Photo Credit - Bill Pohlman
The City of Manitowoc is using five days this year to celebrate America’s 250th Birthday.
The annual Fourth On The Shore celebration gets underway tonight at the Capitol Civic Center with Kids from Wisconsin performing their show “America’s Soundtrack.
Tourism Director Courtney Hansen tells Seehafernews.com that the city wanted to do something big for America’s special anniversary.
She said they are adding “some key features and upping what we’re doing for other pieces just to make this a really attractive destination for visitors and then also something that residents get excited about too.”
After tonight, tomorrow’s (July 2nd) big feature is scheduled to be held outdoors, with a movie screening of the 1975 classic Jaws at Lighthouse Park beginning at 9:00 p.m.
Friday will have the annual July 3rd celebration downtown, with music from Road Trip and Smoke Road.
It’s also the start of the annual Manitowoc Salmon Derby.
On the 4th of July, the Fourth on the Shore Parade kicks off the holiday festivities at 10:00 a.m.
Hansen says it’s different this year because it’s being judged.
“We’ll have some judges on top of the Wisconsin Maritime Museum, (on the) Sub Pub,” she noted. “We’ll be awarding next week three trophy’s we’ll announce, best in parade, judge’s choice, and then most patriotic. So, very excited to see that come to fruition.”
Also new this year is the partial closure of Maritime Drive after the parade.
It will be from North 7th Street just past the Inn on Maritime Bay as part of the Wisconsin Maritime Museum’s annual SubFest.
“This is something they did a number of years ago for one of their 1st or even 2nd SubFest, and I love that experience,” Hansen stated. “It was more like that street party atmosphere that I’ve experienced with some other 4th of July celebrations in Wisconsin. So, I think that will be very great.”
SubFest also includes a bigger kids’ area, music, and food trucks.
The Manitowoc Farmer’s Market will also be open on the 4th from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Tours will also be given at the Manitowoc Breakwater Lighthouse.
Hansen says the evening ends with one of the biggest fireworks shows the city has put on.
More information about each day during Manitowoc’s 4th of July celebration can be found at visitmanitowoc.org/events.
