Because of a major infrastructure project, Ely’s Fourth of July parade will look a little bit different this year.
The ongoing Harvey Street Project will close off part of the regular route, and parade organizers and city officials have put together an alternate route for 2025.
The parade lineup will continue to be on Fourth Avenue East, on the west side of the Ely school campus including the ice arena parking lot and nearby green space, but from there a new course Harvey Street, the parade will move north to Chapman, turning left and heading to Second Avenue East.
From Second, the parade charts a similar path and will head south to Sheridan Street and turn right on Ely’s main drag all the way down to Eighth Avenue East and Whiteside Park.
The parade begins at 1 p.m. on Friday, July 4, with the lineup starting at 10 a.m. that day.
To enter the parade, contact the city clerk’s office at (218) 365-3224, extension 1.
The city will offer ribbons and prizes for kids entering the parade with decorated bikes, trikes, wagons and costumes, and float judging will take place in the following categories: commercial, non-commercial and most patriotic.
For veterans looking to ride in the parade, a chairlift will be available for those in need of assistance.
The city is also looking for volunteers to assist. Those interested may call the clerk’s office at City Hall.
Ely’s fireworks celebration is also part of the July 4 docket and activities also include food, games and music at the park.
