89th Annual July 4th Celebration Set for Schoolcraft

The South County Fire and Rescue Authority will serve as Grand Marshall of the 89th parade.

This group, along with Deb Reynolds, have been the leaders in organizing the Schoolcraft 4th of July celebration for many years. They have help during the actual day from Tom and Mary Carol Clark, Kathy Stiver, National Honor Society students from the high school and the many individual groups who put on special events, such as the 5K Firecracker race, that Brenda Stoddard heads up. The village is taking over the Car Show in Burch Park for the first time and Randy Palmer will be the new fireworks coordinator in 2015. Seated from left to right are Jon Krum, Chip Mongrieg, and Virginia Mongrieg. Standing are Monica and Jim Rasmussen.

Children love to pick up candy thrown from the many floats in the 4th of July parade.

Family and friends congregate on the porch of Salli and Bill Carter’s home to watch the parade form up on Eliza Street in Schoolcraft.

Parade watchers line up early along the route in 2013.

Members of the fireworks brigade from left to right: Randy Palmer, Virginia Mongrieg, Chip Mongrieg, and Fred Western.

By Sue Moore

Schoolcraft’s 89th annual July 4th celebration kicks off with a pancake breakfast at 7 a.m. and ends with fireworks at dusk. In between those times, many other activities are in place for people to enjoy.

The pancake breakfast will be served by the Lions Club from 7-11 a.m. at the Upper Elementary School. At 8 a.m., runners can run the Firecracker Road Race, starting at the High School and then head to the Schoolcraft United Methodist Church for the ice cream social from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

At 11 a.m., the annual parade kicks off which will close down U.S.131 from U Avenue to XY Avenue for two hours while the parade travels down Grand Street. This year, Deb Reynolds, president of the organizing committee, is expecting over 110 entries in the parade. And since it is an election year, there will be the usual turnout of politicians.

Hungry parade goers can stop by the American Legion Hall on Clay Street for barbecued chicken and ribs. Visitors can also tour the Underground Railroad house and garden until 3 p.m. Also, fire truck rides for children will be offered by the South County Fire Authority in front of the Upper Elementary school.

Meanwhile, the Antique Car Show in Burch Park runs all day. Food and drink will also be available at the car show.

The fireworks show at dusk caps off the day with onlookers packing the streets and back roads for miles around. Chip Mongrieg, who has engineered the show for the last 17 years, is retiring this year, turning it over to Randy Palmer who will be in charge of next year’s show.

While no one on the organizing committee knows just how the Schoolcraft Fourth of July parade got started 89 years ago, they agree it has been a big bonus economically for the village, drawing over 20,000 people to the community for the parade and all the events throughout the day.

Schoolcraft’s 89th AnnualIndependence Day Celebration

Friday, July 4th, 2014

7-11a.m.- Pancake Breakfast-Schoolcraft Upper Elem.-Sponsored by: Schoolcraft Lions Club

6:30-7:30 a.m.- Late Registrationfor Road Race-High School

7:30 a.m.- 1 Mile fun Run/Walk(free-High School)

8 a.m. – 5 Mile Firecracker Road Race– High School-reg.early @- http://www.firecracker5.com

8 a.m. – Old Car Show in Burch Park until 4 p.m.

9 a.m. -2 p.m.- Ice Cream Social – Schoolcraft United Methodist Church

10 a.m.- Parade lineup                                                           

11a.m.- Parade!!!!!! Parade route: Eliza to Grand to Clay Streets

Noon-?American Legion Chicken & Ribs BBQ- Legion Hall, Clay Street

Post Parade Events: Underground Railway House & Garden Tours until 3 p.m., Sponsored by Schoolcraft Historical Society

Fire Truck Rides & Fire Prevention Trailer-Upper Elem. – Sponsored by South County Fire Authority

2-6 p.m.American Legion Dance-American Legion Hall on Clay Street

10 p.m.– FIREWORKS– famous choreographed fireworks show held north of Schoolcraft High School. Parking is available in school lot. Bring your own blanket or seating. Fireworks funded by donations to the Schoolcraft 4th of July Committee, PO Box 231, Schoolcraft, MI. 49087.