More than fireworks on July 4 schedule at Robe-Ann Park
While the annual Fourth of July fireworks at Robe-Ann Park annually have been the centerpiece of Greencastle Independence Day activities, there is more to the celebration than rockets bursting in air.
Food, entertainment and fun also are part of the holiday menu.
First off, the fireworks themselves are planned as always for dusk on the holiday Wednesday.
Fire Chief Bill Newgent has confirmed, contrary to the rumor mill, that fireworks are still scheduled for the Fourth of July at Robe-Ann Park.
"We are planning on continuing with that, full steam ahead," he told the Banner Graphic.
Also, the fire department is working with the fireworks contractors to ensure that all aerial fireworks are shot over the quarry so they will land in the water. There will be no ground displays due to the dry conditions.
Plenty of entertainment is planned for the bandshell leading up to the free fireworks show. Donations will be accepted via a blanket pass prior to the show.
Entertainment, meanwhile, will begin at 4 p.m. with a performance by the students of Dance Workshop.
Music takes over the stage at 5 p.m. with Zombie Llamas, including guest appearances by Jessica Jones and Makayla Hettich, Lindsey Davis and Ashley Wilson.
At 6:45 p.m., Wanted on Fire performs, followed at 7:45 by Mongrel Dogs and at 8:45 p.m. by the Steve St. Pierre group Blues Side Up.
The newest fun activity on tap is a wing-eating contest, hosted by the Greencastle High School football program.
The 3 p.m. contest will be staged in the Bob Flanigan Bandshell at Robe-Ann Park. The wings will be donated by Buffalo Wild Wings of Greencastle.
All proceeds will be used toward the cost of July 4 fireworks and entertainment. Registration deadline is noon Wednesday. Fee is $40 per team.
Each wing-eating team will consist of four members. Each team member will be responsible for eating 10 wings (eight hot/two blazing). Once a team member finishes his or her wings, the next team member will compete.
The team that finishes in the fastest time will win four $25 gift certificates from Buffalo Wild Wings. A plaque honoring the winning team will be displayed inside the restaurant.
The second-place team will be rewarded with four $10 gift certificates.
Registration forms can be found at the city website, www.cityofgreencastle.com.
Meanwhile, breakfast will also be available at the park as the third annual "Pancakes for Parks and Pathways" fundraiser is set for Wednesday morning.
The all-you-can-eat breakfast will be served from 7:30-11 a.m. at shelterhouse No. 1 atop the hill overlooking the bandshell. The pancake breakfast will also include sausage with a choice drink of coffee, juice or milk.
Cost of the breakfast is $5 for adults and $3 for children age 12 and under.
All proceeds from the pancake breakfast will benefit People Pathways and the Greencastle Civic League's Splash Park projects.
Meanwhile, participants can also register for other events on the Fourth of July schedule at www.cityofgreencastle.com, including:
-- The Mike Rokicki Memorial Road Run and 21st annual Castle Classic 5K (registration 7-8 a.m., run at 8). Cost is $15 per person in advance or $20 day of event.
-- Zumba by Dance Workshop, 7:30-8:30 a.m. in bandshell. Cost is a donation to the fireworks fund.
-- Dog Fashion Show, 10 a.m. (registration 9:30), Park Maintenance Building. Cost $5.