Fireworks Highlight Celebrations In Mayville, Maple Springs, Lakewood
By Ashlea Browning editorial@post-journal.comArticle Photos
The Declaration of Independence was signed more than 200 years ago - and Americans have been celebrating the Fourth of July with parades, picnics, music and, of course, fireworks ever since.
The village of Mayville begins its Fourth of July celebration with a ''gigantic'' parade at 10 a.m. today. The theme, ''Celebrate America,'' will be depicted in the more than 100 parade floats that will be professionally judged for cash prizes. Routes 394 and 430 in Mayville will be closed from 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. to accommodate the parade.
''We have a full day of affordable family fun. After the parade, which is a good two hours long and doesn't cost people a penny, they can go to Lakeside Park with free admission, free parking and very affordable kiddie-rides - they're only $1.50 each.
There's no alcoholic beverages; it's just a nice family affair,'' said Rita Johnson, member of the July 4th Celebration Committee. ''We have live bands from noon until 10 p.m. There's all sorts of food vendors, game vendors and picnic areas. People can bring their own picnic stuff in or they can buy everything they need there.
''Not only do we have live music all day in the gazebo, we also have tents set up for entertainment, for kids and adults alike. We have a magician who does a couple shows and we have Nels Cremean from InJest who does juggling and balancing acts; he's just amazing, the things that he does are very entertaining. We also have a petting zoo for the kids and all of that is free. It's really one of the most affordable things you can do with your family,'' Jacobson said.
The live music will be performed by Shotgun Suite, Entropy's End and Total Chaos at Lakeside Park in Mayville. The fireworks display is presented by Premier Pyrotechnics and will begin at 10 p.m.
Midway State Park is also hosting a fireworks display in addition to other festivities to celebrate the holiday. The arcade will be open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and rides will operate until the fireworks begin at 10 p.m. The park is offering two specials for the day; a ''Ride-O-Rama'' wristband for unlimited rides, not including go karts, waterwars or bumper boats, and the ''Splash-O-Rama'' wristband for unlimited rides, not including go karts. Both specials are available from either 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. or 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
''People can just enjoy the day with the rides and park atmosphere ... a lot of groups do picnics, and just enjoy the fireworks,'' said Trudy Anderson, secretary at Midway.
Live music by the Untouchables will begin at 7 p.m. at the stage in the ride area.
The village of Lakewood will be hosting its second annual ''Summerfest'' this weekend to celebrate the holiday. It begins today with the Firecracker Run, presented by the Lakewood Family YMCA.
''They have both a 10K race and a 2-mile run/walk. In addition to those events, they have kids races and a money hunt, all held (today) at Richard O. Hartley Park,'' said Joe Johnson, Lakewood City Clerk.
Beginning at noon Saturday, visitors may enjoy a variety of food and craft vendors and a classic car show on Chautauqua Avenue. Live entertainment begins at 5 p.m. at Richard O. Hartley Park with the band Happy Days. DJs Unlimited will take over for them at 8 p.m. and will play until the fireworks begin at 10 p.m. The Lakewood fireworks display is is by Zambelli Fireworks.
