Alpena prepares for Fourth of July holiday

Crystal Nelson

Alpena Residents will have more to do on the Fourth of July than just salute the red, white and blue. Alpena Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jackie Krawczak said there are all kinds of activities going this weekend.

The annual Fourth of July parade will begin at the Alpena County Fairgrounds at 11 a.m. The parade route will span over 11th Avenue, Chisholm Street, across the Second Avenue Bridge and end at the big parking area across from Alpena Marc's building.

"It's probably the biggest parade in Northeast or even northern Michigan for the Fourth of July. We have 85 entries and counting which is really good in a non-political year," she said.

Krawczak said following the parade will be the rubber duckie race. Tickets that correspond to numbers on the rubber ducks may be purchased in advanced from any Alpena Optimist Club Member at the parade or the 9th Street Bridge prior to the releasing of the duckies. Ticket prices are $2.50 for a chance to win $5, $500 or $1,000. There is no fee for community members to watch the rubber duckie race. More information about the race can be obtained by contacting Dana Howard at 379-3604 or Ken at 356-1589.

Krawczak said the fireworks have the biggest turnout.

"It's hard to even give an estimate of how many people actually watch our fireworks but we do get a lot of visitors just for the fireworks as well and for the entire day from the surrounding communities," she said.

Those planning to watch the fireworks can expect a show that's very comparable to last year's show. Krawczak said the $18,500 funding goal was reached for this year and she said there will be enough fireworks for a 30 to 35 minute show like in years past.

The fireworks will begin around 10:30 p.m. and will be set to music by tuning in to 91.1 FM around 10:20 p.m.

Prior to the fireworks, the Alpena City Band will perform at the fine arts band shell at Bay View Park from 6-7 p.m. followed by True North Radio Network's Summer Concert from 8-9 p.m. Midnight Special is a '70s band that will perform and feature the music of Queen, Styx, Journey, Led Zeppelin, Bob Seger, etc.

The Dork Brothers will be holding their annual Fourth of July 5K run/walk and fun run with the proceeds of this year's run going to the Northeast Michigan Coalition for Prevention of Homelessness and Hunger. The fun run and walk will begin at 8:15 a.m. and the 5K run and walk will begin at 8:30 a.m. Registration will begin at 7 a.m. at The Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary where the race also will start.

Early registration for the event costs $5 and registration at the event cost $8 not including the T-shirt. Those interested in participating in the event can contact Stan Mischley at 354-5634 or by e-mail at smischle@verizon.net.

People of all ages will be able to participate in the sand castle contest by registering at 9 a.m. at Starlight Beach. Judging for the contest will begin at 3 p.m. in the categories of junior, teen/young adult and group and cash prizes will be awarded. For more information contact Lynn at 356-6422.

The public will have the opportunity to explore tall ships at the ninth annual Thunder Bay Maritime Festival at the Thunder Bay Maritime Festival from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. The tall ships include replicas of Christopher Columbus' ships the Nina and the Pinta and also, the Madeline from Traverse City.

Entertainment, fun, food and educational activities for kids also will be available to the public. All activities at the festival are free.

Krawczak said everything that goes on throughout the entire day Saturday is from the contributions of others whether it's time or money from the community.

"The reason why we have the best Fourth of July in northern Michigan is because of all the volunteers in our wonderfully generous community," she said.

Crystal Nelson can be reached via e-mail at cnelson@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5693.