Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
ETNA GREEN - "The circus is coming! The circus is coming!"
Well, sort of. The theme for this year's Etna Green Fourth of July Celebration is "Under the Big Top," and organizers expect to see many clowns and circus-oriented floats in the annual parade.
The parade will be the highlight of the festival, but many other events are planned for the Independence Day holiday.
Residents and visitors can meet for coffee, juice and rolls sponsored by the United Methodist Church at 6:30 a.m. Saturday at Heritage Park. After powering up, head over to registration for the Fun Walk at 7:30, with the walk set to begin at 8 a.m.
A shuffleboard tournament starts at 8:30 a.m. and the United Methodist Church-sponsored bake sale at 9 a.m., both at Heritage Park.
A moonwalk will be available for children from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The food stands open at 10 a.m., as does the Good News Caboose and games. Among the foods available will be chicken, pork chops, pie, ice cream, pizza, sloppy joes, hot dogs, nachos, popcorn and drinks.
The Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department K-9 unit will have demonstrations at 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. at the ball diamond.
The "Simple Truth" band will perform from 10:30 to 11:30 p.m. at the pavilion.
Contests sponsored by the Junior ONO Club include a sack race at 11 a.m. and a Twinkie¨-eating contest at 11:30 a.m. Registration for in-line skating races begins at noon, with the races set for 12:30 p.m. on Walnut Street, in front of the park.
The parade is set to begin at 2 p.m., with registration for line-up being from 1 to 1:45 p.m. at the first station. Winners will be announced and prizes awarded at 5 p.m.
After the parade, stick around for the big wheel races and pedal tractor pull. The former is at 3 p.m., the latter at 3:30 p.m.
Bingo for adults only takes place at 4 p.m., and Rails the Clown performs at 4:15 p.m. at the pavilion.
In addition to festival activities, there will be several giveaways, including bicycles, a redwood gazebo, dinner and a stay at a bed and breakfast in Nappanee, a 50/50 drawing and first-aid kits.
