Everybody observes the Fourth of July ...-
c We elebrate it!
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he community of Independence welcomes all to enjoy the 2014 Independence Day celebration! The nearly week-long schedule of entertainment and activities will begin with the drop of the green flag at the Independence Motor Speedway (IMS) on Tuesday, July 1. The region’s most talented IMCA Late Model drivers will be competing for the victory during the annual Deery Brothers touring series visit to IMS.
Activities begin at Riverwalk Parks Thursday, July 3, when the 50’s and 60’s Motown and Show Tunes by Past Masters fill the park. Beginning at 4 PM, attendees to the park will once again have free admission, and if they bring two non-perishable food items they can also receive a free pork burger, compliments of Buchanan County Pork Producers. The annual Poker Walk and the endurance competition Wapsi Warrior Challenge will also take place at Riverwalk Parks on July 3, sponsored by Buchanan County Health Center. Depending on what pace you like, both the Poker Walk and Wapsi Warrior Challenge offer a great way for participants to get some fun physical activity in during the holiday. And for those who haven’t seen the Warrior Challenge, it’s a great spectator event.
Capping off the evening of July 3 will be the Pop Rock band “Never the Less” hitting the stage at 7 PM. All activities at the park will conclude at 10:30 PM, so everyone can get a good night’s sleep before the full day of activities scheduled for July 4 - Independence Day. Parade goers will set up their viewing spot bright and early on July 4 as they prepare for the 154rd annual Independence Day parade. The theme is “Independence #ANewERA” and the parade will begin with the traditional boom and led by local military Veteran’s Color Guard. After the parade, attendees are encouraged to take their lawn chairs to Riverwalk Parks for a full day of entertainment and activities beginning with the reading of the Declaration of Independence followed by the Independence Community Band at the band shell. The Fun Zone jumps into action at 11 AM and is once again full of an assortment of inflatable rides, games
and, this year, face painting will be on hand as well. There will be a youth basketball competition, coed sand volleyball tournament and the 5th annual horseshoe tournament, all taking place at the park. New this year is a Tenn Bean Bag Tournament. At 1 PM there is scheduled a performance by Independence area Just for Kix dancers. These young performers will entertain the audience by showcasing their professionally choreographed routines and exceptional team performances. Afternoon music will include The Saints Dixieland Band and blues by the Third Street Band. Capping off the evening and events at Riverwalk Parks will be a variety of 60’s - 90’s Rock by Standing Hampton leading up to the fireworks. The celebration continues Saturday, July 5, with the Farmer’s Market opening at the Mill at 8 AM, and at 10 AM, the Firecracker Open Golf Tournament tees off at River Ridge Golf Course. Activities conclude with IMCA dirt track racing at the Independence Motor Speedway at 6 PM. The 2014 Independence Day Celebration concludes on Sunday, July 6, with the Chamber of Commerce Breakfast at the Historic Wapsipinicon Mill at 8 AM until noon. At 9:30, an Ecumenical Church Service will take place at Veteran’s Park. Organizers encourage those who would like more information, as well as registration forms to any of the events, to visit the website at www.celebrateindee.com