Onaway set for Independence Day celebration

A full schedule of events is planned this weekend in Onaway as the annual July 4th Festival gets under way. One look at the schedule and it is easy to see, if you miss the festival, you?re missing out. This year will include some favorite attractions from years past and something new, a kids? sandcastle contest.

THE EVENTS started out last Friday night with the Miss Onaway Pageant at the Onaway High School cafeteria. Jessica Havel was crowned Miss Onaway. Stephanie Porter was first runner-up and second runner-up went to Lauren Hazlett, who also won the talent portion of the pageant. There was a surprise this year: Scott and Millie Baldwin donated $1,000 to the first-runner-up and $1,000 to Miss Onaway.

Most events are scheduled Friday, with some also planned Saturday and Sunday. The kids? sandcastle contest will be the first event of the day, 9-10:30 a.m. Friday at Maxon Field.

ANYONE WISHING to do a little shopping, or just window-shopping this weekend, need look no further than Maxon Field, where the annual arts and crafts show will be located. Organizers say the show, which begins at 10 a.m., Friday, will be better than ever, providing a little of almost everything. It?s never too early to be in the market for Christmas presents. Family entertainment starts at 10 a.m. While parents are checking out the arts and crafts, the kids can head over to the games, also on Maxon Field. George Garms VFW Post 5857 is having its annual BBQ chicken dinner. Post members start serving their palatable chicken at 11 a.m.

Returning this year will be the kiddies parade which begins at 11 a.m.

HIGHLIGHT OF the festival is always the grand parade, set for noon Friday. It will be led by members of George Garms, VFW Post 5857. The parade will include dozens of floats, including one put together by the ingenious crew at Moran Iron Works. Each year Moran?s displays a large-scale project designed and assembled by its staff in their off time. There is always much speculation as to what it will be. Moran is not telling, but it should be worth the wait The company has been creating projects every year since 1989.

The parade annually attracts 10,000 onlookers. Following the parade, area fire departments will square off against one another in the annual water fight. Always a favorite of children, the water fight promises to get all spectators involved! The Rogers City Band will perform after the parade at Maxon Field. Spectators are encouraged to br

ing lawn chairs and enjoy the music. Have a sweet tooth? The Methodist Church, located on Lynn Street, will be hosting its annual ice cream social following the parade.

More excitement, you say? How about the stock car racing at Onaway Motor Speedway? A full show, plus the NAMARA Formula Indy special races, starts at 4:30 p.m.

AS THE SUN sets for the day, and the moon and stars come out, the most famous fireworks exhibition in Northeast Michigan will roar, sparkle and light up the dark sky to the ?oohs? and ?ahhs? of an entranced crowd. The fireworks show will be launched from the Edna Lound Field at dusk.

The coed softball tournament starts at 8 a.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. Sunday at Edna Lound Field. Motocross race starts at Onaway Motor Speedway, at 11 a.m. Saturday Registration is from 8-10 a.m.

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