Port’s July 4 celebration to include parade, picnic in park

An old-fashioned Independence Day celebration will be held in Port Washington on Wednesday, July 4.

“We’re hoping the community will come and hang out before they get involved in family activities,” Recreation Director Kiley Schulte said. “Come and hang out, enjoy a community picnic and a hometown parade.”

But there will be a few changes in this year’s celebration. 

To start, the parade will begin at 10 a.m. instead of the traditional 11 a.m.

It will begin at the corner of Grand Avenue and Wisconsin Street and head east to Franklin Street, then north to Jackson Street, east to Lake Street to Veterans Memorial Park.

Following the parade, decorated bikes, wagons, scooters and strollers will be judged at the bandshell in the park. Prizes will be awarded in various age groups.

Free bike decorating kits are available at Port Washington State Bank’s Port office.

Local band Vinyl Groove will perform from noon to 2 p.m. during the community picnic in the park.

Brats, burgers and hot dogs will be sold by the Port Washington High School Athletic Booster Club, with proceeds benefitting the girls softball program.

Cake and ice cream will be sold by Christ the King Lutheran Church in Port Washington, and beverages by the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Schmit Bros. will also have a display of vehicles at the park.

There will be raffles for prizes that include a pool basket and boys and girls bikes, and a variety of children’s activities will be staged.

They include bounce houses, face painting and a giant Jenga game.

For families hoping to cool down a bit, the outdoor pool will be open from 1 to 4 p.m. There will be a biggest splash contest and family relay races beginning at 3 p.m.

The day will close with the Fourth of July fireworks shot off at dusk from Coal Dock Park.