Cornell Independence Day celebration kicks off July 3

Kicking off the Independence Day weekend, Cornell has a fun-filled afternoon/night planned for Friday, July 3. To begin, an ATV/UTV parade is scheduled for 3 p.m., traveling down Main Street.

“As you know, there have not been any events, really, and we have not had any parades yet this year,” said parade coordinator Aimee Korger. Korger is working to have classic cars take part in the parade, with businesses and organizations welcome to join in. Those interested in getting a number in the line-up, can contact Korger at 715-456-7947.

After that, the road will be closed on Main Street between First and Third streets, from 3 p.m. to 12 a.m., allowing for a community street dance.

“What we’re planning on doing, is having the staging for the bands in the center of the street…” said street dance organizer Sandy Schecklman. “All of the businesses have been closed for a couple months now, and we all need a boost.”

From 4-6 p.m., Reflections of Sound will perform for the dancers, with Dixie and Terry singing from 6-8 p.m. Mike and the Motorboats wrap up the music, from 8-11 p.m.

The event is sponsored by the Cornell Area ATV Riders, and local businesses and individuals. There will also be a few things for kids to do, such as chalk set out to draw on the pavement.

A chicken dinner will also be available for purchase at Mill Yard Park, served by the Cornell Lions Club, while the community waits for the annual fireworks display to begin at dark.

“This is a thing the city needs,” said Schecklman, “there have been so many things closed down.”