The City of Minonk was the place to be again this Fourth of July as the city staged
its annual Fourth of July celebration in downtown Minonk. The festivities began on
Thursday night with the opening of a carnival in Sutton's Park and a beer tent was
set up on Chestnut Street across from City Hall. As usual the weather turned hot
and humid with temperatures in the lower 90's making it uncomfortable for those in
the sun.
The parade this year consisted of 108 entries that included
old cars, the latest agricultural equipment, horses, and floats of all
types. The parade was very entertaining and was watched by a large crowd. The Grand Marshal
for the parade this year was Jim Meyers who has been a Minonk businessman for 46 years.
The carnival this year proved to be a disappointment according to Cathy McKay, the Chairman
of the Fourth of July committee. Apparently, the carnival was overbooked and half of the
carnival attractions were at another location which left only 6 rides and a few games. Cathy
said that every effort will be made to obtain a reputable carnival which will honor its
committments for next year's festivities.
The evenings firworks were preceded by a band at Sutton's Park. The fireworks were the best that
we have seen yet and was enjoyed by the large crowd. The volunteers who organized this year's
Fourth of July celebration are to be commended for their dedication and hard work that makes
Minonk as the place to be on the Fourth of July.
For pictures of the Fourth of July parade
and other festivities, click here.
