The Hoard Historical Museum to host 46th annual July 4th Ice Cream Social

FORT ATKINSON — The Hoard Historical Museum will have what it calls a “tasty and fun time to celebrate our country’s history” as an Independence Day tradition with its 4th of July Ice Cream Social.

It will be the 46th annual ice cream social, which will be 1-3 p.m. Thursday.

“The museum has been underwriting a free ice cream social on the 4th of July for almost 50 years to help our coommunity and surrounding areas celebrate Independence Day,” Museum Director Merrilee Lee said in a press release. “Personally, I’m honored to be part of such a long-standing tradition.”

The Krause Family Band, a four-piece Americana group from Madison, will perform. Fronted by Kansas Music Hall-of-Famer Rick Krause who plays the guitar, banjo and harmonica, is joined by daughters Katie and Ruthie on the fiddle and vocals, with Scott Wright on the keys.

“They offer a unique mix of heartfelt original songs and cover ranging from The Everly, Statler, and Mills Brothers to the Reverend Al Green,” the press release states.

“The Krause Family Band and their Americana-style music are the perfect match for our old-fashioned social,” Lee said. “Come enjoy the music, play yard games as a family, and enjoy the afternoon with your community.”

The museum encourages people to bring blankets and chairs to the event.

The museum will only be open on July 4th during the ice cream social. All of the museum’s exhibits and galleries will be open during that time. The Historic 1841 Foster House will be open for tours. There will be indoor and outdoor activities for families, including yard games and face painting.

The Historic 1901 Water Tower will also be open for tours during the ice cream social from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The water tower is at the corner of S. 4th and S. High streets. The last tour will leave at 2:45 p.m. Tours may be canceled due to inclement weather. Extra parking is available in the parking lot of the 1st Baptist Church, 420 Whitewater Avenue, and the parking lot across from the Fort Atkinson Middle School, 310 S. 4th Street.