“It was exciting,” said Michael Renier, president of South Range’s Fourth of July Committee. “When I was walking down the parade route with the kids’ bikes, I had a big smile on my face.”

Saturday’s festivities included childrens’ races and kids’ games at the Veterans’ Memorial Park. The biggest draw was the parade down Main Street. Renier estimated about 2,000 people came out to see fire trucks, Army vehicles and other entries.

Jolena Benson of Adams Township watched the parade with her children, who had dyed their hair blue to match the day’s color theme.

“It feels good to be out,” she said. “We get to celebrate America. That’s why we’re here, right? To teach the young ones what’s important.”

Garrett Neese/Daily Mining Gazette After a year off, crowds came back to watch the annual Fourth of July parade in South Range.

The South Range Fire Department received first place and most patriotic in the parade; Adams Township Fire Department was named the runners up.

“It’s nice to have everything back to somewhat normal,” said Darren Niemi of the Adams Township Fire Department. “There’s something for the kids and everybody. That’s what it’s all about. Not as many people as you’d normally see, but it’s cool. Much nicer than last year.”

A flag-raising ceremony was held at 8 a.m. Other events included a post-parade horseshoe tournament and from 6 to 10 p.m., live music.

“It was very entertaining, and people were dancing on the main street,” Renier said.

This year’s Fourth of July celebration benefited from new voices, Renier said; this year’s committee included five new members. For the first time, South Range added a flea market to the Fourth of July celebration. Renier estimated it had 300 shoppers.

Garrett Neese/Daily Mining Gazette Veterans march with the United States flag on display during the parade through downtown South Range Sunday.

Keweenaw Brewing Company offered a tour of its brewery, while people could also view the Copper Range Museum and historical photos of South Range.

The day ended with a fireworks display at Veterans Memorial Park.

“The fireworks finale was very entertaining for sure,” Renier said. “We spent more money on fireworks this year, so that was worth it in the end.”

Benson appreciated having so much to see.

“I like that there’s a variety and it’s not just the parade,” she said. “And they have the best fireworks.”

Monday, committee members and vendors agreed the day had been a success, Renier said. The Veterans of Foreign Wars post sold all of its 300 chicken dinners, while the South Range Pub also saw success with its cornhole tournament.

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