Stars and Stripes fun & fireworks
By Shelia Tomkins
Guttenberg invites everyone to celebrate the nation's birthday at its popular annual Stars and Stripes celebration to be held Friday and Saturday, July 1-2. A fun line-up of family activities has been planned by the Guttenberg Chamber of Commerce. This year's theme is "Brew Up some FUN in the Sun."
Friday evening, July 1
The weekend will kick off on Friday evening, July 1, at the weekly River of Music concert in Ingleside Park, featuring music by "Triple Threat" from 6-9 p.m. (See story inside). There will be an ice cream social from 5-7 p.m., and the Vesperman Farms ice cream truck will be giving away 200 free scoops of ice cream sponsored by River Town Family Dental.
A parade decorating station — sponsored by River Town Family Dental — will be available for pets, bikes, golf carts, etc. to get ready for the parade.
July 2 morning activities
On Saturday, July 2, 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 a chance to win one of several 20-in. bicycles.
Afternoon activities
Afternoon events begin at 3 p.m. in Ingleside Park north of the school and will feature food, music, and other fun family events.
Celebrate the holiday with summer treats from a variety of food vendors, including rolled ice cream, slushies, pizza, Enigma food truck, Hot Diggy Dogs, Jayco fish and more.
Don't miss the watermelon eating contest at 4 p.m. that is open to all ages. It will be located next to the bingo tent, and is sponsored by Benders Foods and Essers Shoes and Clothing.
There will be entertainment by DJ Jakes Jam 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. Entry fee is $20 per team with over $250 in prizes.
Activities for youngsters will include barrel train rides, carnival rides, giant inflatables (sponsored by Allen Real Estate), face painting, large ball pong 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. Parade categories are: Business, Organization, Family Floats, Tractors, and Kids. First and second place winners will be chosen in each category.
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.
Those with questions can contact the Guttenberg Chamber office at 252-2323.
