(The tradition continues but please read carefully, as some activities have changed)

Wednesday, July 3rd . . .

Independence Day Dance – We kick off the Celebration with the traditional Independence Day Dance. Join us at the old Fire Station (1008 Shorewood Blvd) on Thursday, July 3rd from 7:00 pm until 10:30 pm for an evening of music and fun. We are starting earlier than usual this year to make the event more friendly to families with young children. The street in front of the old Fire Station (Shorewood Boulevard)will be closed during the Dance for safety. The Village’s own ‘DJ EJ’ and ‘Big Jake’ will be playing your favorites. Grab your friends and neighbors, socialize or dance the night away. As always, admission is free to all. Refreshments will be available at nominal cost. Children are welcome!

Thursday, July 4th . . .

“Try-It" Triathlon”  –  The Village Recreation Committee, together with Shorewood Elementary School PTO, will host the 15th Annual Try-It on July 4th. This mini-triathlon is for ALL ages. The event will have an Adult Heat (250 m swim / 7 km bike / 3 km run), and a Kids Heat (12-and-under, 150 m swim / 3.2 km bike / 1.6 km run). On-site registration begins at 8:30 am at Shorewood Hills Pool. The adult heat will begin at 9:00 am (kids heat to follow). The triathlon is free, but donations for the SHES PTO will be accepted at registration. Start your 4th of July celebration on a healthy note and join the fun while supporting our local school!

Softball Game – The traditional 4th of July Softball Game begins at 9:00 am on the ball diamond north of the School. The game has evolved from the “Married vs. Singles” game of the past, to an East vs. West battle for Village supremacy. Bring your bats, balls and gloves and join in the fun.

Shorewood Hills Community League Bake Sale – The Shorewood Hills Community League’s Bake Sale is back again this year. Join your neighbors and friends at the old Fire Station for coffee and baked goods between 9:00 am and 12:00 pm. The Bake Sale will have numerous tasty treats prepared and donated by Village residents. You might just find that perfect dessert for your holiday dinner. Set-up begins at 8:00 am. Please drop off your donated confection between 8:00-9:00 am at the old Fire Station for pricing.

Village Art Fair – The Village is full of talented artists working in a number of different media. Stop by the Fire Station from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm to view (and possibly purchase) art work created by your friends and neighbors. There may be fewer artists than in the past and they will be spread out a bit more so that people can remain socially distant from each other. If you are an artist interested in showing your work, contact the art fair coordinator, Tad Pinkerton at tad@thinkpink.com for details and to reserve your spot (space is limited).

Parade – The children’s parade will begin promptly at 12:30 pm. Decorate your bike, trike or stroller or design a patriotic float. Everyone who would like to join the trek around the school should line-up in front of the old Fire Station by 12:15 pm. Sorry, no automobiles allowed without special permission (well in advance).

No Candy Please – We ask that both participants and spectators refrain from tossing candy during the parade. Handing out candy during the parade may be common place at other parades but it has never been a part of our July Fourth Parade. That may be because there are usually more people IN the parade than watching it. For everyone’s safety, no candy please.

Games – There is something for all ages. A variety of stage games, field events and booth games follow the Parade, including the popular egg toss. Fire Truck rides are back this year too (all adults must be accompanied by a child ;-p ). These events are free, but don’t forget to bring some cash for baked goods and beverages.

Waterfights – This is the 28th year for the Adult Waterfight Tournament. It has become quite the spectator sport. Veterans and newbies will battle for the title and Village bragging rights. Who will capture the trophy this year? Can anyone break Coops Troups winning streak? Gather your friends and family, practice in your backyard with a garden hose and prepare for the Annual Adult Waterfight Tournament. Registration Forms are available on the Village’s website or at the beverage sales area during the Dance or morning of July 4th (please sign up early, space is limited). We will have waterfights for kids before the Adult Waterfight Tournament.

Family Picnic – Do you want to see your Village Board and other officials really work hard for you? Come to the Family Picnic on the school grounds across from the old Fire Station. From 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm, traditional favorites like burgers, brats, hot dogs, chicken and other tasty treats will be available for a small fee. Soft drinks and other refreshments will be available at the old Fire Station. Get together with family and friends, bring dishes to pass within your group and you’ve got a first rate picnic dinner with a minimum of fuss. Don’t forget to bring along your own napkins, plates, eating utensils and a trash bag. Trash and recycling carts will be available on the grounds for your convenience.

Fireworks – Put a finishing touch on a great day by joining us at the Blackhawk Country Club for the Annual Fireworks Display. The fireworks show begins at dusk (~9:30 pm) but you may want to find a spot earlier in the evening. The volunteers of the EMS & Fire Association began setting up and shooting the fireworks show at Blackhawk in 1948. Over the last 70+ years the show has evolved to be bigger, better and safer. This year’s show should be excellent. There is always a surprise (or two). While there is no charge for the show, donations are heartily encouraged and will be solicited at the Country Club. If you enjoy the show, please help! Contributions can be made at any time to the “Shorewood Hills Fireworks Fund.” Mail or drop off your donations at: 810 Shorewood Boulevard, Madison, WI 53705.

Food & Music – Last year Blackhawk Country Club enlisted members of the UW Band to play music before the Fireworks Display and arranged for some food carts to be on-site for visitors to purchase snacks. Our fingers are crossed that it will happen again this year.

We hope that everyone has a safe and enjoyable Independence Day Celebration! If you have any questions about the events, please call the Village Hall at 608-267-2680.

** The Village offices will be closed on Thursday, July 4th in observance of the holiday **