Ramsay prepares for July 4 river rumble

RAMSAY — The Bessemer Township Fourth of July Committee will again be the first to offer fireworks in the area to help celebrate the nation’s birth next month.

“Rumble Over the River” is set for dusk on Saturday, July 1, in Ramsay. The night will begin at 6 with live music behind the Ramsay Fire Hall, with entertainment to be announced.

Marty’s Goldenaires Senior Drum and Bugle Corps will offer a concert between 8:30 and 9 p.m.

The Bessemer Township Fire Department will set off the fireworks and officials hope the crowd enjoys the spectacular display. “Make sure to look to the Keystone Bridge for the waterfall again this year,” a member of the fire department said.

The committee will have its concession stand open through the evening in the fire hall, offering hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, soda, water and other refreshments.

The fire department will also offer refreshments.

Following the fireworks, a street dance will continue until around midnight or when the crowd begins to thin. The winning 50/50 ticket number will be announced.

The Fourth of July parade is set for 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 4, with line-up as usual on River Street beginning at 9:15 a.m. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third places for float entries.

It’s a general parade with no theme, as the committee wants all area organizations to participate. The committee will also be handing out ice cream treats to all children.

Leading up to the big celebration, a couple of fund-raisers are planned by the committee. The annual block drive was set for Thursday, beginning at 6 p.m. Volunteers canvassed the neighborhoods of Ramsay and Bessemer Township soliciting donations to help defray costs associated with putting the celebration together. Those who make donations will receive an “I support the Ramsay 4th” window display card, which will include a list of activities set for July 1 and 4.

Donations can be dropped off at the Bessemer Township Hall during regular office hours.

The committee’s 50/50 ticket sales will kick off on Friday, June 9. “I have a great group of volunteers who work very hard to make sure we sell out our 50/50 tickets every year,” said 50/50 chairperson Lisa Selin. “They put in lots of hours and sell lots of tickets.”

A ticket-selling tent is planned to be set up on U.S. 2 at the Ramsay crossing.

“We will be selling tickets for a full three weeks leading up to our street dance and fireworks,” Selin said. “The winning 50/50 ticket number will be announced either right before the fireworks start or shortly after they end, depending on when they sell out.”

Volunteers are needed for the block drive and are asked to meet at the Ramsay Fire Hall on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. Those interested in selling 50/50 tickets are also asked to be at the fire hall that same night to receive their packets and T-shirts or by contacting 50/50 chairperson Selin at 906-364-0041.

“We hope to see everyone in Ramsay on July 1 and 4,” said committee president Scott Cebolski. “It’s always a great time.”