City workers were out on Monday painting fresh lines on Main Street in Lennox, businesses were sprucing up the fronts of their buildings, and residents were out watering their flowers — all in preparation of the biggest event this city holds — the Old Fashioned Fourth of July.
Every year, since 1983 Lennox has held a celebration in honor of Independence Day. The event seems to grow each year. Lennox Commercial Club members organize the bulk of the festivities on July 4th and are in charge of the street dance on July 3rd, but the event truly is a community effort, with many organizations adding to what is offered, such as the church service on July 2nd.
With Main Street under construction this year, the biggest change will be the parade route, beginning at HWY 44 and Elm St., heading north to First Ave. and then south down Main Street to Sixth Ave., east to HWY 17 with the parade ending at the St. Magdalen Church Parking Lot.
For out of town guests, general parking is available at the old football field, with an entrance off of HWY 44. Car show enthusiasts can also use the entrance off of HWY 44 to access the car show on Tuesday. General parking for the event is also available at the Intermediate School Parking Lot on Fifth Ave.
There is no parking along the parade route except on Main Street from First through Fifth Ave.
Another special treat this year will be a fly-over from the Vanguard Squadron on Monday Night at 8:30 p.m. during Cruise Night and again on Tuesday morning at 10:30 a.m. before the parade.
With Main Street construction on the south end, cruise night will also be affected. Cruisers may consider making the whip from the 1990’s — cruising down Main, making the turnaround in the school parking lot and back down Main to First.
The line-up of events includes the following:
Sunday, July 2nd:
• Sunday Worship in the Park at 10:30 a.m. Followed by catered meal. Please bring lawn chairs to sit on. You are invited to bring a pie to share if you wish.
• Lennox Volunteer Fire Dept. Water Fight at 1:30 p.m. at the Fire Station, 206 S. Juniper St., Lennox. Spectators welcome!
Monday, July 3rd:
• Cruise Night, open to everyone! Great family fun, come cruise Main Street Lennox.
• Lennox High School Band Boosters will be on Main Street serving popcorn, pop and water starting at 5 p.m.
• 5th Annual Lennox Street Dance from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. Entertainment is new this year with The Dweebs. The band advertises they are America’s Favorite Party Band. Also new this year will be two stages. Starting off the evening will be local musicians Smooche, who will perform on the side stage right up until The Dweebs take the main stage. Tickets for the street dance area available now at local businesses—Cenex Total Stop, Sunshine, Ace Hardware, and Lewis Drug; cost is $7 in advance and $10 at the gate.
Tuesday, July 4th:
• Firecracker Road Race 8:00 a.m. Races include 1 & 2 mile and 5K, 10K. Registration begins at 7 a.m. at Lennox High School; race begins at 8 a.m.; Pre-registration: $25 for both 5K and 10K races; https://runsignup.com/Race/SD/Lennox/LennoxFirecracker. For the 1 and 2 mile, $10 pre-registration at the city office and $15 the day of the race. Sponsored by the Lennox Lions Club
• Lennox Senior Center Breakfast and Lunch. Serving Rolls & Coffee 8-10 a.m. and Lunch following the parade
• 4th of July Parade at 10:30 a.m. All entries are encouraged to register by 9:30 a.m. The Parade Route has changed due to Main Street Construction. The route will begin at HWY 44 and Elm St., heading north to First Ave. and then south down Main Street to Sixth Ave., then east to HWY 17
• Lennox Area Museum, open 9:00 a.m. until parade passes in front of museum. After Parade, open until 2:00 p.m. Located at 3rd & Main, Admission free. Donations welcome.
• July 4th Quilt Show, following the Parade until 4 p.m. at the Elementary School Gym, admission $5.00. Fund-raiser for In His Steps: Pathways of Peace. To register a quilt contact jrops@svtv.com or call 605-647-2959
• Kiddy Tractor Pull, 1 p.m. at the old football field, near Westerman Park
• Car Show from 11 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the old football field. HALF the proceeds raised go to Operation Addy, a local nonprofit group that helps local families in South Dakota. Cost will be $15 for pre-registration, $20 at the Gate.
• Live Music in the Park from 11:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Westerman Park.
• Arts in the Park from 12:00 - 5:00 p.m. Browse craft and food vendors at Westerman Park following Parade. Kids activities will also be available.
• Lennox Lady O’s Softball Team Dunk Tank, dunk your favorite coaches and/or parents, such as Dale Ziegler, Blake Crosby and more. Cost is 1 throw for $2 and 3 throws for $5. The team is also selling cool refreshments for those that stop by.
• Legion Baseball Game 1:30 p.m. at the Ball Diamond
• Lennox Municipal Band concert at the bandshell at 8:00 p.m.
• Fireworks at dusk following the Band Concert. Fireworks are shot off from the High School Parking Lot.