Highlights Archives
Celebrating the Fourth — 19th-Century Style
For residents of small rural villages in 19th-century Wisconsin, the annual community Independence Day celebration marked the high point of every summer. At Old World Wisconsin, that same small-town spirit of excitement and patriotic pride will fill the air in the 1870s crossroads village on Friday, July 4, as townfolk and visitors alike celebrate An Old World Fourth of July. A flag raising and recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance begin the day's festivities at 10:30 a.m., followed by a band concert featuring patriotic music of the 19th century at 11:15, a hymn sing at 12:15 p.m., and a grand Independence Day parade at 1:30. Additional Fourth of July festivities continue throughout the afternoon.
Following is a detailed schedule of the day's activities:
- 10:30 a.m. — Raising of the Flag, Harmony Town Hall
Join the townsfolk in a very special ceremony that honors the birth of our great nation with raising of the flag and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
- 11:15 a.m. — Band Concert, Village Grove
Relax in the shade of the village grove and enjoy a selection of patriotic music of the 19th century performed by the Community Band. Sponsored by Old World Wisconsin Foundation.
- 12:15 p.m. — Hymn Sing, St. Peter's Church
Join in singing patriotic hymns of the 19th century
- 1 p.m. — Farmsteads and African-American Pioneer Area Close for the Independence Day Parade
These areas will reopen at 3:30 p.m. The last transportation to the Crossroads Village will be at 1 p.m. Tram service will reopen at 3:30 p.m.
- 1:30 p.m. — Independence Day Parade from Caldwell Hall to the Village Grove
The grand parade of flags featuring the Community Band, Goddess of Liberty, politicians, suffragettes and much more.
- 2 p.m. — Patriotic Exercises in the Village Grove
Patriotic music, songs, poems and orations highlight the Independence Day celebration.
- Immediately Following the Patriotic Exercises
- Greased Pole Climb, Village Grove
The first person to shimmy up to the top of the pole wins $20 in coins. Sound easy? Consider that the pole is covered with our own special blend of grease.
- Pie-Eating Contest, Village Grove
Cherry filling topped with plenty of whipped cream makes for a tasty (and extremely messy) contest. Prizes awarded to the winners in each age bracket.
- Egg Toss, Village Grove
Grab a partner and join in the fun of tossing and catching raw eggs, or just come and watch the fun
- Watermelon Seed Spitting Contest, Village Grove
This is a rather refreshing contest that allows you to test your skill at spitting watermelon seeds. Prizes awarded to the winners in each age bracket.
A variety of other activities will take place between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. and from 3:15 to 5 p.m. in the Crossroads Village and at the ethnic farmsteads. These range from sack races, a shell game and croquet in the village to bubble blowing, lawn bowling, hopscotch, marbles and much more. For complete details on hours, admission fees, locations and directions, and other details, see our Plan Your Visit pages.
:: Posted June 30, 2008
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