Head To Evansville This Weekend For Lake Leota Fourth of July
One of Southern Wisconsin's more unique settings for a Fourth of July celebration, Lake Leota Fourth of July takes places in Leonard Leota Park. The park listed on National Register of Historic Place (NRHP) is a magical setting for a festival, overlooking placid Lake Leota. "It is the biggest event of the year," says Jim Brooks, Common Council Chairman and head of the The Evansville Community Partnership (ECP.) ECP puts on the event every year. Brooks estimates close to 10,000 event goers will make their way to Evansville for the four day festival and fireworks show.
Fireworks shows in a state like Wisconsin are weather dependent many towns opt for putting on their pyrotechnics show on a day or week earlier. Not Evansville, their Fourth of July show actually happens on the Fourth. "We've made it 13 years without postponing a single (show.)" Jim Brooks recalls only one close call. "One year the pyrotechnics engineer had tarped over the fireworks display until quarter of nine when the rain stopped, the clouds cleared and moon came out," Brooks says.
The Lake Leota Fourth of July is not simply a traditional fourth celebration: a parade and fireworks show. Aside from the parade in downtown Evansville, Leonard Leota Park hosts the majority of attractions through out the holiday weekend. This year, marks the return for the popular fishing derby. Kids will also be treated to free fishing tackle free when entering the grounds. Another Wisconsin classic, the celebration is hosting a euchre tournament Also returning, is the annual car show, this year featuring 200 vehicles of various vintage.
And there is plenty of food too, food trucks and booths, where ECP's community building shines. They are an umbrella organization in Evansville helping non-profits and community initiatives. As Jim Brooks puts it, "our mission statement is to make Evansville a more vibrant place to live work and raise a family." Thai pork sticks, Blueberry pie to pancake breakfast hosted by the Evansville United Methodist church, the food sold every day benefits the community.
Evansville's Lake Leota is also about live music. Great bands, local talent like Bree Morgan from Janesville, Goo Goo Dolls coverband Foo Foo Fighters wrap up the Friday night festivities. Saturday night rocks out with a crowd favorite Gary McAdams 6-8pm
Pink Houses 9-Midnight. There is also Evansville Underground Music under the festival tent Noon-5pm on Sunday
Thursday is the Fourth. the parade begins at 10 am at Garfield St. and 5th St. coursing its' way through downtown Evansville ending at Leonard Leota Park. The festival grounds open at noon where attendees can be treated to chicken BBQ for starters and performance by local band, The Jimmys, 1-4pm under the festival tent followed by PTO with Scotty Tice from Barneveld, Wisconsin perform live music original tunes & cover songs in country, rock and blues from 5-9pm.
And to cap off the evening, there is the aerial fina
le of the holiday weekend, the fireworks show (launched from a nearby farm.) For great a view Brooks recommends camping out on the hill edging the southside of Lake Leota. The outfield and ball diamond also make for great viewing.
Please note that no parking is permitted on Highway 14 during the fireworks show.
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IF you Go:
Lake Leota Fourth of July takes place Thursday, July 4th through the 6th at Leonard Leota Park.
Leonard Leota Park is located at 5 Antes Drive, Evansville.
For more information about the Lake Leota Fourth of July please visit.the Evansville Community Partnership website, http://www.ecp-wi.org/lake-leota-4th-of-july.html
