Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
WINONA LAKE - The Park Department will host a two-day extravaganza to celebrate the Fourth of July weekend beginning Friday night with a concert in the park from 6 to 9 p.m. featuring the musical group "Time Travelers." Vendors also will line Park Avenue selling commemorative items, including a specially-designed poster marking the festival. A fireworks spectacular over the lake, beginning at 9 p.m. immediately following the concert, will end the evening.
Activities on July 4 include:
• 8 a.m. - The Firecracker 5,000 Run/Walk. The race begins and ends at the park.
• 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Craft show/sale. Vendors will offer their arts and crafts for display and sale along Park Avenue.
• Noon - Area fire departments will aim their hoses and compete in the Waterball Competition, pushing a giant rubber ball back and forth.
• 1 p.m. - Games galore will be in the offing. Games range from the traditional three-legged race, tug-of-war and balloon toss, to the diaper derby for toddlers and face painting for kids of all ages.
• 2-4 p.m. - A historic photo display and tour of the Buyer family and Billy Sunday homes will be available for those interested in days gone by.
• 3-4 p.m. - The Lake City Skiers will perform waterskiing tricks of skill and daring adjacent to Park Avenue.
• 4-5 p.m. - A family bicycle outing will take place, allowing parents and kids some quality fun time together while touring historic Winona Lake neighborhoods.
• 4-6 p.m. - An antique/classic car cruise-in will provide the automobile enthusiast a chance to view restored cars from days gone by.
• 5-6 p.m. - The festival will wrap up with the culinary delight of a strawberry shortcake social in the park.
