Other than a change in the parade route, the Fourth of July festivities in Ely should look quite familiar.
Ely’s Independence Day celebration, set for next Friday, is full of the usual events, including a parade and fireworks, as well as a few more recent twists.
But because of the ongoing Harvey Street Project, the parade route has changed slightly.
The lineup is as usual along Fourth Avenue East, adjacent to the school campus and ice arena, but rather than turning on Harvey Street, the parade will instead head west on Chapman Street.
From there, it’s on to Second Avenue East and then Sheridan Street, traveling east and winding up on Eighth Avenue next to Whiteside Park.
“It’s just a little diversion,” said Misty Merhar of the Ely Events Group.
Ely’s parade generally attracts thousands to the city streets and well over 100 entrants and this year should be no exception.
Given decades of history, Ely’s sidewalks will be full and it’s not uncommon for hundreds of lawnchairs to be placed the night before at favorite parade-watching locations.
“If you’ve never been to an Ely parade, it’s an experience,” said Merhar. “And bring a box for all the goodies.”
Prizes will be awarded in both commercial and non-commercial categories, as well as for bikes/trikes, individual and group costumes and wagons.
The parade lineup starts at 10 a.m., and parade entrants can register in advance at 365-3224, extension 1, although same-day entrants are allowed.
Kids may also show up the day of the parade and they will be placed toward the front of the route so they can enjoy the remainder.
The Ely Honor Guard will be leading the parade, along with area veterans who will be in a military truck.
Longtime Ely area resident Jerry Fink has been named this year’s grand marshal and he will be on the Ely Klown Band’s fire truck.
Bands are always a big part of an Ely parade and this year’s event features not only the Klown Band but also includes the high school band from neighboring Mesabi East.
Zup’s is sure to be part of the parade with the grocery store’s usual assortment of giveaways.
The Bulldogs of the 148th Fighter Wing, the Duluth- based Air National Guard wing, will conduct an F-16 fly over. The flyover will take place at approximately 10:34 a.m., according to deputy city clerk and Events Group member Casey Velcheff.
The Ely Events Group Facebook page will have upto- date information throughout the week as well as the day of the event.
While the parade is a big highlight, it’s only part of Ely’s July 4 festivities.
The annual “Four on the Fourth” race around the Trezona Trail (8 a.m.) and a ceremonial flag raising at 10 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial highlight the morning events.
The park serves as a hub of activity throughout the day, with Ely’s YoungLife group putting on games, races and other fun events, along with a full slate of food and beverage offerings.
After the parade, Semers Park is the venue for several hours of events, with several musical acts performing at a family-friendly event that runs until 9 p.m. Ely’s city band, meanwhile, has a performance at the park bandshell immediately after the parade.
In what has become an Ely tradition, people will gather at the St. Anthony’s parking lot, along Pioneer Road and other great vantage points to see the fireworks display. It begins around 10 p.m.
Both Miners Drive and the Trezona Trail will be blocked from Seventh Avenue East to 17th Avenue East from 3 p.m. until after the fireworks No vehicle or foot traffic will be permitted.
