Watersmeet celebrates Independence Day

WATERSMEET - The region's Fourth of July celebrations concluded on a sunny, warm Saturday with a full schedule of events in Watersmeet, which offered a parade, picnic, and fireworks, along with numerous activities.

The parade route along U.S. Hwy. 45 featured flags posted on intermittent light poles, with people lining the street on both sides for a procession led by local veterans.

"Yooper Pride" was the parade theme, which was boldly expressed by Nordine's Plaza in Watersmeet, which won first prize among entrants. Children grabbing candy tossed from that float had to face the possibility of also being doused by a squirt of water.

The Phelps, Wis., VFW took second place with a trailer presenting a large flag and patriotic wrappings.

Third place went to the Lac Vieux Desert Resort and Casino in Watersmeet, which offered the message "Land of the Free Because of the Brave."

Among spectators was Bob Hazen, who graduated from high school in 1967 in Watersmeet and then worked for several decades in Milwaukee. His job building industrial cranes required travel to other locales, including Iraq.

Hazen said the day's patriotism has special meaning for him after returning in recent years to live in Bruce Crossing.

The grand marshal vehicle featured township treasurer Paul Kemppainen and his wife, Chuckie, who also were among the first dancers to enjoy the harmonic music of the Paul Family Bluegrass Band, playing afterward in the township pavilion.

Picnic fare included burgers, hot dogs, corn on the cob, pork and beans, potato salad, popcorn treats, and beverages.

Tables filled most of the pavilion, which was wrapped in red, white and blue fringe, and a large tent next to it provided space for additional folks. On the other side of the pavilion was a grilling shed manned by Dan Wiedemeier, Dennis Wood, Bill Kerston and Kirby Thorn.

The men were a cheerful bunch, with Wiedemeier assuring, "If you can't be happy at work, go fishing."

His wife, Roberta Wiedemeier, organized the day's activities, along with members of the township's 4th of July committee.

Children's activities included an inflatable bounce house, face painting, and a coin scramble.

Jessica Chiochios was in charge of kid stuff. She said that, prior to the holiday, local business owners displayed containers in which patrons contributed coins, which then were mingled with sawdust that had been sprinkled on a large tarp.

Children in two brackets of age five and under or ages 6-10 then vie to find as many coins as they can. They could keep whatever they found.

Older kids approached the task with great gusto and concentration, while younger kids took a more leisurely approach. They employed various strategies, including kicking, sifting or digging.

Some enlisted the help of their moms or dads, and other participants took breaks to gaze around or chat.

Chiochios also expected to offer a sack race, a balloon toss, a hula hoop contest, and a watermelon-eating contest.

Roberta Wiedemeier said next year's event could use more helping hands, especially from younger people. "We need volunteers," she said.