Patriotic celebration to be held in Port on July 5

The inaugural Patriotic Summer Celebration will be held by the Van Ells-Schanen American Legion Post 82 in Port Washington and its Auxiliary beginning at noon Monday July 5.

The event features arts and crafts for children and families, a patriotic themed pet costume contest, a pet and partner parade, live music and food and beverages.

Arts and crafts and temporary tattoos will be offered beginning at noon at the Legion Hall, 435 N. Lake St.

Live music will also be played at the hall.

Food and beverages, including hot dogs, brats and Post 82 Centennial Amber brewed by Inventors BrewPub, treats and baked goods will be available for purchase.

Pets in costumes will be judged beginning at noon. Small animals in carriers will be judged from noon to 12:45 p.m., cats in carriers will be judged from 1 to 1:45 p.m. and dogs on leashes from 2 to 2:45 p.m.

The animals and their owners will parade from the post through downtown and past Fork and Tap restaurant, where they will be judged by patrons.

Winners will receive a basket with items for families and their pets.

A raffle and 50/50 drawing will be held as part of the event.

Proceeds will go toward the Auxiliary’s Dogs 2 Dog Tags initiative, which is raising funds to purchase service dogs for veterans.

“This won’t be your typical Fourth of July parade,” Auxiliary President Diane Burkhalter said. “This whole event is designed just for the community to come out and have fun.”