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Fontana sets Fourth of July festival

FONTANA — Fontana finally will have a Fourth of July festival.

The village is planning the first-ever Fontana Fourth Fest for Saturday and Sunday, July 3 and 4, in Reid Park. The festival is set to include a battle of the bands competition, arts and crafts fair, food and a beer tent.

Fontana residents for years have been looking for more than fireworks on the Fourth of July, Village Clerk Dennis Martin said. The village also has been looking for a way to offset the expense of the fireworks display, which requires overtime from the police and public works departments, he said.

“The village incurs a lot of extra costs,” he said. “Most people show up just for the fireworks, and that puts a large demand on village services. We’re not making any money, so we wanted to do something to mitigate some of those expenses and attract more local people to the park over the holiday.”

The battle of the bands competition is slated to run from 2 to 9 p.m. Saturday and 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday. People who buy ballots for $5 will vote for the winner of the competition. The winning group will receive a contract to play the opening time slot at the annual Big Foot Lions Club lobster boil and steak fry Saturday, July 31, in Reid Park.

The arts and crafts fair will feature dozens of area crafters.

The Big Foot Lions Club will offer hot dogs, brats and pork chop sandwiches along with chips, popcorn, soda, beer and wine coolers from noon to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Martin said the village has high hopes for the Fourth of July festival.

“If there’s something like this going on … there’s a good chance people will stop down to the park, get something to eat and hear some good music,” he said. “It’s a good alternative to fill in the gaps over the holiday weekend.”

If the festival is well attended, the village probably will make plans for a similar festival next year, Martin said.

“If we have some success this year, then I’m sure we’ll keep moving forward with it,” he said.

TO PARTICIPATE

Bands interested in participating in the battle of the bands competition at Fontana Fourth Fest should submit a three-song tape or CD and contact information to Village Clerk Dennis Martin, Fontana Village Hall, 175 Valley View Drive, P.O. Box 200, Fontana, WI 53125.

Vendors interested in participating in the arts and crafts fair should call Kelly Hayden, village administrator/treasurer, at (262) 275-6136. Vendors will be required to bring their own white tent and tables.

IF YOU GO

What: Fontana Fourth Fest

When: Saturday, July 3, and Sunday, July 4.

Where: Reid Park, Lake Street, Fontana.

Information: Call Village Clerk Dennis Martin at (262) 275-6136.