Burlington

Burlington gears up to celebrate

Fireworks explode over Browns Lake during the annual Venetian Fest in 2019. The Independence Day weekend celebration returns to Fischer Park on Saturday. (Photo by Chad Hensiak)

Venetian Fest, Firefighters Dance set for July 4 weekend

Standard Press Staff

Burlington area residents will have plenty of opportunity to celebrate Independence Day this weekend with traditional events returning in full force in both the city and the township.

The fun begins Saturday, July 3, with Browns Lake Venetian Fest at Fischer Park in the Town of Burlington. The event features a paddle excursion, decorated boat parade, Aqua Ducks ski show, live music and fireworks.

On Sunday, July 4, the City of Burlington Fire Department will again host its Firefighters Dance at Echo Park from 2 to 11 p.m. It features food and drinks, live music, dancing, and a prime spot to watch the city’s fireworks display.

 

Venetian Fest

People who have access to kayaks, paddleboards and canoes are invited to join in a recreational excursion around the lake beginning at 9 a.m. Participants in the free event are asked to meet in the middle of the Browns Lake to join in the paddle event.

Last year’s event attracted more than 100 paddle-powered vessels.

Festivities continue in the afternoon with the boat parade at 4 p.m. Boat owners are invited to creatively decorate their boats – there is no specific theme – and join the fun. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three boats determined by a panel of judges. Those who want to participate may visit the Browns Lake Venetian Fest Facebook page for to register.

The start of the boat parade coincides with the start of the ski show by the Browns Lake Aqua Ducks. The 90-minute show features trick skiers, ballet lines and towering pyramids.

As the ski show wraps up at 5:30 p.m., the fun at Fischer Park ramps up. Live music from Almighty Vinyl, playing classic rock from the 1970s, will take the stage until 9:30 p.m. when the fireworks show begins.

Throughout the afternoon and evening there will be a food and beer tent with proceeds going to the fireworks fund and Aqua Ducks, according to organizers.

 

Firefighters Dance

The annual event in Echo Park returns this year with a traditional lineup of fun beginning at 2 p.m.

Music and dancing begins at 4 p.m. with a performance by the Twin Rivers Band.

City firefighters will serve food and drink throughout the afternoon and evening.

Echo Park will provide an ideal spot, according to organizers, for those who want to view the city’s fireworks display, which will be launched from the festival grounds on the opposite side of Milwaukee Avenue.

Following the fireworks, the Twin Rivers Band will again perform until 11 p.m.

For additional information visit the City of Burlington Fire Department Facebook page.

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