GLADSTONE, Mich. (WZMQ) – The City of Gladstone and its surrounding communities celebrated America’s 250th birthday in a big way on July 4.
The City’s annual parade kicked off at 11 a.m., making its way through the downtown and past Van Cleve Park. Local businesses, nonprofits, politicical candidates, and community organizations wished parade-goers a happy Independence Day, and many passed out sweets. Afterward, the crowd moved to the Van Cleve Park ballfield for a full afternoon of live music, food trucks, and family-friendly activities.
For Gladstone, the Fourth of July is more than just a celebration. It is also an opportunity for groups like the Gladstone Lions Club to make a difference in the community.
“The Lions Club has the beer tent here, and we are also selling raffle tickets,” said Lions Club member Craig Lauerman. “All the money stays here in the community for childhood cancer, for leaderdogs, for the kids backpack program. We raise money all year round, but this is one of our biggest fundraisers.”
The Lions also set up the Lions Club International Foundation Project Kids Sight trailer, which provides free eye screenings for children ages 1 to 18.
“We have a camera that within about five seconds can test many different variables—nearsighted, farsighted, asthigmatism—and tell a parent whether or not their child needs to go to an eyecare professional,” said Lions Immediate Past District Governor Colleen Maki. “Many children don’t have access to eye care, and a lot of times if they’re younger, they don’t know how to tell their parents about something they may have been born with. We want to make sure we screen as many children’s eyes as possible.”
Also in Van Cleve Park, athletes from across the country competed in the 10th annual US Log Rolling Open. The festivities all led to a firework show at dusk.
Delta County can always count on Gladstone to host a big Fourth of July celebration. However, on America’s 250th birthday, it felt even more special. Local resident Terry Harrison became emotional when describing the way the community showed up to mark the occasion.
“I just love people and I love to see smiles on their faces, and that’s what I love about this,” he said. “God’s blessed us with 250 years of freedom. Everybody out there, have a wonderful, wonderful day, and God bless you all.”
To see the results of this year’s US Log Rolling Open, click here.
