New route in place for 2016

STAR JOURNAL REPORT

Despite all the road construction in the downtown area, there will be an Independence Day parade this year in Rhinelander.

The annual parade will begin Monday at 11 a.m. The theme for 2016 is “America: The Proud and The Beautiful,” which pays homage to the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service.

Though some downtown roads may be closed while under construction, that won’t stop the parade, which will start on Davenport Street by the Courthouse, run south along Pelham Street and then head north on Courtney Street to Young Street. Staging for the parade will take place around the Courthouse. The Rhinelander Lions Kiddie Parade that starts at 10 a.m. will run along the same route, but end at City Hall.

“There has been a lot of interest in the Fourth of July parade,” said Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Bill Clow. “We are excited that the community will get to continue with this fun and important tradition.”

Entries of interest expected in the parade include the Rhinelander High School Band, Pipes and Drums of Thunder Bay, Zor Funsters, Edgar High School Band, Janesville Fife and Drum, Rhinelander Community Band and the Wautoma High School Band.

Awards will be presented in the following parade unit categories: Non-Profit, Business, Marching and General.

More information about the parade can be found on the Chamber of Commerce’s website at www.ExploreRhinelander.com or by contacting parade coordinator Dale Schlieve at (715) 369-1814.

Fireworks are scheduled to take place that evening over Boom Lake and Hodag Park.