School.
As a reward, Tyler has been named Honorary Parade Marshal and will be riding in a special car. Give him a wave.
Entrant registrations for the parade are available in advance at In Home Flooring, on the Waterford Chamber of Commerce website or by calling Lion Scott Gunderson, chairman of the Fourth of July Parade Committee, at (262) 895-6337.
Registrations will also be taken right up to parade time. All entrants are asked to check in at Fifth and Aber streets between 9:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.
• After the parade, a patriotic concert will be played at Ten Club Park by the Burlington Kiwanis Civic Band.
The Great Duck Raffle will also be held at Ten Club Park, with a drawing held at 1:30 p.m. Tickets are available from Waterford Lions Club members and along the parade route.
A total of $2,000 in prizes will be won; top prize is $500.
All proceeds from the raffle go directly to offset the costs to put on such a great community parade, Gunderson said.
“The costs are substantial to put on this parade and the Waterford Lions appreciate the help given by those who purchase Duck Raffle tickets,” Gunderson added.
• Later on the Fourth, head over to Village Park for a double-header extravaganza of River Rhythms concerts.
At 4 p.m., the three-member Group Therapy performs, blending elements of soul, funk, reggae, R&B and guitar-heavy rock with the blues.
Around 6:30 p.m., jazz keyboardist Dan Trudell and the River Rhythms All Stars take the stage. Food for the Fourth concerts will be sold by Café 213.
• The annual Tichigan Lake fireworks display goes up at dusk on Saturday, July 6. Arrive by boat, by car or on foot to enjoy a fun, dazzling show.
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