Parade returns to downtown

• Parade

Dizzy the clown wanders down the street during the 2008 Fourth of July parade. (Jed Carlson/jcarlson@superiortelegram.com)

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Plans are well in hand for Superior’s Fourth of July celebration.

With nearly a year of planning under their belts, the 16-citizen-member committee that plans the annual parade, car show and fireworks to celebrate the nation’s independence are ready to roll out the show.

This year the parade returns to its usual route, lining up on Mortorelli drive before heading west on Belknap Street and north on Ogden Avenue to Broadway Street. Last year, the route was forced to change because of construction on the Blatnik Bridge that diverted traffic to the Bong Bridge.

So far, about 100 units have signed up for the return to the Business Improvement District route, said Citizen Committee Co-Chairman Dave Stannard.

And this year’s grand marshals recognize long dedicated members of the planning committee – retired police detective Bill Andrews and Lucille LaGesse, both of whom gave 10-plus years to build a successful celebration that draws about 10,000 people to Superior’s central business district each year.

The parade starts at 11 a.m. Saturday and includes a flyover by the 148th Fighter Wing of Duluth.

Following the parade is the annual car show on Tower Avenue.

The Superior Singers perform “Sweet Land of Liberty at 2 p.m. at Pilgrim Lutheran Church, 820 Belknap St.

Stannard said committee member Dennis Van Alstine has been hard at work to draw a variety of motor vehicles to line the city’s main drag at 2:30 p.m. About 300 cars are expected.

The Superior Business Improvement District is encouraging businesses set up shop in front of their buildings as the car show returns this year to the city’s central business district.

Businesses not located in the area are welcomed and encouraged to work with those in the district to set up shop during the afternoon of festivities.

And last – but not least – the city’s annual fireworks display rolls out at dusk at the Richard I. Bong Memorial Airport, filling the sky with rocket’s red glare and more.

Tags: fourth of july, news, superior, parade, fireworks