By Sterling McGinn
The Fourth of July is almost here, and local communities are ready to help you celebrate America’s birthday.
The Newberry Parade is set to roll out at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 3.
Line up will begin at the American Legion Post 74 parking lot at 9 a.m. The 2021 parade, sponsored by the Newberry Kiwanis Club will feature a theme of Celebrating our commUNITY: Families stick together.
The parade will leave the American Legion, and proceed to Newberry Avenue. The usual route will be followed to West Helen Street, and continue past Golden Leaves and Helen Newberry Joy Hospital.
Following the parade, the Newberry Fire Department will hold an open house and barbeque at the fire hall located directly behind the Community Building.
“We are encouraging people to bring their kids down after the parade and have fun,” stated fire chief John Wendt. “We will be at the hall for a couple of hours after the parade.”
Tours of the fire hall and trucks will take place. A kid’s bouncy house and other kid’s activities will be available.
The Newberry Elks Club will hold a chicken barbeque from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
The Annual Historic Photo Show sponsored by the Tahquamenon Education Foundation, and presented by Jim Dwyer and Sterling McGinn, is cancelled for this year’s July fourth celebrations.
For those who love fireworks, Newberry will hold a display for the second year in a row. Fireworks will be launched at dusk on July 3 at the Schubach Farms, located at 5816 M-123.
In addition to fireworks, a bounce house for kids and other activities will be available at Schubach Farms.
Curtis will hold their 48th Annual Independence Day Celebration on Sunday, July 4. The festivities will begin with a patriotic praise service at 10 a.m. at the Erickson Center. The annual Lion’s Club chicken barbeque will begin at 11 a.m.
The parade line-up will form at 11:30 a.m. on Sandtown Road. The U.P. Heritage-themed parade will start at 12:30 p.m., and follow the normal route, which is extended to Three Lakes Academy.
Following the parade, the bands that performed in the parade will hold short concerts on the grounds of the Erickson Center.
Also on the grounds of the Erickson Center will be over 30 arts and craft vendors and the Chamber of Commerce refreshment tent. The Curtis fireworks display will take place at dusk.
The community of Naubinway will celebrate the Fourth with Traditions of Naubinway: 150 years and beyond.
Naubinway’s celebration will begin Friday, July 2. It kicks off with a Lions Club vision screening for children, which will be held from 6-8 p.m. At 7 p.m. a kiddie parade will take place.
On Saturday, July 3, the Naubinway parade will be held at 1 p.m., with a theme of Traditions of Naubinway: 150 years & Beyond! From 11-3 p.m. a carnival at the Naubinway pavilion will feature continued vision screening for children, games for kids, a cake walk, a used book sale, a Knights of Columbus Fish Fry, and snacks, food, and water provided by several local businesses and organizations. In addition, the Top of the Lake Snowmobile Museum will be open from 9 a.m. until dusk.
The Thunder over the Bay fireworks display will take place at dusk.
On Sunday, July 4, the 39th Annual Black Bear 12k run and 6k run/walk will start at 8 a.m. at the Engadine School. For more information on the run, visit black-bear-run.com.
In Grand Marais, festivities include movie night at the ballpark on Friday, July 2. Live music at the ballpark starts at 8 p.m. Saturday, July 3. On Sunday, July 4, Grand Marais will hold their Independence Day parade at 1 p.m., with kids games in the green space, food vendors, and more, beginning at 2 p.m. DJ Sunday performs at 7 p.m. at the Bay Bandstand, and fireworks take place at dusk.
