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Party on the Point plans revised

TAMARACK CITY — Friday’s Party on the Point was downsized in scope and overt political themes following concerns from community members and local officials.

The event starts at 6 p.m. Friday, with fireworks beginning at dusk. It was created by Neuvokas Corp. CEO and “All Business is Essential” founder Erik Kiilunen, who sought to create a replacement for canceled Fourth of July festivities in Lake Linden.

The original schedule for the event included longer hours as well as a more oppositional tone, which included mask-burning and speeches fitting the “All Business is Essential” theme.

After a community meeting in Tamarack City where the plans drew a majority negative response, Kiilunen brought a revised plan with an emphasis on children’s activities.

“He’s going to downsize it, follow the law and just put on a good time, I believe,” said Tamarack City Fire Chief Steve Klein, who had criticized the initial plan, which he said would have overcrowded local parks beyond the private party. “If it’s a small, consumer (fireworks) presentation, it’ll draw a smaller crowd of people, and that’s all good.”

The event will feature a smaller consumer fireworks display instead of one replicating the annual Lake Linden display, as Kiilunen had originally planned.

“My local community was in an uproar about it, so I didn’t want to go that far,” he said. “We thought, we’ll focus on the kids and make it a family-friendly event.”

Events include a decorated bike parade at 6:30 p.m. with a $20 cash prize, sack races, tug of war, and singalongs.

Professionals from the fireworks supplier in Green Bay will still come to set off the fireworks, Kiilunen said.

Baby E’s, which had been listed as a food vendor, pulled out earlier this week, citing the divisiveness of the event as conceived. People must bring their own food, though bottled water will be provided. No alcohol will be allowed.

With a consumer-grade fireworks display, the department is not required to be on scene, Klein said. He said the department would still monitor conditions due to the hot and dry weather forecast for this weekend. Kiilunen said he was also working to have an ambulance on site.

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