JANESVILLE — The Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Wisconsin Lodge #14 wants to take on a Janesville tradition of hosting the annual 4th of July fireworks display.
Customer services representative for Janesville's Leisure Services division, Sue Knueppel, says someone from the organization picked up the paperwork necessary to begin the process.
She says it will take about 60 days to complete the forms and attend certain meetings before the final approval can be given. That means the initial application must be submitted no later than May 1st.
The Janesville Jaycees had hosted the event for years, but they've dissolved the local chapter.
The decades-old tradition of the Janesville Jaycees hosting the Fourth of July celebration in Janesville has come to an end.
This Independence Day activities will be put on by the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Wisconsin Lodge 14.
“Even though we are still rebuilding after a major act of vandalism and fire, we are honored to have the opportunity to continue the history of providing this patriotic custom with our community,’’ said Barry Golden, event chairman, in an issued press release.
The Odd Fellows are working with former Jaycees members, “to make the event structured as much like it has been yet are also looking at ways to improve,” said Co-Chair Cathy Comstock, in the press release.
The location of the festival has not been decided, but event organizers said either Traxler Park or the Janesville Youth Sports Complex—host sites in the past—is being considered.
The celebration will most likely include a carnival, food and retail vendors plus a beverage tent on Friday and Saturday, July 3 and 4. July 2 is being considered as a special family fun/youth focused night with no beer sales, according to the press release.
