Jim and Susanne Kessler’s grandchildren dressed in attire from different decades for 2021’s Fourth of July parade in Winona Lake. This year’s parade will be at 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 2. InkFreeNews file photo.

Staff Report

WINONA LAKE — People can celebrate the Fourth of July a bit early in Winona Lake.

There are plenty of activities that will be held on Saturday, July 2, and Sunday, July 3.

Saturday’s events kick off with the Cutie Contest in the community building at Winona Lake. Titles include Prince and Princess Winona for three-year-olds and four-year-olds and King and Queen Winona for five-year-olds and six-year-olds.

Registration is noon to 12:45 p.m., with the competitions starting at 1 p.m. and running back to back, with crowning to follow.

Parade registration begins at 3:15 p.m. at the corner of Columbia Drive and Park Avenue. The parade, with a theme of “College Sports,” will start at 4 p.m.

There will be various events from 5-9 p.m. in Winona Lake Limitless Park, including face painting, pony rides and more.

Winona Lake Parks Department Director Holly Hummitch said she hopes the day is just “a fun family time for everyone.”

At 8 p.m. in Circle Fountain Park, the Wagon Wheel Symphony of the Lakes will perform its free “Salute to America” concert, which will be followed by fireworks over Winona Lake at 10 p.m.

On Sunday, July 3, the Winona Lake Flotilla will occur. Organizer Art Gakstatter invites people to come out at Winona Lake Limitless Park’s pier at 3 p.m. to line up their boats for the parade.

Here is the full schedule of events:

Saturday, July 2

• Noon to 12:45 p.m. — Registration for Cutie Contest at Winona Lake’s community building
• 1 p.m. — Cutie Contest starts at 1 p.m. at Winona Lake’s community building, with the different age groups competing back to back and crowning to immediately follow
• 3:15 p.m. — Registration for parade begins at Columbia Drive and Park Avenue
• 4 p.m. — Parade with a theme of “College Sports”
• 5-9 p.m. — Food vendors, face painting, inflatables, pony rides, etc., at Winona Lake Limitless Park
• 6 p.m. — Parade awards given out near DJ tent at WLLP
• 8 p.m. — Wagon Wheel Symphony of the Lakes’ “Salute to America” concert at Circle Fountain Park
• 10 p.m. — Fireworks over Winona Lake

Sunday, July 3

• 3 p.m. — Lineup of boats at Winona Lake Limitless Park’s pier, followed by the Winona Lake Flotilla