Blanding to host July 4 celebration

Blanding celebrates Independence Day with a full schedule of activities over the coming week. The annual celebration culminates on Wednesday, July 4.
The community vows “We Will Never Forget” with a celebration honoring veterans. Veterans of World War II will serve as the grand marshals of the Independence Day parade on July 4.
Events begin on Saturday with the Mini Madness Coed Softball tournament for middle school-age kids at the Centennial Park fields.
Tuesday is the opening night of the Edge of the Seaters Melodrama. The melodrama will be presented at 7 p.m. at the Blanding Arts and Events Center on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The Shane Warenski Memorial Midnight Madness softball tournament begins at 5:30 p.m. on July 3 and runs through the night at the old high school baseball fields.
A dance for all member of the community begins at 8 p.m. at the high school gym. A special tribute to veterans and military personnel will be presented at 9:30. The dance is hosted by the junior class at San Juan High.
By the time the celebration concludes on July 4, there will be a host of athletic opportunities for young and old alike, including softball, baseball, basketball, volleyball, a 5k and one mile run, horseshoe, swimming, and equestrian contests.
Events begin early on July 4, with a 5K race beginning at 6:30 a.m. The Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast begins serving at 7:45 a.m. with a low-cost meal. The patriotic program begins at 8:30 a.m. and features State Senator David Hinkins, Representative Christine Watkins, and Utah Lieutenant Governor Greg Bell. Lisa Carr, who husband and two sons were recently deployed to fight the war of terrorism, will also speak.
The annual Independence Day parade begins at 10:30 a.m., running a course from the high school and south on Main Street. Vendors, games, food and fun will be available at Centennial Park immediately following the parade.
Stan Bronson will perform in concert on Wednesday at 4 p.m. at the San Juan High School auditorium.
There are a number of entertainment options, in addition to the melodrama and Stan Bronson concert. These include a quilt show, a photography exhibit, the melodrama, and a concert in the park.
The Boy Scouts will serve a meal beginning at 6 p.m. followed by a concert in the park from 7 to 10 p.m. The culmination of the celebration is the annual July 4 fireworks display, which begins at 10 p.m.
The celebration is made possible by the volunteer work of dozens of area residents, led by Lynn Stevens. Volunteers including (but certainly not limited to) Robert Ogle, Charlie Taylor, Edge of the Seaters Theatre Company, San Juan High Junior Class, San Juan High athletic teams, the Rotary Club, San Juan High School cheerleaders, Boy Scouts of America, Mayor and City Council, National Guard, LDS Wards, Dale Shumway, Lynn Stevens, Blanding Quilting Guild, Blanding City Recreation, Kay Shumway, Stan Bronson and many, many more.

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