ELY – The Ely Fourth of July celebration returns to official status this year with a real “parade” and other events on the 245th birthday of America.
An organizing committee, under the leadership of Ely’s deputy clerk, has planned a safe, festive, inclusive and traditional celebration on Sunday, July 4. Last year, in place of the city’s celebration, a small unsanctioned “patriotic march” was held in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, despite public health concerns over COVID-19.
Confirmed participants, according to Parade Committee Chair Casey Velcheff, include traditional favorites like the Shriners’ Dune Buggy brigade and the Ely Klown Band.
The Ely High School Marching Band won’t be in the parade because COVID-19 health protocols prohibited band classes during the school year. However, the Northeast Range High School Band from Babbitt will participate.
Politicians rarely miss an opportunity to participate in Fourth of July activities and U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, who has roots in Ely, is planning to be here, according to the parade committee. Congressman Pete Stauber, St. Louis County Commissioner Paul McDonald, and one of two Ely mayoral candidates, Roger Skraba, was signed up to participate as of the Timberjay’s deadline. Ely City Council members, riding in the back of a public works truck, typically follow the Ely Honor Guard in leading off the parade.
Organizers hinted at the possibility of a flyover by F-16 Fighting Falcons of the 148th Fighter Wing out of Duluth.
Miss Ely and Little Miss Ely will add some royalty to the procession, riding in a 1969 Chevy Impala convertible. The Ely High School Dance team, Little Miss Babbitt, Team Rubicon, Saddle Club, Your Boat Club, and a host of area businesses and organizations will also participate.
Zup’s Market associates typically distribute copious amounts of candy and treats along the parade route. Some lucky parade watchers may even get a package of ladies underwear.
As usual, opposing sides of the sulfide mining debate will be represented by the Save the Boundary Waters Campaign environmental protection advocate organization and Fight for Mining.
More parade entrants will likely sign up at the last minute, according to committee officials, as well as some unsanctioned participants.
Parade lineup begins at 10 a.m. on Fourth Avenue on the west side of the ISD 696 campus. The parade will begin at 1 p.m. and follow the traditional route through the city: west on Harvey Street to Second Avenue, then north to Sheridan Street, then east through the city’s downtown district, past Whiteside Park, to Eighth Avenue.
The city-wide Fourth of July celebration will also include the following events:
• Raising of the American Flag at the Veterans Memorial (Trezona Trail parking lot), 7 a.m.
• Janet Gensler Memorial Ely 4 on the 4th Run and Walk on Trezona Trail, 8 a.m.
• Picnic and family games in Whiteside Park, with lunch in the pavilion, sponsored by Young Life, 11a.m.-4 p.m.
• Family Friendly Music Event with Van and the Free Candies playing at Semer’s Park, beginning at 4 p.m.
• Fireworks, shot over Miners Lake, will put a patriotic cap on the day at dusk.