4th of July Parade & Events

Whether you want to call our 4th of July Celebration, "The Greatest 4th in the North," The "Best 4th in the North," The "Biggest Little 4th in the North," Onaway's Independence day celebration has to be experienced to be believed. 

Why the "Biggest Little 4th in the North"?  Because we are a small, quiet town of 900 residents, except for several hours on the 4th of July. Then our little town gets its groove on and swells to estimates of 10,000 or more people who come to enjoy the Grand Parade as well as craft shows, Fireman's Water Fight, food, reunions and a wide variety of activities all day long and into the evening, climaxing with a gigantic Fireworks Display. 

It is just unbelievable what this little town can do on the 4th. And, we always celebrate Independence Day on the 4th of July no matter what day of the week our "official" Independence Day falls on.  Here are some pictures, which indicate the fun and magnitude associated with this special day, but certainly do not give the full impact of what a wonderful celebration the city of Onaway and its residents put forth or should that be Fourth!

• Want to have a float in the Parade? ANYONE can enter a float in the Onaway 4th of July Parade! Just decorate your float and have it ready to go by 11am at the Shell station. (many will arrive as early as 10am!)
• No pre-registration necessary. There will be cash prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place floats (Moran Iron Works has graciously excused their new piece of artwork from the competition).
• Please remember, this is a family event. Keep it classy. And if you bring anything "messy", please be sure to clean up after your "float"! (this includes horses, leaking vehicles, etc)
• The theme is "Christmas in July"...here's something to get you started:

Dashing down State Street, on a festive holiday float,

Trailer pulled by tractor, or maybe you'll decorate your boat!

Prizes for best float, so show your pride and cheer,

Even as a spectator, you can dress in Christmas gear!

--------------------------------------2019 Events--------------------------------------

Wednesday, July 3, 2019

10am-4pm           Dancing Hippo Arts & Craft Show - Courthouse Lawn, Onaway Historical Society

6pm-9pm      Detroit Frankie’s Wood Fired Brick Oven Pizza, Tom’s Market lot

Thursday, July 4, 2019

8am   Through the Roof 5K Run/Walk, Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 3786 Glasier Rd - $20 fee / Registration at 7:30am / rain or shine / 231.881.2680

9am-11:30am    Kids Games & Child Safe Fingerprint & DNA ID Kits by Deputy Schmoldt - Maxon Field, M-211, sponsored by Awakon Federal Credit Union & Edward Jones Financial

10am-3pm           Dancing Hippo Arts & Craft Show

  Courthouse Lawn, Onaway Historical Society

11am-till gone   VFW BBQ Chicken Dinner, dine in & take out

11am-till gone   American Legion Hot Dog & Beverage Stand at Onaway Outfitters

11am-till gone   Detroit Frankie’s Wood Fired Brick Oven Pizza, Tom’s Market lot

11am-3pm          Giant Salad Bar, St. Paul’s hall, dine in & take out

11am-3pm          Pie & Ice Cream Social

  Onaway United Methodist Church, 3647 N. Lynn St.

Noon                     Parade - Lineup at 10am, judging at 11:30am (no pre-registration needed)

                         Theme: Christmas in July

  Grand Marshal:  Clark Chapman

                         Water Fight following the parade - Onaway Fire Department

Dusk           Fireworks - Onaway Speedway - Parking available at the Speedway, at the School, and along M33

Friday - Sunday, July 5-7, 2019 

  Onaway Antique Tractor Show, M-211 - Tractor Pulls, Pig Roast, Music +

Saturday, July 6, 2019 

7pm   Fireworks Spectacular and Full Show -  Onaway Speedway

  Racing 7pm.  $10 adults, $8 seniors and kids 12-18, kids under 11 free