Americans may not always lead perfect lives. But we shine our best when we all join together and we commemorate the sacrifices our Founding Fathers gave when they wrote the Declaration of Independence and the work of military members to defend those freedoms and the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Elysian’s 4th of July Celebration dedicates a week to sharing the joy of being an American and celebrating nearly 250 years of American independence. From Tuesday, July 2 to Sunday, July 7, there were thousands that joined in the festivities and enjoyed all things American. After all, what’s more American than a plateful of fried chicken, some scoops of ice cream, and a water war to cool off from a hot summer day? The tradition has been an ongoing one for Elysian as the city also commemorated its 140 years of existence and will surely hold a celebration to honor that milestone.
Kicking things off was the Miss Elysian, Jr. Miss Elysian, and Princess of the Lakes pageants at the Elysian Fire Hall.
Wednesday featured the first of three bands playing music at the 4th of July celebration. Smokescreen was the first to kick things off with the Fireman’s Street Dance in the tent near the fire department from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
The Fireman’s Dance has been a time-honored tradition that potentially spans decades; however, nobody, not even the Fire Chief Jason James, could pinpoint an exact year. “I have been with the Department for 18 years and it was an established event back when I started…all I know is that it always serves as a great way to start this fun week for the town.”
The proceeds from the entirety of the Dance will go toward new turnout gear for “six new firefighters” and would also go toward the Department’s relief and other equipment.
The 4th of July featured two medallion hunts, face painting and balloons in the chamber tent, and turtle races. The grand parade, which was scheduled for a 2 p.m. start time, began a few minutes earlier, potentially to beat the heavier thunderstorms trying to move in. Despite a downpour starting midway into the parade, about a thousand braved the wet conditions and enjoyed the many floats trying to stay dry.
Friday was not as busy but still featured bingo in the tent at 6 p.m. The Mankato band “Neon Live” performed at the Thirsty Beaver from 8:30 p.m. until midnight, and fireworks were shot off near Lake Tustin Park at 10 p.m.
Saturday was Elysian’s busiest day, starting with a fishing contest at Lake Francis Park from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Following that was the boat parade on Lake Francis. Two groups of kids participated in the competition: ages 2-6 and 7-12. The top three winners in the tournament received trophies for the largest fish, with additional rewards handed out for the most fish caught.
Bean bag and cribbage tournaments and kid’s bingo were held throughout the morning and early afternoon. The American Legion Post 311 then hosted a chicken feed at 5 p.m. Shortly after the Chicken Feed, a musical appetizer was provided to passersby as another local band LJR–only with the R–performed a small set list in front of Scoops ice creamery while a handful of friends, family, and everyone in between sat down and enjoyed their ice cream. Reporter Jordan Carrillo got a scoop of the Lemon Cheesecake and claimed if it were possible to eat an entire bucket of it without keeling over, he would have.
While the L & J of LJR worked out the kinks of their brand-new sound system, he briefly chatted with the two musicians about their start as a band and their love for music.
Lacey Roemhildt and Jon Hanson formed their band roughly a year ago and have performed at local junkets like Scoops in the past, but their love for making music as Roemhildt and Hanson started singing and playing guitar respectively since they were kids. Hanson especially showcased incredible dexterity and skill with the guitar as he warmed up with elaborate riffs and scales. Roemhildt appeared to be the more social of the two musicians as she spoke with several members of the audience, but once it was her time to shine, she sang a beautiful rendition of Three Dog Night “Never Been to Spain” and seemed to really get her kicks by singing a more upbeat rendition of “Route 66.” The two played for roughly an hour and served as a bridge for the upcoming Chamber Street Dance featuring The Johnny Holm Band, but LJR proved to be a humble yet refreshing reprieve from the hustle and bustle Saturday offered to many patrons of the Fourth of July celebration.
After everyone’s bellies were full from chicken and ice cream, they enjoyed the Chamber Street Dance under the tent from 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. “The Johnny Holm Band” was the musical entertainment for that night.
Sunday, July 7, was the last day of festivities. There was no need for anyone to cook breakfast in Elysian as Chris Cakes provided a pancake breakfast at the Fire Hall from 8 a.m. to noon. Attendants of the celebration had a chance to burn off some calories by checking out the 29th Annual Elysian Car, Truck, Rat Rod Motorcycle, and Tractor Show as well as the flea market, both of which were on the main street from 8 a.m. until about 2 p.m.
The Elysian 4th of July Celebration concluded with the Elysian Fire Department hosting a water war at noon, featuring visiting fire departments from Waterville, Janesville, Cleveland, and more. For those not wanting to risk getting wet (although it was the typical Minnesota summer day), there was also the kid’s power pedal pull under the tent at 12:30 p.m.
At this year’s 4th of July Celebration, many laughs were shared, trophies were earned, and memories were made. And while the rain may have dampened the mood of those in January and part of Independence Day, it didn’t dampen the American spirit all week. God bless America, our home, sweet home.
