Lake City kicks off weekend getaway in ‘Grand’ style | News

LAKE CITY Main Street and Lake City side streets full of people?

Check.

An assortment of different parade entries and the most candy tossed at the masses decorated in red, white and blue?

Check.

It may not be as big as previous years and it may be the only event scheduled for Saturday, but the Fourth Greatest Grand Parade in the North is back, and the boy is thrilled. This year’s theme is “Celebration of Our Communities, It’s History and People.”

The Grand Parade usually has about 120 entries and lasts for about two hours. This year, however, it was about half of that and lasted about 90 minutes. This is one of the oldest events and one of the biggest during GFITN week. As in previous years, businesses, groups, clubs, organizations, and nonprofits were asked to parade through downtown Lake City.

Prior to the parade, the annual Lake City Boosters 5K and 10K races were held. This year the 5K and 10K races kick off at the city park at 7:30 a.m. Saturday. All participants received T-shirts and pedestrians were welcome to join the race with the runners.

Saturday’s other events include a craft show with more than 25 booths featuring farmers, artisans and woodworkers, as well as live entertainment at local restaurants and bars.

Traditionally, the Greatest Fourth in the North celebration includes a fireworks display. Due to the last-minute nature of the event due to the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, this year is not possible. However, the Lake Missaukee community put on a fireworks display around the water on July 3.