TOWER - Yes, the Fourth of July is back, but for Tower-Soudan this year, it will be celebrated on Saturday, July 3.
Most of the traditional activities are back on track, with a few changes.
The parade starts at 11 a.m., but come to City Hall at 10:30 a.m. for the flag raising and singing of the National Anthem. Float judging is at 10 a.m. at the parade line-up at the Tower Civic Center parking lot.
The Tower-Soudan Civic Club’s pancake breakfast has been canceled, due to safety concerns, but most other traditional activities are on the schedule.
There are changes to the Kiddie Parade. Children will be lining up on the side street between U-Betcha and Jeanne’s Card Shop. There will not be costume/float/bike judging this year, but all children who participate will receive $5 and a flag. Decorated bikes, wagons, etc. are still welcome, but all children are urged to march along and help lead the parade.
This year’s Parade Grand Marshals are Mary Batinich and Linda Haugen, both being recognized for their long-time volunteer efforts in the area.
If you are up for a challenge, the Vermilion 5K and 10K gets underway at 8 a.m., by the Tower Fire Hall. Both runners and walkers are welcome. You can register in advance at www.rangerunners.org, or on July 3 from 6:30-7:45 a.m. Cost is $20, with a special family rate available for the 5K. Children 12 and under run or walk for free with a paid adult. The one-mile kids fun run takes place once the 10K and 5K racers are off. The kids run is free of charge.
There will be food vendors and craft booths set up Main Street.
At 12:30 p.m., children are invited to the football field by Tower Elementary School for the sawdust scramble and races.
Good Ol’ Days is offering free hot dogs and pop for children after the parade. There will be beer gardens set up at Good Ol’ Days, D’Erick’s, and Benchwarmers. Live music at Good Ol’ Days starts at noon, with “Ely Ed” from noon-3 p.m. and “Elvis” playing two sets from 3-5 p.m. and 8 p.m.-dusk. The Insphryre Fire Dancers will perform at dusk.
Fireworks begin at 10 p.m. off the north hill in Tower.
The activities are sponsored by the Tower-Soudan Lake Vermilion Events Board.
On Sunday, July 4, Breitung Township is hosting a free community picnic from noon-3 p.m. at the Recreation Area (skating rink area). There will be hot dogs, popcorn, and root beer floats. There will be plenty of fun activities for children at the picnic.