Coldwater Red, White And Blue 250th Celebration Set For July 4th

Coldwater is preparing for a larger-than-usual Red, White and Blue Celebration as the community joins in the nationwide celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.

Brad Niekamp and Bob Hibner recently joined Kevin Sandler on Spectrum to preview the Coldwater Red, White and Blue 250th Celebration, which will be held Saturday, July 4th, from 4 to 11 p.m. at Coldwater Memorial Park.

Hibner said the event will follow the Red, White and Blue format from previous years, but this year organizers have joined forces with Coldwater’s 250th anniversary committee to make the celebration even bigger.

The event will begin at 4 p.m. with opening ceremonies, an invocation, and music from a local worship group put together for the celebration.

Live music will continue throughout the evening with Exploit Deluxe, That 70’s Rock Show, and Fresh Horses, a Garth Brooks tribute. That 70’s Rock Show is expected to take the crowd through hits from each year of the 1970s, while Fresh Horses will close the night beginning around 8:45 p.m.

Food trucks will also be part of the celebration. Vendors expected at the event include Buckeye Saucers, Keyhole Pizza, Two Dads, Creme de la Creme, Coldwater Kiwanis burgers, Holy Smokes Barbecue, Nacho Pig, and kettle corn. A beer stand will open at 5 p.m., and Mercer Health will help operate a pop and water stand.

The event will also continue the Red, White and Blue tradition of honoring local police, fire, EMS, and other emergency responders. Hibner said that was the original purpose when the event started several years ago, and organizers felt the Fourth of July was the right time to recognize those who help keep the community safe.

Organizers also plan to recognize military veterans in attendance by branch of service.

Niekamp said the celebration will include several special touches tied to America’s 250th anniversary. Coldwater students took part in an essay contest centered around the question of how to build on the legacy of the Declaration of Independence. Three winners will read their short essays during the celebration, and those essays will be placed in a new time capsule.

Coldwater previously buried a time capsule during America’s bicentennial celebration 50 years ago. Items from that capsule are currently on display at the Coldwater Public Library. Niekamp said the library is also working to digitize items from the old capsule so they can be preserved and viewed in the future.

Coldwater organizations and businesses are being invited to submit items for the new time capsule. Lists of proposed items can be dropped off at the village offices, with collection planned for August. The new capsule is expected to be buried in late August or early September. Leifeld Welding is helping build the new time capsule.

Another highlight will be a cannon firing at the end of the Star-Spangled Banner. Niekamp said the cannon has been inspected and organizers have been trained on how to safely fire it. He noted there will be no projectiles, but the black powder, fire, and boom will be part of the patriotic moment.

An Elvis impersonator is also expected to perform during the evening after receiving requests to return to the event.

Those attending are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, family, and friends. The event is free to the public, but donations will be accepted. Proceeds support projects connected to local fire, police, and EMS groups. Organizers said previous proceeds helped support a $14,000 donation toward the purchase of a law enforcement dog.

A rain location is also being planned. If weather becomes an issue, organizers may move the event to the Coldwater Schools auditorium. A decision would be made a day or two before the event, with updates shared through WCSM.

The Coldwater Red, White and Blue 250th Celebration is open to the public.