A Festive Fourth Of July

Winona Lake is reaching back into its history in hopes of livening up its future.

This weekend's new festival, "The Winona Lake Great Fourth of July Celebration," is an attempt to bring back Winona Lake's tradition of extravagant Fourth of July weekends.

Years ago, when Winona Lake was a major gathering place for activities, its Independence Day events were considered a focal point in the community.

This weekend's music, historical tours and fireworks are the foundation of what might become a new tradition, said Alisa West, spokesperson for the town's new publicity and promotions committee.

"We're hoping it becomes an annual event," West said.

All of the activities will take place between the Winona Hotel and Rodeheaver Auditorium. Parking is available in area church lots and parking lots owned by Grace College.

Activities kick off at 6:30 p.m. tonight with a concert featuring Time Travelers. The show will be on Park Avenue near the post office.

Friday's events begin at 8 a.m. with the "Firecracker 5000," a 5K run/walk.

Other events include tours of the Billy Sunday Home and the Beyer House, featuring historic photos and flags. Tours of the Beyer House will run from 2 to 4 p.m. and the exhibit will remain open until 7 p.m.

Vendors will be on hand throughout the afternoon as games and a car show get under way.

At 5:30 p.m., the town will host a strawberry shortcake social. A ski show is set for 6 p.m. At 7:30 p.m. the Indiana Professional Orchestra Ensemble, led by James Chandler, will perform patriotic music.

Friday night's fireworks - donated by Dane and Mary Louise Miller - are visible from the beach.

The following is a listing of other local activities:

COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS

Another great place to watch the Winona Lake fireworks is the fairgrounds, and this year there's an added incentive to head to the fairgrounds.

Friday, the fairgrounds is sponsoring the Toyota Hollywood Stunt Show, which begins at 8 p.m.

The 60-minute stunt show will highlight some of the biggest stunts performed for television and movies, and uses 19 vehicles performing 28 stunts.

Drivers will re-create a series of car chases and motorcycle stunts.

Tickets are $6 for adults and $3 for children. Parking is free. Those wanting to head to the fairgrounds to watch only the fireworks will be admitted free of charge.

SYRACUSE FIREWORKS

Syracuse will host two nights of fireworks and fun.

On Friday, a road race and fun walk are scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. at Lakeside Park on the shores of Syracuse Lake. At 7 p.m., the Lake Area Community Band will strike up the music at Lakeside Park. Fireworks are scheduled for about 9 p.m.

On Saturday a fireworks display known as "Big Bam Boom" is scheduled for Lake Wawasee.

For Lake Wawasee Flotilla details, see below.

ETNA GREEN

The town of Etna Green has a full day of activities planned for Friday's Independence Day. Things kick off at 6:30 a.m. with rolls, coffee and juice served by United Methodist Church.

A fun walk begins at 7:30 a.m. and a shuffle board tournament starts at 8:30 a.m.

The annual parade through Etna Green is set for 2 p.m. This year's theme is "Hi Ho Silver - 25 Years." Grand marshals for this year's event include eight charter members of O.N.O. - a local club known as Our Night Out. Those being honored include Betty Davis, Jo Gard, Zulema Houghton, Betty Sparks, Betty Stouder, Lois Stouder, Lucile Stouder and Thelma Thomas.

Other traditional activities are also planned at Heritage Park, including a pedal power tractor pull at 4 p.m.

A dance led by a DJ is scheduled from 6 to 9 p.m. at the pavilion.

NORTH WEBSTER

North Webster will also have a blend of music and fireworks. Vocalist Shelly Sanders will perform at 7 p.m. at North Webster Park. Fireworks will follow after sunset.

WAWASEE FLOTILLA

For the second consecutive year, the Wawasee flotilla will be conducted on Saturday instead of Sunday. The change was made to accommodate out-of-town visitors who normally head home Sunday afternoon.

The flotilla will begin at 1 p.m. There is no preregistration, but boats should begin lining up near Griffith's Marina by noon.

This year's commodore is Doug Schrock, a member of the board of directors of Goshen Hospital.

Top prize this year is the Commodore's Award, which comes with an engraved ice bucket and $250.

OTHER FLOTILLAS

Chapman Lake and Tippecanoe Lake will also host flotillas.

Chapman Lake will begin registration at 10 a.m. Friday. This year's theme is "Special Events in History." The flotilla begins at 1 p.m. on the south end of Little Chapman. A fireworks display is set for 9 p.m.

Tippecanoe Lake will hold its flotilla at 1 p.m. Saturday. Registration is from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. The parade will begin near the Tippe Dance Hall and conclude at Patona Bay, where presentation of awards will be made.

'LIBERTY' IN SYRACUSE

The eighth annual "Liberty" celebration in Syracuse is set for this weekend and will feature three shows. The musical extravaganza will occur at Wawasee Middle School Auditorium. Show times are 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.

The 85-member-plus Liberty Singers are led by director Ray Moss, and the children's portion is led by North Webster music teacher Karilyn Metcalf.