Recreation

Fourth of July Celebrations

There’s Way More than Fireworks on Independence Day

Gillian Ekern, photos by Mary Mihajlov |

 
Ker. Blam.

    Prepare yourself for an exiting 4th of July weekend, because the Chippewa Valley is jumping with activities for tons of patriotic family fun. Menomonie’s Freedom Fest kicks off first with the Firecracker run/walk. Everyone is invited to join in the rest of the Independence Day celebration with games, music, food, and beer. Bands will include Swing Crew, Howard “Guitar” Luedtke, and Sassy Magoo. Activities will include children’s inflatable games, softball and baseball tournaments, crafters, Ozseeker the Clown, a dunk tank, beanbag tossing, pudding eating contests, and a scavenger hunt. The night will conclude with a brand new, spectacular fireworks display. The Chippewa Valley Museum in Eau Claire is holding its 17th annual Independence Day celebration – the Fourth of July Family Fair – with many family friendly events as well. Activities will include music by the Eau Claire Municipal Band, cakewalks, bubble gum blowing, food and drinks from the Mega Grill, and ice cream from the museum’s fab fifties ice cream parlor. Enjoy some more historically oriented activities by listening to patriotic speeches, watching the honor guard, and checking out the added feature this year – a live civil war encampment. Carson Park’s Fourth of July Celebration will have train rides, music, food, and a big fireworks show for the whole family to enjoy.

FreedomFest • Wakanda Park, Menomonie • Firecracker run at 8:30am, events at 11am • $1 • 235-9087 • www.menomoniechamber.org /// Fourth of July Family Fair • Chippewa Valley Museum • 1204 Carson Park Dr, EC • 11am-4pm • FREE• 834-7871 /// Carson Park Fourth of July Celebration• Carson Park, EC • 10am-11pm • cost varies per event • 839-5032