The community of Oconto is inviting everyone to spend Independence Day in town as their annual celebration returns on Saturday with a full schedule of activities alongside America’s 250th anniversary.
This year’s celebrating offers something for all ages, as organizers have put together activities ranging from the parade and a cornhole tournament to special fundraisers and a community lunch.
The day starts at 9 AM with a cornhole tournament by the bleachers. Those wishing to enter the parade can start lining up at 10 AM at the school ball field before it starts at 11 AM. This year’s parade is sure to feature plenty of red, white, and blue on floats, tractors, horses, or just those that want to join in the fun.
After the parade, a free will donation lunch will be served at noon at the community building.
The afternoon’s activities continue with the popular critter races at 1 PM featuring turtles, toads, and salamanders. At 2 PM, children and adults can take part in traditional Fun Day games including races, and egg and balloon tosses with prizes on the line.
The conclusion of Saturday’s activities comes with the annual alumni banquet at the community building at 6:30 PM, open to everyone and not just alumni.
In addition to the day’s festivities, the Oconto Library is going to be holding an open house from Noon until 4 PM. After the retiring of longtime caretakers, volunteers came forward to keep the library operating. Everyone is invited to take a glance at the new look, learn about programs like book clubs and monthly children’s and adult craft activities, and enjoy dirty sodas and snacks.
The Oconto United Methodist Church is raffling off a patriotic quilt during the celebration. Only 250 tickets will be sold, and proceeds will help pay for electrical improvements at the church. Tickets will be available at the noon meal and at the library open house, with the drawing scheduled to take place at the alumni banquet at the end of the day Saturday.
Throughout a visit on KCNI/KBBN’s Get Up and Go Breakfast Show, organizers repeatedly emphasized that Oconto’s celebration is possible because of community volunteers. They encouraged everyone from the region to come to Oconto to enjoy a weekend that is a result of their efforts.
Watch our full conversation from Oconto here:
