City announces downtown July 4th schedule
McMinnville officials and volunteer groups are planning a full day of events July 5 in celebration of Independence Day.
While the holiday falls on a Sunday this year, organizers for city events have decided to hold festivities on Monday. And as in previous years, festivities get off to a start with a pancake breakfast on Court Square and end with the Dr Pepper fireworks display at McMinnville Civic Center.
Main Street McMinnville is also organizing a patriotic window decorating contest for downtown merchants beginning June 30. Winners will be announced at downtown events July 5.
“This is a wonderful way for our downtown merchants and business owners to show their patriotic spirit on this important national holiday,” Main Street McMinnville assistant Carla King said.
“It’s also a good time to show our support for our local National Guard armory and their families. Freedom means a lot more to us these days. Our downtown businesses will be bursting with red, white and blue for the annual downtown celebration.”
The annual Stars and Stripes Fun Run and Walk is on the agenda, as are offerings for children near Court Square, the opening of the Park Theater, an art show, and a Confederate encampment.
The downtown events continue with a number of patriotic tributes such as the presentation of the colors by the VFW and American Legion, the Silver and Gold Band and a Pioneerette performance. A walking tour of the old city cemetery is also planned.
Downtown events culminate with the annual Yankee Doodle Children’s Parade.
Entry forms for both the Fun Run and Walk, as well as the children’s parade, are available at the Civic Center, the Chamber of Commerce, Union Planters Bank and First National Bank. The entry fee for the parade is $3 and the entry deadline is July 5. The pre-registration fee for the race is $3 and registration on race day is $5.
The day’s schedule is as follows:
• Breakfast on the Square, pancakes and bacon for $4 a plate and drink, 7 to 10 a.m.;
• Stars and Stripes Fun Run/Walk sponsored by Noon Rotary and Dr Pepper, 3-mile fun run, 3-mile walk, 1 mile for juniors 13 years and under, race day registration 7 a.m., race begins at 7:30 a.m.;
• Children’s corner, moon walk, chalk art, face painting, 8 to 11 a.m.;
• Park Theater open house, popcorn and children’s games, 8 to 11 a.m.;
• Heritage Alliance art show and sale in the building located next to Union Planters Bank on East Main Street, archaeological objects from a student YSI dig on display, 8 to 11 a.m.;
• Confederate camp, 8 to 11 a.m.;
• Patriotic salute, presentation of colors by VFW and American Legion, Bugler Mike Chilcutt, 9 a.m.;
• Silver and Gold Band, 9:15 a.m.
• Pioneerette performance, varsity and junior varsity squads, 10 a.m.;
• Walking tour of old city cemetery. Meet in front of Chamber of Commerce building, 10 a.m.;
• Yankee Doodle children’s parade, push, pull or pedal toys decorated in red, white and blue, awards given to top three places in each division, 10:30 a.m.;
• Gilley Pool open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.;
• Fireworks display, arrive early to get a spot at the Civic Center, 9 p.m.