Onaway’s 4th lives up to its billling

Onaway was a buzz of activity on the nation?s 231st birthday. A parade with nearly 100 entries kicked off day number one of Onaway?s ?Biggest little 4th in the north!?

The first day included an arts and craft show, barbecue dinner, an ice creme social, amusement rides, water fight, music at the park, and racing at the speedway. ?It is one of the best ever, I think,? said Bev Brougham, executive director of the Onaway Area Chamber of Commerce.

Under cloudy skies, but warming temperatures, the parade made its ways along Washington Avenue and State Streets before thousands of local residents and visitors. The parade was led by the VFW color guard and Tom Moran?s newest metal sculpture, which was a bust of a solider in an Army helmet. The head was completely covered in camouflage, while his eyes were all silver.

VETERANS MARCHED in front of the trailer pulling the sculpture and stood proudly next to the artwork.

Shortly behind, parade grand marshal, Tom Madison, rode in a convertible as he waved to the crowd.

Madison was followed by the Onaway High School band, several floats, fire trucks from two counties, tractors of every age and size, slickly shined automobiles, tire screeching motorcycles, and of course queens.

The recently crowned Miss Onaway, Alysa Olree, rode with all six members of her court, near the end of the procession.

The newly crowned Presque Isle County Fair queen, Julia Lewandowski, and all eight members of her court, rode high atop a pile of cut lumber.

The Stepping Stones Garden Club had this year?s winning entry. In second was Larry?s ?Git?er Klean Carwash? float. In third was the Northern Michigan Beach Queen?s.

?It was one of the biggest we ever have had,? said Brougham. ?Of course that is counting every single car and tractor.?

AFTER THE parade, the Forest-Waverly Fire Departments captured the traveling nozzle trophy in the annual water fight at the intersection of State and Veterans Drive. The Onaway Fire Department had won the last two.

There were several other events going on throughout town, including the arts and crafts at the Onaway Courthouse.

?The vendors were really happy,?

said Brougham. ?We passed out vendor surveys. We had 17 vendors and they were all so happy to be here. They said they had good sales. They were happy to be here and they?ll be back next year.?

Downtown, ?Atlas? was auctioned to a Chesterfield Township truck and auto parts company for $20,000.

In the same area, the Onaway Area Alumni Association signed up about 50 new members. They also received visits from alumni Al Sorgenfrei, now living in Germany, and Gary Arkwood, who is in West Africa.

Schmidt Amusements entertained large crowds, and Chandler Park hosted band and an open mic night.

?It?s way beyond a one day event now,? said Brougham. ?Even the band, we had a pretty good turnout, considering they weren?t well advertised.?