July 4 fun takes us back to our roots

Walker’s Old-Fashioned Fourth of July will mix all the fun of a traditional Fourth celebration with a few new features.

The Pre-Parade fun starts downtown from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. with live music on TJ’s Floral Deck, 11:30-1 p.m., across from Portage Brewing. The Meat Boutique down the hill from Portage will open its “Brat Booth” at 10:30 a.m.

There’s a new, earlier start time of 1 p.m. for the kiddie parade and 4th of July Parade. As with last year, the route will follow Michigan Avenue, one block uphill from Walker’s Main Street (also known as Minnesota Avenue).

Pre-registration is not required for the parade. Just line up with your unit along Highway 34; the parade will start across from the Walker Animal Hospital.

The parade is sponsored by the Walker Lions For more information contact Terry Holly at 218-252-8070 and Bruce Pederson, 218-547-2576,

(And if you’re curious why the parade won’t be going down Main Street, it’s because a stalled construction project outside of town means regular traffic can’t be diverted around Walker during the parade.)

Fun in the Park covers a range of activities. The Rotary Club’s Beer Selzer Garden, with the Rotary’s Famous Fish Fry, brats, hot dogs, cheese curds and more, will be open from noon to 10 p.m. To enjoy the inflatable games from noon to 5 p.m., be sure to get a $5 wristband. Free watermelon will be served from 2 p.m. until gone; and live music with the Empty Cooler Band begins at 2:30 p.m. Power Play will take over from 5 p.m. until dark.

The day comes to a close with a spectacular fireworks show at dark, viewable from city park or boats on Walker Bay. However absolutely no individual fireworks will be allowed in the park.

After enjoying a day filled with food, fun, fireworks and games, be sure to drive home safely!