Vermillion’s Fourth of July Celebration in the Park commences Wednesday

The annual Fourth of July celebration will kick off Wednesday, and will take start at 6 p.m. in Barstow Park. Members of the community are encouraged to gather for family-friendly activities in the park.

“In past celebrations in the park, we estimate about 400 to 500 people come out to the park,” said Vermillion’s Chamber of Commerce Member Service Manager Ann Breitag.

The Vermillion Chamber of Commerce has helped put on the celebration for at least ten years, and Breitag has been involved with the event since she started working at the chamber of commerce four years ago.

Between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., seven vender booths will be set up selling food, drinks and crafts. The booths include Scoops, Vermillion PTA face painting and popcorn, the Boy Scouts, Hy-Vee, Alex’s Lemonade Stand, Jody Harnois’ pork sandwiches and ribs. The event will also include a craft booth.

Along with the venders, there will also be family-friendly activities like inflatable castles for kids. For $5, children can get a wristband to enter the inflatables.

The sixth annual Hy-Vee hot dog eating contest will also take place in the park on Wednesday.

“We draw a huge crowd for the hot dog eating contest, and the winner from the male and female category receives $100,” Breitag said.

During the event, DJ C and K Entertainment will be playing music, and the Eagles Club will be sponsoring a beer garden for adults.

To close the event, a fireworks display will take place as soon as it gets dark outside. Community members are encouraged to donate money for the fireworks. Donation canisters can be found around town at local businesses through Friday, July 6.