Fourth of July festivities planned for Monticello

     The Fourth of July is a week away, which is hard to believe.

     A lot of hard work goes into the planning and many volunteers give of their holiday to help with the daylong celebration in Monticello.

     The city will hold the festivities on Independence Day, Tuesday, July 4.

     The morning starts with a hearty breakfast prepared by members and family of the Monticello Fire Department. The breakfast is served at the Berndes Center at the fairgrounds from 6:30-10:30 a.m.

     Following the breakfast, find a spot along the parade route for yourself and more. The parade starts at 11 a.m., and this year’s theme is “Star Spangled Salute.” Chamber Bucks will be awarded for Best Use of Theme, as well as first, second and third-place entries.

     The parade typically lasts about an hour and a half, lining up at the fairgrounds. It travels west on Seventh Street, south on Sycamore Street, east on First Street, north on Elm Street, west on Second Street and back to the fairgrounds north on Maple Street.

     The parade committee does have some rules regarding the parade: No water thrown or squirted into the crowd. No semi trailers in the parade. Larger parade entries are recommended to have a spotter, or someone following the float/entry. No one under the age of 12 should operate motorized machinery. Horse riders under the age of 12 must have a spotter as well.

     Those wishing to take part in the parade are asked to line up along Maple Street in front of the fairgrounds. Placement is on a first-come-first-served basis.

     Aside from the grand marshal(s), which are revealed during the parade, those also leading will be the Monticello Chamber’s Lifetime Achievement honoree and Community Pride awardees. This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award went to Sandy Moats. The Community Pride recipients are: Boulders Inn & Suites, B.E. Fitness & Training Center, and Monticello Farmers Market.

     Once the parade ends, make your way to the fairgrounds for family fun for all ages. The kids’ activities are FREE and run from 4-8 p.m. The inflatables include: an 18-foot wet/dry slide, a 3-in-1 combo, Adrenaline Rush II, and Bungee Basketball Challenge.

     Blended Wind Photography of Monticello will also provided a photo booth on the grounds from 4-8 p.m.

     If you’re hungry, the food vendors open at 4 p.m. inside the Lions Club Food Stand. Serving this year will be the Monticello Eagles Club. Fruit-blended ice cream will be provided by Ice Cream Island.

     Unlike past years at the fairgrounds, there will be no beer sales this year. You are welcome to bring your beverage coolers onto the grounds.

     All of the free activities on the fairgrounds are sponsored by the Monticello Area Chamber of Commerce.

     Music inside the beer garden will run from 6-10 p.m., sponsored by the Monticello Fire Department. The band this year is Mt. Rockmore. In case of rain, the music will move inside the Berndes Center.

     A huge fireworks show will go off at dusk, also provided by the Monticello Fire Department. The fireworks rain date is Wednesday, July 5.

     For more information on any of Monticello’s Fourth of July activities, contact the chamber at 319-465-5626.