Stars and Stripes fun & fireworks July 3
By Shelia Tomkins
Guttenberg invites everyone to celebrate the nation's birthday at its popular annual Stars and Stripes celebration to be held Saturday, July 3. A fun day of family activities has been planned by the Guttenberg Chamber of Commerce. This year's theme is "Bold Stripes, Bright Stars, Brave Hearts."
The weekend will kick off on Friday evening, July 2, at the weekly River of Music concert in Ingleside Park, featuring music by "Triple Threat" from 6-9 p.m.
July 3 morning activities
On Saturday, July 3, the Clayton Ridge 5K Walk/Run will begin at 8 a.m. in Ingleside Park on River Park Drive north of Clayton Ridge School. Registration opens at 7 a.m. in the gazebo.
The weekly Farmers Market will have extended hours that day, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., in the 400 block of South River Park Drive.
A bike rodeo is set for 10 a.m. in the 100 block of North River Park Drive, sponsored by the Guttenberg Police Department. Youngsters are invited to compete for one of several 20-in. bicycles.
Afternoon activities
Afternoon events begin at 2 p.m. in Ingleside Park and will feature food, music, a kids' carnival and other fun family events.
Celebrate the holiday with summer treats such as cotton candy, funnel cakes, ice cream, kettle corn, snow cones, fried fish, cheese curds and more. Don't miss the watermelon eating contest at 4 p.m. that is open to all ages.
There will be deejay entertainment all afternoon and evening in the park, as well as an adult beverage garden.
A bean bag tournament, sponsored by Alpine Communication, will begin at 2 p.m., featuring over $250 in prizes. Entry fee is $20 per team.
Activities for youngsters will include barrel train rides, carnival rides, giant inflatables, face painting, a rock climbing tower and more.
Bingo will be offered under a large tent.
Evening activities
Enjoy the evening parade that begins at 7 p.m. Participants should line up at 6 p.m. behind Meuser Lumber Co., and the parade route will travel north from there on River Park Drive, ending at Main Street near the Veterans Memorial.
Following the parade, the award-winning Clayton Ridge Drill Team will perform in front of the Veterans Memorial.
The day will conclude with the traditional fireworks show at 10 p.m. over the Mississippi River north of Lock and Dam 10.
Sunday, July 4
The Army's Golden Knights Parachute Team will present at an air show at 5 p.m. at the Stephen D. Shannon Memorial Athletic Complex. This is a free event and open to the public.
