Jaycees' Fourth of July festivities at new venue
JANESVILLE — Whether you want to spend part of a day or three days celebrating the Fourth of July, it’s up to you.
The Jaycees are serving up a variety of activities, during their three-day festival that starts today and ends Saturday at the Youth Sports Complex, 100 S. Wuthering Hills Drive.
Traditionally, the Jaycees hold their annual fund-raiser at Traxler Park, which is closed due to the recent floods.
To make the holiday weekend even more enjoyable, Mother Nature has decided to have a blast by giving us beautiful weather.
The forecast for Janesville today and Friday will be mostly sunny with day-high temperatures in the mid-70s. Saturday is expected to be even better—mostly sunny and in the lower 80s.
Today
Gates open at 4 p.m. and close at 11 p.m.
Throughout the afternoon and evening, young children and teens can get their thrills, and possibly some stomach spills, on carnival rides.
Adults also can relax with a cold beverage in the beer tent.
Music lovers can get their groove on by listening or dancing to the music of a disc jockey or live musicians.
Friday
Gates open at 11 a.m. and close at 11 p.m.
Featured throughout the day will be carnival rides, the beer tent, music and clowns’ performances.
The day’s activities will end with a bang when the fireworks display starts at dusk.
Saturday
Gates open at 11 a.m. and close at 11 p.m.
Daylong activities include the carnival, beer tent, music and more performances by clowns.
If you work up an appetite while at the festivities, you can indulge in a variety of beverages and snacks offered by the Youth Sports Coalition. For the heartier appetites, Fuddruckers and Famous Dave’s will be selling sandwiches. And those wishing to satisfy their sweet tooths can do so by dipping into scoops of ice cream.
Carnival ride tickets cost $1 each. Each ride requires three to four tickets, said Jim Knilans, event chairman.
Jul 4, 2008 at 11:59 a.m.
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I heard something on the radio about parking for the fireworks at sports complex. I believe it said there would be something in th paper but I can't find anything. Anyone know?
Jul 4, 2008 at 1:49 a.m.
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As far as I know, this is the schedule for the rest of the weekend:
Fri 7/4
- Bob Rocks 2-5
- Damage, Inc 5:30-7:30
- 2211 8-11
Sat 7/5
- Blue Olives 2-4
- Band TBD 4:30-7
- JC and Kid Sister 8-11
Jul 3, 2008 at 5:02 p.m.
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The article says live musicians but never mentions anything but a dj. Way to get the facts! It was probably too hard of a "scoop" to get all the information. lol anyone willing to help the gazette with some information?
Jul 3, 2008 at 4:05 p.m.
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I'm not sure how it's set up this year since I haven't been there, but down at Traxler Park they always had an area fenced off that beer wasn't allowed to leave, right?
So, it's very simple. If I want to go down and watch the fireworks and have a beer, why do you care?
And if you don't want to go have a beer, stay away from it.
Please don't tell me what my morals or idea of fun should be.
Jul 3, 2008 at 2:46 p.m.
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I wouldn't miss the beer tent either but I suppose it's a big money maker.
Three to four dollars per ride? OUCH I'm not going to be able to take my kids that's for sure. We'll do the fireworks show though.
Have fun and stay safe.
Jul 3, 2008 at 10:05 a.m.
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wow those rides are expensive!! they should have good ones for that price. I guess I'm stuck in the 70's, price wise anyways. If I saw the guy pushing the kid down and hitting her I would have had the cops lock his arse up. Doesn't matter if he was drunk or not. There is no excuse for that anywhere. STAY SAFE
Jul 3, 2008 at 9:44 a.m.
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The last time I went to the festivities was several years ago. The reason? A wife was trying to get her husband to leave the grounds. He was obviously drunk by then and I saw him hit her and push his little boy to the ground. My son and a dozen other young kids and their parents witnessed it and a few little ones started crying because it scared them so much. It kind of takes the fun out of the day.I have an alcoholic in my family. I see it enough there. I don't need to subject my family to it in public. Thank goodness for Freedomfest!!! I know I wasn't very good in math so maybe that's why I can't figure out how beer tent = family fun either. Why can't the Jaycees have another fundraiser during the year just for those 21 and older? Have the beer tent at that and bring in some local bands. I'll save my money and go to the 4-H fair. No alcohol and still a lot of fun.
Jul 3, 2008 at 9:39 a.m.
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LOL I just might take a few hours and pour beer. i need the exercise. everyone STAY SAFE!!!!
Jul 3, 2008 at 9:19 a.m.
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Nothing says family fun like "BEER TENT"!
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