LAKE LINDEN — American Legion Williams-Giroux Post No. 90, of Lake Linden, will conduct a small Independence Day parade this coming Saturday, followed by a street dance in the evening, said Post Commander Ron Schmitt.

“The parade will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Calumet Street, at the bottom of the hill near 10th Street, and go through town,” he said, “and will be followed by a memorial service in the park,” said Schmitt.

Schmitt said in no way is the parade a protest or demonstration of any kind.

“This is just a little parade that we’ve been doing for a hundred years,” he said.

Schmitt said he hopes the public will attend and enjoy the parade, though it will be small, due to COVID-19 restrictions in place at the time Saturday’s events were planned.

“The village cancelled their activities, and, as you can see, they can’t book high school bands, or concessions or nothing,” said Schmitt, “and they sure couldn’t do fireworks with 5,000 people in the park, with social distancing.”

On June 1, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced groups of 100 people were allowed to gather outdoors, provided the people maintained social distancing.

The Daily Mining Gazette reported on June 1 that the Lake Linden Village Council and the Lake Linden Volunteer Fire Department canceled the sponsored activities for this year’s Independence Day celebration. An announcement also appeared on the village website:

“The uncertainty of state requirements for conducting an event of its size, along with commitments to vendors and preparations curtailed by the current restrictions, have made it impossible for us to hold it this year,” the website states. “The Fire Department thanks everyone for their support and urges people to celebrate the 4th of July in their own way, mindful of family and friends. We also pledge our commitment to making sure the 2021 celebration is worthy of the long two-year wait.”

Post No. 90 will also host a street dance in the post’s parking lot, located at 390 Front Street, from 6-10 p.m. Live music will be provided by Lake Linden-based group High Tolerance, a high-energy variety rock band.

Post members encourage people to observe COVID-19 guidelines, including social distancing of at least six feet, and wearing a face mask if unable to maintain a six-foot distance.

“There’s plenty of room,” Schmitt said. “We’ll be outside, there’s plenty of room for social distancing, but if people don’t follow the rules, there isn’t anything we can do.”

Schmitt also said if other veterans want to participate in the parade, they are welcome and encouraged to do that.