ELY - Organizers of the Fourth of July patriotic march finalized more details of the event last week. The procession through town, supported by the city of Ely, will begin at 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 4.
Using the traditional Independence Day parade route, those marching will assemble near the school football and baseball fields on Stuckel Avenue and begin the march at Harvey Street, head west to 2nd Avenue, turn right at the Ely Post Office and proceed to Sheridan Street. Marchers will turn east onto Sheridan Street and proceed past Whiteside Park to 8th Avenue and turn right, ending at Harvey Street.
According to event organizers on the 4th in Ely Facebook page, the patriotic march will be led by the Ely Honor Guard and will feature the Ely Klown Band, rescue vehicles, private and community floats, kids on bikes and the traditional distribution of goodies and groceries by Zup’s Food Market. Other participants will be announced.
Ely city council members, having canceled their sanctioned celebration because of public health concerns over the coronavirus, have agreed that the city would provide traffic control. The march was planned by a group of citizens. Because of First Amendment rights, according to the city attorney, neither city nor state approval is required because it is not called a parade.
The 4th in Ely organization needs volunteers to assist at the 90-degree turns the route takes through town. These volunteers will wear high-visibility safety vests to help guide the larger vehicles around the corners while watching for children, organizers said. “Safety is paramount. We will be held to the highest standard and under a microscope.”
A fundraiser for the event, initiated by Karen Hamilton, the Ely Patriotic Club creator, raised nearly $2,000 in the first week, surpassing a goal of $1,000. More than 40 people donated.
“Insurance quote is $600, we need safety gear for the organizers, and would love to do cash prizes for the kids’ floats, bikes and costumes,” Hamilton said. To donate, message Hamilton through Facebook.
“If anyone would prefer to donate the old fashioned way, stop by (Ely) Ace Hardware and leave dollars with Misty Anderson Merhar,” she added. Additional funds raised will be donated to the Ely Fire Department Fireworks Fund.
Because of public health guidelines due to COVID-19, adjustments to Ely’s usual parade festivities are in place.
• People will not be allowed to set out chairs overnight to reserve viewing spots. Any chairs set out in advance may be confiscated, according to organizers.
• Family groups are encouraged to practice social distancing and to separate from other spectators.
• Use of protective face masks is encouraged, but not required.
Other July 4th events, including the traditional festivities at Whiteside Park prior to and after the previous parades, and the Four on the Fourth running race, are canceled this year. Whiteside Park is open to the public.
The city of Ely is still sponsoring the annual fireworks show at dusk, with fireworks being set off over Miners Lake.