Fourth of July celebration a big success
According to Beverly Brougham, executive director of the Onaway Area Chamber of Commerce, the Fourth of July weekend celebration was one of the biggest successes they have had.
It was kicked off by a street dance on Veterans Drive on Thursday night attended by more than 300 people. ?We made money at the dance this year. It has been growing in popularity and will be an event for many years to come,? said Brougham.
Removal of the 1908 cornerstone time capsule was well attended with people very interested the opening of the time capsule, the history and the thought that one hundred years from now a crowd may be gathered to do the same thing. The chamber placed a copy of its computer screen saver featuring photos of the Onaway area in the time capsule in hopes people will still know what a screensaver is, according to Brougham. The screensaver is one of several items that went into the new time capsule.
After the cornerstone ceremony people gathered to watch the kiddie parade at 11:30 a.m. followed by the grand parade with grand marshals Jim and Marge Hall at 12:30 p.m. ?I have been here since 1995 and this was the biggest crowd I have ever seen gathered for the parade. The chamber is very happy that so many people came out to see what Onaway has to offer,? said Brougham.
Arts and crafts on the courthouse lawn brought more than 20 vendors who all seemed to have a successful day. The chamber was selling historical museum items, which sold out within the first hour.
?I want to thank Brougham and all of the people of the chamber of commerce for the fantastic organization. This had to be one of the best Fourth?s, I believe,? said commissioner Bernie Schmeltzer at Monday?s city commission meeting. Schmeltzer went on to commend police chief James Gibson and the Presque Isle County Sheriff?s Department for making it a safe Fourth.
The first annual horseshoe tournament, which was to benefit the Onaway High School wrestling team and was organized by coach Mark Grant, was a success many enjoyed. The events continued with an evening concert in Chandler
The auto show at Onaway High School drew 68 cars to the show.
?I thought the Fourth events went off extremely well. I want to point out that the tent that was set up probably had a larger crowd than ever. It really worked well. I was there, I spent a lot of time there, I think everybody had a pretty good time. I talked to chief Gibson several times during the night and there were very few incidents. I think we did well in issuing the permit to that,? said commissioner Mel Perkins.
Commissioner Chuck Abshagen also commented, ?I think it was one of the best Fourth?s I can remember.?