Parade highlights Fourth

This will be the 97th year that the Humboldt Park Fourth of July Association will be staging an Independence Day celebration, and festivities are scheduled from morning until night.

Penny Manke, one of the organizers, said the 2007 theme is "Liberty and Justice for All."

Activities begin at East Lincoln and South Kinnickinnic avenues, where the Fritsche Middle School color guard and band is scheduled to step off and lead the Bay View Fourth of July parade at 9 a.m. Wednesday.

Some new entertainers will be in the parade, Manke said, including Tom Schwark on the Slovenian button box accordion and an act called Romantic Mandolin Melodies.

Mascots are always a crowd-pleaser, she said, and they will be out in force during the parade. They include mascots representing the Milwaukee Bucks, Milwaukee Wave, Milwaukee Admirals and the entire Klement's Racing Sausages team.

Manke said 100 units will be featured in the parade, which marches south on Kinnickinnic to South Logan Avenue where it turns into Humboldt Park and children can pick up a free cup of ice cream.

About 5,000 to 6,000 spectators are expected at the parade and about the same number of people usually attend family activities at the park, Manke said.

At the park, the entertainment continues with:

• 10:30 a.m. - Rainbow Randa the Clown Show

• 11 a.m. - children's games

• 12:30 p.m. - registration for doll buggy, coaster, trike and bike decorating competition

• 1 p.m. - judging of doll buggies, coasters, trikes and bikes

• 1:30 p.m. - children's parade around Humboldt Park

• 2 p.m. - chicken dance

• 7:15 p.m. - Musica Elegante, a 12-piece band led by a Bay View High School graduate

• 9:15 p.m. - fireworks

Live music is scheduled at the park all afternoon.

What's the best place to watch the fireworks?

"I think it's good watching from the bandshell area," said Manke, who has been active on the Humboldt Park Fourth of July Committee for many years.

The celebration is the oldest such event in the city. It is sponsored by the city of Milwaukee with support from local merchants and organizations.