In Racine County, we know how to celebrate Independence Day! From picnics to parades to fireworks shows, this year's Fourth of July weekend is full of activities. Come along with Real Racine for these ideas.
Sturtevant Fireworks Celebration gets things started on Wednesday, July 3. Come to Fireman's Park on Charles Street 5 p.m. to midnight. There is live music by Step-In-Out, children's activities, food and beverages. The fireworks starts at 9:30 p.m. For the first time, the fireworks with be synchronized to music. (Tune in to WEZY-FM 92.1.) Admission is free. Parking on the grounds is $5.
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Racine's Fourth Fest Parade, in its 77th year, is "Celebrating the Best of Greater Racine." Plan to arrive early on Thursday, July 4 to grab good seats. The parade starts at the intersection of Goold and Main Streets and runs along much of Main and 14th streets. A huge lineup is expected, including floats, bands, fire engines, tractors and living replicas of national monuments. The pre-parade begins at 8:15 a.m. followed by the main event at 9 a.m. Plan on at least 2 hours for the full parade to pass by.
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Racine's celebration concludes with a free fireworks show from the North Pier starting about 9:20 p.m. The fireworks can be seen all along the lakefront. Visit www.racine4thfest.org
Raymond July 4th Festival starts at 6 p.m. Wednesday on 76th Street (Highway U) between Highways G and K with live music from Tim Castle & Young Southern plus food and beverages. On Thursday, the kids parade starts at 12:45 p.m. followed by the main parade themed "Freedom is Not Free." Family fun continues at the festival grounds with music, auctions and children's games capped by fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
Union Grove Fourth of July Parade starts at 9:15 a.m. Thursday. This year's theme is "Celebrating 175 Years." The parade assembles at the Racine County Fairgrounds and marches along Highway 11 to Highway 45 and then north to the Village Square Park. The children's parade assembles at 8:45 a.m. at the Talmer Bank & Trust parking lot and travels ahead of the main parade.
Waterford Lions Club Independence Day Parade has the theme "Salute to Our Veterans." The parade steps off at 11 a.m. Thursday at Seventh and Main streets and ends at Whitford Park. You can buy a duck in The Lions' famous duck raffle to help pay for the parade and get a chance to win a prize. Early risers can take in the Independence Day 5k with registration starting at 7 a.m. at Whitford Park.
River Rhythms plays two. The Fourth of July is a holiday musical double-header for Waterford River Rhythms, Village Hall Park, 123 River St.. Group Therapy takes the stage at 4:30 p.m. Then, it's Dan Trudell and the River Rhythm All Stars at 7 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs for this free show.
Burlington's Fourth of July Celebration and Fireman's Dance Fundraiser runs from 2-10:30 p.m. Thursday at Echo Park. Music by the Lunch Money Bullies, a bag toss tournament, food and beverages; fireworks at dusk. Admission is $2 and includes a cash raffle entry.
The celebrating continues! First Friday is back 4-9 p.m. Friday in Downtown Racine. Stop by for shopping in more than 50 galleries and stores, artist demonstrations, entertainment and live music at Monument Square, Crosswalk Park and Paul Harris Plaza. The Racine Art Museum. 441 Main St., has free admission all day. It's a great chance to catch the Twenty First Century Heirlooms and Top 10 at 10 exhibitions. Visit www,firstfridaysracine.com
Take a climb. The Wind Point Lighthouse Tour to the Top is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. The historic lighthouse, 4725 Lighthouse Drive, Wind Point, offers a spectacular view for those who climb the 144 steps to the top. The price is $10 for adults and $5 for kids ages 6 through 12. Advance reservations are required. Call 262-880-8266. Visit www.windpointlighthouse.com
There is more summer fun where that came from! Visit Real Racine's website (www.realracine.com) for more events and activities. You'll find daily updates on Facebook (www.facebook.com/realracine) and on Twitter (www.twitter.com/realracine).
