As temperatures rise and summer unfolds, preparations for Annandale’s historic Fourth of July celebration are in the final stages.
Event chairman and chamber of commerce representative John Volden attended the Annandale City Council meeting on Monday, June 6, to give city leaders an update on this year’s event.
"Given our close and extremely cooperative relationship with the city of Annandale surrounding this event, I wanted to keep you informed of the planned agenda and address any questions that you might have," Volden said.
This year’s celebration runs from Thursday, June 30, through Monday, July 4.
"This year, the Fourth ending on a Monday should lend itself to a nice, sizable crowd," said Volden. "People that want to work this into a four-day weekend, this will work real well for them. So I’m optimistic."
When councilor Corey Czycalla asked for an assurance of good weather, Volden said that factor affects attendance even more than what day of the week the Fourth falls on.
"That is always the wild card," Volden said. "(Four) years ago, when we had 90s for consecutive days, you might as well have rain for three days consecutive days or five consecutive days. It’s always the wild card, and it really dictates what kind of crowd we get."
Mayor Dwight "Dewey" Gunnarson hinted that there is room for some regional competition, even in the realm of weather.
"I hear it’s going to rain in Delano," he said.
Elements of success
While some elements of a successful celebration, like weather, are outside the control of organizers, several aspects that have contributed to big crowds the past few years will be repeated.
The Fabulous Armadillos, for example, will perform in the park ahead of the fireworks for a third straight year. Volden said the very popular group that brings its own following has generated plenty of positive feedback.
"It’s been a good addition. And oh, by the way, they really enjoy coming here," said Volden. "I’ve gotten real good feedback from them as well. So they enjoy coming and bringing their families."
Another feature that has improved the Fourth experience beginning in 2014 was the offshore launch of fireworks, an innovation that opened up the entire Municipal Park for spectators and resulted in one of the biggest fireworks crowds in decades. In 2014 the city borrowed a fireworks platform from Buffalo, but last year city staff constructed Annandale’s own custom platform so the offshore launch could take place each year going forward.
Volden said he now finds large groups of spectators at the shoreline and on the beach in addition to those in front of the stage.
"They now have use of the entire park, and I think people have been taking advantage of that," he said.
Outside of the fireworks show, the parade is, of course, the biggest single draw of the celebration.
"I also have on good authority that the parade is well taken care of," said Volden. "We’re going to have a variety of acts and musical things, different kinds of bands."
Gunnarson has coordinated the parade for several years, and said this year’s lineup should top 100 units, and perhaps reach 110.
"That’s up a little bit from years gone by. That’s great," said Volden.
As of Monday, June 13, the lineup already had more than 80 confirmed units.
Other information
■ The carnival will open at 4 p.m. on Thursday and will close down on Monday following the fireworks.
■ A unique display, likely in town on the Fourth itself, will be a one-of-a-kind saddle made by Mike Bray of Monticello. The intricate, handcrafted piece is a tribute to U.S. service members.
"He’ll be there to explain the story behind it and better explain all the different recognitions that he has detailed in it," said Volden. "It’s exceptionally unique, and it’s an extremely engaging conversation piece."
■ Additional information on Fourth of July events is included in the Community Calendar, and a special section with full coverage will be included in the Wednesday, June 29, Advocate.
Community effort
Volden closed his presentation with another thanks to the city for its support.
"I’d like to express our sincere appreciation for the cooperation this gathering receives from Annandale’s public works, the police department and its administration," he said. "This area takes a great deal of pride in this event, and it takes a community effort to make it happen. Thank you again for all your help."
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