For the Wisconsin Rapids City Times

PITTSVILLE – Pittsville American Legion and Pittsville Lions are making final preparations to conduct their 58th consecutive celebration of Independence Day with two days of events in Pittsville July 3-4. The theme for the 2019 event is “Flying High on the 4th of July”.

Activities will kick off July 3 at 7 p.m., with the 33rd annual two and five mile walk/run sponsored by the Pittsville Volunteer Fire Department and EMS. Nearly 900 participants competed last year. Registration remains open before the race. The Kids Quarter Mile race is at 6:15 p.m., with no registration needed.

Carnival rides begin at 4 p.m. with special “wrist band rates” 5-9 p.m.
Food booths and refreshment stands will be open throughout the evening, while musical entertainment will be provided by Rising Phoenix, 7:30-11:30 p.m. in Riverside Park.
On July 4, festivities begin with the annual Kiddie Parade at 11:30 a.m., before and on the same route as the larger parade. Kids need to decorate their bikes, trikes, and wagons, remembering the parade theme. The American Legion Auxiliary and Fire Department will award cash prizes.
The main parade starts at noon. Units participating for cash awards are entered under commercial or organizations with three prize categories. The committee is encouraging participants to enter floats or entries depicting the theme.
During the parade the Pittsville Community Library volunteers will be selling stickers for the “Road Apple contest” which involves horses participating in the parade. If any of their deposits make a direct or partial hit, the lucky ticket holder wins a cash prize.

Following the parade, activities continue at Riverside Park, with BINGO, food, refreshments, and carnival rides

Music will be provided by Ray & Jane Entertain, 1:30-5 p.m. Evening activities include music by Ridin’ On Empty, 5-9:30 p.m., along with a fireworks display at dusk.