GLADSTONE -- The Gladstone parade brought together generations of families from all over the U.P. And there was something in it to entertain everyone: belly dancers, marching bands, and for the kids, lots of free candy.
But one group of kids was a little more entrepreneurial. They set up a lemonade stand and sold lemonade for fifty cents.
“We're going to be doing fireworks,” explains nine-year-old Sophia Slight, “and, of course, watching the parade and doing the lemonade stand."
Their stand was visited by kids and also parents.
“I was born and raised in Gladstone,” explains Bill Wagner of Escanaba, “and ever since I could remember, this has been what to do on the 4th, and so we make a day of it every year. It’s pretty much stayed the same. It’s very kid-oriented and the kids have a blast and that's why we come."
And that's what keeps folks coming back.
“Well, it's great for the family,” said Jim Groleau. “Everyone can get together and do a family event and start a tradition."
And the parade was just the tip of the iceberg.
There were a lot of other attractions for a good cause.
Boy Scouts from Flat Rock Troop 473 had a ring toss booth to raise money for their team's activities. But one of the more popular attractions was the Gladstone Kiwanis dunk tank. The crowd really gathered around when Gladstone Mayor, Darin Hunter, took the seat. For just one dollar, they got three tries to drunk him. And a few of them did.
The dunk tank has been a staple at the Fourth of July parade for about twenty years.
Officials are hoping to raise around $800 to support their community causes.
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