Celebrate country style

Rural Douglas County has a lot going on next week to celebrate the 4th of July, well beyond Independence Day.

Lake Nebagamon and Solon Springs both greet visitors with games, food and parades.

Lake Nebagamon

Everyone is welcome to come and participate in the Family Fun Day from noon to 3 p.m. Wednesday behind the Lake Nebagamon Auditorium. There will be old-fashioned fun with family games for all ages and prizes for all participants. If the weather is bad, the games move inside the auditorium.

The annual 4th of July Parade begins at 4 p.m. Wednesday. The parade will start at the Lake Nebagamon Laundromat on the Right of Way Road and wind through the village. Anyone wishing to participate in the parade should call Dan Morey, (715) 374-2559. A boat parade begins at 7 p.m. Wednesday from Honeymoon Point and travel along the lakeshore to the public beach. Anyone wishing to participate with a decorated watercraft should line up at Honeymoon Point by 7 p.m.

The fireworks display will begin at dusk, with good viewing spots available at the beachfront and auditorium.

The Lake Nebagamon Lions Club with donations from the Nebagamon Community Association and local businesses sponsors the display.

Classic cars cruise through downtown Lake Nebagamon from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday. Every week the “Classics by the Lake” club sponsors the Thursday cruise night. Anyone is welcome to bring their classic vehicle along for the ride or stop by the village to watch them cruise.

St. Anthony of Lake Nebagamon hosts a Dragin’ Tail pre-event meal of pasta, bread, salad, beverage and dessert from 4-7 p.m. July 6 in the air-conditioned center on Highway B in downtown Lake Nebagamon.

Visit with participants and fans and load up on carbohydrates — homemade spaghetti — for just $7 for adults and $4 for those age 4-14; children 3 and younger eat free.

Lake Nebagamon’s celebration hits an active note July 7. The day begins at 8 a.m. with the Kids Dragin’ Tail Run. The 5-mile Dragin’ Tail Run begins at 9 a.m. Runners who register in advance receive a commemorative T-shirt. Registration forms are available at the village office during regular business hours.

At 8 p.m. July 7, the winner of the Nebagamon Button Contest will be announced in downtown Lake Nebagamon, followed by a street dance 8 p.m. to midnight featuring Solomon Witherspoon & 1017.

The week’s events wrap up with a pancake breakfast 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 8 at Trinity Lutheran Church. Enjoy all-you-can-eat pancakes, sausages, fruit sauce/syrup, juice, coffee and milk. Admission is $5 for adults, $2.50 for children ages 6-12. Children ages 5 and younger eat free.

Solon Springs

Solon Springs celebrates the 4th of July with a parade at 1 p.m. through downtown and fireworks at dusk.

A car show takes place July 7-8 in Solon Springs complete with live music, food and craft vendors, farmers’ market, flea market, games for both kids and adults and some very special surprises.

In addition, GB Leighton performs at Lucius Woods Performing Arts Center as part of the Music in the Park concert series at 7 p.m. July 7.

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