By Jennifer Bradley
Correspondent
While it’s still four months away, excitement is already building for East Troy’s Lions Club annual Fourth of July Celebration.
The East Troy Village Board heard all the details of this year’s festivities during its meeting Monday night.
Representatives from the Lions Club announced, since Independence Day falls on a Thursday this year, the event will be held over five days instead of the traditional four-day celebration.
The event will run July 3-7 at the East Troy Amusement Park, 3072 Graydon Ave, next to the East Troy Lions Public Library.
Starting on Wednesday, July 3, a 2013 Anniversary FatBoy motorcycle by Harley Davidson will be up for grabs in the club’s annual raffle. The Lions are working with their carnival vendor to secure affordable five-day mega wristband deals for rides.
All five days will feature multiple food stands, a carnival and the largest beer tent in the area with live entertainment every night.
Additional event highlights include:
• Wednesday, July 3: Festivities kick off with the carnival gates opening at 5 p.m. Rebel Grace, a country band, will be performing in the evening in the East Troy Beer Tent.
• Thursday, July 4: Park opens at 5 p.m. Hoi Polloi, a local band, will be performing in the evening.
• Friday, July 5: Park opens at 2 p.m. Garden Tractor Pulls will be held during the day with help from the local FFA Alumni. The Love Monkeys will perform at night.
• Saturday, July 6: Park opens at noon. The day kicks off first thing with a softball tournament at Mitchell Park. Car show registration will open at 9 a.m. and awards will be given at 2 p.m. This event is staffed by the Kettle Moraine Classic Car Club.
The Truck and Tractor Pull will begin at 11 a.m. The Kiddie Parade and Kids Show is slated for Saturday afternoon. Mostly Water and The Toys will perform in the evening. Fireworks are scheduled for 10 p.m.
• Sunday, July 7: Park opens at noon. The parade will begin at 1 p.m.
Lions Club members said it’s set to be a big one, as many bands are expected to visit East Troy on Sunday, after performing in other parades on the Fourth. Evening entertainment is still being discussed.
Festivities will commence on Sunday at 6 p.m., a change from previous years. This is to accommodate the carnival vendor’s need to leave for another event.
