Port to celebrate with parade, picnic, flyover

Port Washington’s Independence Day celebration will start off on a new foot this year.

The Air National Guard will conduct a flyover of the city just before the annual Fourth of July parade steps off at 10 a.m. Thursday.

“We’re very excited about that,” Recreation Director Kiley Schulte said. “It’s a new and exciting way to start the holiday.”

The parade will step off from the corner of Wisconsin Street and Grand Avenue, head east on Grand Avenue, north on Franklin Street and east on Jackson Street before turning north on Lake Street to Veterans Memorial Park.

“The Fourth of July parade will be a little bigger than in the past,” Schulte said, noting that virtually every entry from last year is returning and a few more groups are also expected.

Children in decorated wagons, strollers, scooters and bicycles are invited to be part of the parade. Decorating kits may be picked up at Port Washington State Bank in Port.

Immediately after the parade, the youngsters may participate in the annual bike decorating contest. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third places in the wagon and stroller category and various age divisions in the bike category.

Food is part of every Fourth of July gathering, and the city’s celebration is no exception. The Port Gridiron Club will sell a variety of grilled foods, while Christ the King Church will sell ice cream and cake and the recreation department will have popcorn and cotton candy.

Beer and beverages will be sold by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and snowcones and lemonade will also be available for purchase.

The family friendly activities include a  bounce house, face painting and a watermelon seed-spitting contest.

Schmit Bros. auto dealerships will also have a number of vehicles on hand.

Music will be provided by The Verdict, a bluesy rock and roll band that will perform from noon until 2 p.m.

In addition to activities at the park, there will also be festivities at the outdoor pool on Webster Street.

Family relay races will be held at 2:30 p.m. followed by the biggest splash contest at 3 p.m. Prizes will be awarded in both contests.

There will also be a beach ball giveaway.

Fireworks shot off from Coal Dock Park will conclude the day’s festivities at dusk.

The event is sponsored in part by Port Washington State Bank, Schmit Bros. Auto and Ozaukee Press.

For more information, call the Parks and Recreation Department at 284-5881.