The greatest Fourth in the north is a success
The members of the Onaway Chamber of Commerce are very proud and satisfied with the Fourth of July festival, which began on Saturday and ended with a colorful bang on Tuesday evening.
Chamber president LeeAnn Neelis said she was very happy with the results from the festival. ?It went great, and I think we had just as many people, if not more, from last year,? said Neelis.
This year, the Chamber raised more donations toward the culminating fireworks display than any year prior.
The celebration started off with the first Sock Hop, which pulled in about 60 participants.
?The dance was a lot of fun, although it was lower participation than we had expected,? said Neelis. ?Next year, the theme will be the 60s, and we are hoping for another success.?
Car and bike enthusiasts joined the fun on Saturday at the annual Car and Bike Show, which attracted 80 registered cars. (Results from the car show were not available at press time.)
The Co-ed Softball Tournament gathered 14 teams as a fundraiser toward Onaway Little League. First place honors went to Chaskey Septic, second place went to Mike?s Cultured Stone, and third place went to Rogers City Carwash.
A highlight for this year?s festival was the Concert in Chandler Park, which attracted more than 150 visitors. Local talent kicked off the sounds, including performances from Donna Klein, Dave McLellan and his daughter, Ellie, and saxophonist Anthony Wyatt.
Neelis said the acapella group, The Overtones, was also a success at the concert. ?They were great, and I really feel bad for those who missed out on hearing them,? said Neelis. ?We?ve already booked them for next year.?
Perhaps one of the peak moments during the entertainment in the park was the hypnotist and comedy show. Neelis said those who were hypnotized, including city commissioner Jessie Palmer, put on a good show for all in attendance. ?It was absolutely hilarious,? said Neelis. ?It might have been the highlight of my weekend.?
Neelis said the arts and crafts show was a success as well, with 18 vendors participating.
The Sugar & Spice contest enabled cute children from across the area to show off their winning personalities. The King of the contest was Kyler Corey, the son of Tanya Corey and Doug Corey. The Queen was Chloe Erke, the daughter o
There were 48 participants in the Kiddie Parade this year, and each child was awarded with a certificate to Dairy Queen.
The Grand Parade, with Grand Marshal Fred Ellenberger leading the way, was also a complete success.
?We had 87 entries in the parade, and everyone did a great job,? said Neelis.
The winners in the parade were first place, Tom?s IGA; second place, Holy Cross Lutheran Church; and third place, D.A.R.E.
Moran Iron Works won ?Best in Commercial? for his sculpture of Atlas, a figure of Greek mythology, holding up a world of steel.
The 2006 Fourth of July Festival is now complete, but the work is not finished. ?Now, we get started on next year,? said Neelis.