Join the long-running Fourth in the Park celebration, which once again features St. Paul’s only Independence Day parade and an all-day, family-friendly picnic and party in Langford Park on Monday, July 4, 2011.
Events begin at 9 a.m. with the 2-mile and 4-mile runs at Langford Park Recreation Center.
At 11 a.m., the eclectic and colorful parade winds down Como Avenue from Luther Place to Langford Park. Kids are invited to ride their brightly decorated bikes, trikes or wagons in the parade; be sure to gather at 10:30 a.m. at Park Service (2277 W. Como Av.) to get a free American flag.
After the parade, take in the program at Langford Park bandstand. Then all afternoon, enjoy food, music, pony rides and races for all ages; the always-spirited volleyball, tennis and horseshoe tournaments; drawings for door prizes (must be present to win), and just lounging with friends and family over a picnic.
See the full schedule of activities listed below. One change from recent years is that the city’s Showmobile portable stage went out of commission so there will be no evening music and dancing this year, organizers said.
You will also find the schedule in our ad in this month's issue of the Park Bugle, on the Bugle's website at www.ParkBugle.organd on the Fourth in the Park's revamped Facebook page (search for "Fourth in the Park").
The celebration—which has been going for more than 60 years—is put on by the Fourth in the Park Committee and sponsored by the St. Anthony Park Community Foundation and the St. Paul Department of Parks and Recreation, with contributions from many local businesses, friends and neighbors. With insurance, mailing costs, music and parade permits, the day’s events cost about $10,000.
To help keep this signature community event strong, please consider sending a donation to: The Fourth in the Park Committee, PO Box 8062, St. Paul, MN 55108.
For more information, contact the coordinators, Julie Glowka at 651-647-9969, julieglowka@aol.com, or Cindy Vik Thrasher at 651-644-4794, cbthrasher@comcast.net. If you want to march in the parade or help to plan it, contact Brenda Hansen at 651-644-2561 or at bghansen55@msn.com.
Fourth in the Park schedule 2011
8:30 a.m.—Registration for 2-mile (joggers and juniors 15 and younger) and 4-mile races (men, women, and masters) at Langford Park Recreation Center. (Small fee)
9 a.m.—Races start.
10:30 a.m.—Parade assembles. (Kids’ bikes, trikes and wagons, etc., line up at Park Service. Bands, vehicles and marching units line up on Luther Place. Get your free American flag!)
11 a.m.— Parade begins and proceeds along Como Avenue from Luther Place to Langford Park. (Parade includes color guard, neighborhood units, bands, floats, VIPs, music, kids and more.)
11:45 a.m.—Program at historic Langford Park bandstand after the parade. (Includes speeches by local dignitaries, sixth-grade patriotic essay winners and the Spirit of the Park Award presentation. Music by St. Anthony Park Community Band.)
Noon–6 p.m.—Refreshment stand offers hot dogs, pop, and ice cream, and Middle Eastern fare.
Noon–1 p.m.—Registration for tournaments: horseshoes, volleyball and tennis (parent-child doubles).
(To preregister, call 651-298-5765.)
1 p.m.—Tournaments begin.
1-2:30 p.m.—Local musical talent at the bandstand.
- 1-2:30 p.m.—Pigs Eye Jass Band
- 4:30-6:00 p.m.—Erik Stoeckler
1–4 p.m.—Pony rides.
2:30–4 p.m.—Races and contests for children through seniors. (Ribbons for all participants)
4 p.m.—Drawing for door prizes. (Must be present to win.)
4:30–6 p.m.—Local musical talent at the bandstand.
