WAUSAU – This year marks the country’s 250th anniversary, and local communities are planning their Fourth of July celebrations.
Some municipalities and organizations are hosting their usual fireworks celebration, while others are organizing new or bigger events this year to honor the milestone, including live music, fireworks, parades and more festivities.
Check out these options to celebrate Independence Day in the Wausau area.
Antigo
Antigo will host its annual Fourth of July parade and fireworks starting at 7 p.m. July 4. The parade will begin at 7 p.m. along Third Avenue and Hudson Street, traveling along Arctic Street and ending at the Langlade County Fairgrounds, 1633 Neva Road in Antigo. Vendors will offer food and beverages at the fairgrounds, along with live music by DJ Whitney. The fireworks show will begin at about 9:20 p.m. with seating available in the grandstands.
Medford
American Legion Post 147 will host a Medford Boomfest Celebration from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. July 4 at the Medford City Park. Live music will begin with The Cynor Classics Polka Band at 2 p.m., and the America’s 250 Birthday Celebration will start at 6:30 p.m. with the Honor Guard, followed by the Smoke Wagon Band. Festivities will also include games, children’s activities, swimming, food and refreshments. Fireworks will start at dark.
Merrill
Merrill will host Fireworks at the MARC from 5 to 11 p.m. July 3 at the Merrill Area Recreation Complex, 1100 Marc Drive in Merrill. Food trucks will be set up at the event, and fireworks will start at dusk. Guests are encouraged to bring bug spray and a blanket to sit on.
Mosinee
The Mosinee Area Chamber of Commerce will host its Fourth of July festival from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 4 at River Park, 1000 Main St. in Mosinee. The free festival includes horseshoe and cornhole tournaments, a kids’ fishing tournament, live music, food trucks and vendors and more. The Firecracker 5K Run/Walk registration begins at 8 a.m. for a 9 a.m. start. The parade will begin at 6 p.m., and fireworks will start at dusk.
Wausau
The Lutheran Classical Academy of St. David the King At Zion will host an America’s 250th Birthday Celebration from 1 to 3 p.m. July 2 at 616 Grant St. in Wausau. The event will include patriotic poetry, music and literature, and food and crafts will be provided.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars Burns Post 388 Auxiliary, Man of Honor Society, American Legion Post 10 and Auxiliary and The Eagles Club will host an America’s 250th Anniversary Celebration from 1 to 7 p.m. July 4 at the Eagles Club Landing at 1703 Third Ave. on Lake Wausau. Social and kids hours will run from 1 to 3 p.m., with a meal served between 3 and 6 p.m. at the event. The meal will be $20 per plate, but veterans can eat free with identification. Children 10 years old and younger can also eat for free, while children 11 years old and older can eat for $5. A color presentation and ceremony will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. The event will also include music, a bounce house, face painting, games and more.
Wausau Events will host Fourth of July Fireworks from 6 to 10 p.m. July 4 at the Downtown Wausau Airport, 725 Woods Place in Wausau. Guests are asked to use the Elmwood Boulevard and Emerson Street gates to access the airport grounds. Parking is also available on all surrounding city streets. The free event includes live entertainment, food vendors and a full beverage tent. No carry-ins will be allowed. A Festival Foods Fireworks show will start at dusk.
Contact Caitlin at cshuda@usatodayco.com or follow her on Twitter @CaitlinShuda.
This article originally appeared on Wausau Daily Herald: Where can I celebrate the Fourth of July in the Wausau area?
Reporting by Caitlin Shuda, Wausau Daily Herald / Wausau Daily Herald
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Caitlin Shuda, Wausau Daily Herald | USA TODAY Network
