This year we are settling in at our new location and hope that you will enjoy the schedule of events we have lined up. We have some of our old favorites in the schedule this year, a new carnival "Great American Shows" with many, many rides, and new bands for your enjoyment. The event is scheduled for Thursday, July 3rd through Saturday, July 5th at Sutton's Park, the parking lot across from City Hall, and downtown Minonk.
On Thursday, there will be a flurry of activity at 426 Chestnut while children decorate for the Kiddie Parade and just down the street the "Battle of the Bands" will be taking place across from Pop's Sweet Shop. Later that evening an Elvis impersonator will arrive by limousine, and perform for two hours at Sutton's Park and, just down the street, the "Johnny Cosmos" band will be performing in the Tent.
On Friday, the Fourth of July, the Kiddie Parade will kick off the day at 9:45 while the main parade is scheduled for 10 a.m. The theme this year is "Our Rich Heritage". After the parade you are invited to watch Fieldcrest students perform a preview of School House Rock Live! Jr. in the downtown parking lot. The play opens that afternoon at 3 with additional performances at 5 and again on Saturday, July 5 at 1 and 3:30 p.m. in the Fieldcrest High School Gym.
Several kids' events are scheduled during the day as well, including water balloon volleyball, ice cube relay, tug of war, jump rope relay, water balloon relay, shoe run and a sack race. Afterward you can enjoy watching the watermelon eating contest and a cakewalk. The entertainment this evening is "Modern Cowboyz", an old favorite, with the fireworks at dusk and "Sister Groove" in the tent afterward. We have one of the best firework displays of anyone around and this year promises to be better and BIGGER. Watch for the grand finale.
On Saturday, Bocci Ball will begin at 1:00 p.m. at Jess' Pub in downtown Minonk and later on in the day we will see the many antique and classic cars coming to town for the Cruise In. This is a popular event in our lineup and we expect between 100-150 vehicles to participate. While walking around the park feel free to throw a few balls in the dunk tank and visit with Rollo the Clown. Another new band will be performing this evening in the tent the "Boat Drunks" a Jimmy Buffet Tribute Band.
For a complete listing of events please check with local area merchants in the coming weeks. If we need to make any changes we will keep everyone informed by posting notices on www.minonktalk.com., as well as placing notices throughout the city, if needed.
This year's event has something for everyone and we hope to see you there. If you have any questions or would like to volunteer please feel free to contact me. One last note of thanks to all of the people who have donated their time and effort on this year's event - a heartfelt "Thank You".
Cathy McKay
Chairperson 4th of July Event
