Lincoln community enjoys 4th of July at home

[July 07, 2015]  LINCOLN - On Saturday in the city of Lincoln there were several events going on in celebration of Independence Day. As has been the tradition for the past 11 years, the day began with the Children’s Walking Parade.

Parade participants this year included many kids, along with parents, grandparents and other family members. This year there was a large turnout for the event as the weather was perfect with plenty of sunshine, yet still comfortable to almost cool temperatures.

In addition to kids and family members, pets were also welcome at the parade. Many of the pets arrived in costumes from patriotic hats to body paint in red, white, and blue.

While the pets looked sharp, the kids were not to be outdone. Children came dressed in red, white, and blue with their bikes, trikes, motor-less scooters, and even pogo sticks all decked out as well.

Those who wished to be considered for prizes at the end of the parade route registered with Park District volunteers before taking their place behind the signs designating their specific age group.

This year among the judges for the contest were city of Lincoln Mayor Pro-Tem Marty Neitzel and Alderwoman Jonie Tibbs, Marilyn Wheat and Judy Conzo, Marcia Greenslate and Roy Logan.

When the judging was complete, the parade kicked off leaving Scully Park and making its way to the Lincoln Park District led by Assistant Police Chief Paul Adams.

While the group began the parade together as a group, the long walk soon separated the kids from the grown-ups and the ones pushing strollers. The first to arrive at the park district were the bikers, with walkers and dogs following behind and the stroller entries bringing up the rear.

In the front parking lot of the recreation center cold water and popcorn was waiting for everyone. Brandy Mullenbach of the park district manned the sound system providing music as the tired walkers and bikers dropped onto the grassy areas for a short rest.

Before announcing this year’s winners the microphone was turned over to Chuck Conzo, who offered up a brief history of the Children’s Parade. He told the crowd that the parade began 11 years ago as a feature of the Heritage Days Celebration and has continued as a Lincoln tradition since that time. He noted those who have been an integral part of keeping the annual event going. Among the persons on that list, he said were long standing committee members Dan and Marilyn Wheat, Bob and Linda Milton, Alderwoman Kathy Horn, Tibbs and Neitzel, and Judy Conzo. Though he didn’t mention himself, Chuck Conzo has also served continually in the organization of the parade. Conzo concluded by giving special recognition to Lincoln Park District’s former Executive Director Marcia Greenslate and former Events Coordinator Roy Logan.

Conzo then turned the microphone over to current Park District Executive Director Dawn Schaefer, who thanked everyone for attending and went right into awarding this year’s prizes.

This year’s prize winners were:

Children’s entries

Zero to six-year-olds
Foot, skateboard, skate:
First: Aliannah and Sophia Kodatt
Second: Andrea Rogers
Third: Aubrey Rogers

Bicycles and tricycles:
First: Eli Gazan
Second: Samantha Lewis
Third: Kaylee McKinney

All other wheels:
First - Brendan Kodatt
Second - Piper and Hunter Craig
Third - Zayla Mayer

Seven to eight-year-olds
Foot, skateboard, skates
First - Cameron Brandt
Second - Kamdin Heinzel
Third - Kylie Starcevic

Bicycles & tricycles
First - Kendel Adams
Second - Karra Hall
Third - Zain Hubnich

All other wheels:
First - Madison Pittman
Second - Brooklyn Curry
Third - McKenley Barnett

Nine to 12-year-olds
Foot, skateboard, skates:
First - Sadie Bolton (pogo stick)
Second - Kyleigh Heinzel

Bicycles & tricycles
First - Ryan Miller
Second - Ralan McKinnay
Third - Taylor Pitman

All other wheels:
First - Zildjan Bolton
Second - Abigail Cline
Third - no entry

Animal entries
Dogs and other pets
First - Abby (McKinney)
Second - Tank (no last name give)
Third - Erf (Heinzel)

Each winner received passes to the Lincoln Park District Aquatic Center with third place getting a one week pass and working up to the first place prize being given a two-week pass.

The canine winners were given Frisbees as their prize.

Following the awards kids were encouraged to go out and get good and wet courtesy of the Lincoln Fire Department. Schaefer also noted that the pool would open at 11 a.m. and everyone would have the opportunity to enjoy the water there until time for the fireworks.

This year the water event with the Lincoln Fire Department was not a water fight as it has been in the past. The department brought out the ladder truck and kids were doused down with water from a hose on the ground plus water from above. All the kids got a chance to run, play and splash while the grown-ups stood to the side enjoying the show and snapping a few pictures along the way.

The festivities for the day then came to a halt until evening time. As dusk approached, families began to gather at the back putting greens at the Park District for the annual fireworks show. As usual, many came early and took advantage of the wide open spaces to play Frisbee, toss a ball, or light sparklers.

This year there was no food vendor at the putting green. Instead, the Park District opened its concession stand and sold cold beverages, popcorn, and walking tacos.

At 9:15 p.m. the fireworks show began with a wide variety of displays both on the ground and in the air. With everything coming to an end at approximately 10 p.m., it was certainly another great Fourth of July in the city of Lincoln.

[Nila Smith]