According to Statista, in most years, nearly 90% of Americans celebrate Independence Day. This means that it's very unlikely that you're skipping out, especially if you've got a patriotic spirit.
Living in Chippewa Falls, WI, means you're in a small town, but that doesn't necessarily mean small celebrations. In fact, you won't have to worry about excitement, because there's plenty of it this July 4th!
If you're part of the Chippewa Falls senior community, then you may be searching for fun yet accessible options. In that case, read on. We've got some 4th of July events that are ideal for you.
One of the best summer gatherings for this season is Music at the Riverfront. This is a summer series, but there's a special event for Independence Day.
It starts at 6:00 pm, and there are several on-site food trucks for you to grab dinner at. You can even treat yourself to acai and ice cream if you need to cool off.
At 8:00 pm, the band Ember will take the stage. They'll play until 10:00 pm, and then the fireworks will go off! So make sure to grab a seat on the premises or set up your folding chairs ahead of time.
To protect your hearing health, wear earplugs or earbuds. This will also have the added benefit of dulling the noises, which can be startling.
You may have been to patriotic celebrations before, but have you gone to one in a zoo before? Irvine Park and Zoo is having its own seasonal fun, and it's great for the entire family.
Admission is free, so you don't have to fret about getting there early to make the most of your visit. It's open from 8:00 am until dusk (usually around 6:00 pm).
The park and zoo span over 300 acres, and there are animals like:
There's also a petting zoo where you can get up close and personal with creatures. In addition, there are fully accessible flat paths and rest areas, so you can take it slow and rest when you need to.
SandBar and Grill usually hosts July 4th celebrations, and this year is no exception. However, do note that the event is on the 3rd of July from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
As far as senior-friendly holidays go, this establishment provides an excellent way for you to mingle with other locals. They'll be serving drink specials, beer trailers, and Flip Flop Chicken, so you won't be starving.
In addition, there's live music by the Allison Dyg Band. When the sun goes down, Connell's Combustible Celebrations will put on an amazing fireworks show!
Would you like an indoor escape from the crowds and heat on July 4th? Then, consider visiting the Cook-Rutledge House Museum. It's a local landmark, and you can't miss it, as it's a beautifully restored Italianate mansion from the 1870s.
After you admire its exterior, you can go inside to enjoy the air-conditioned environment. There are guided tours that tell you all about the mansion and the area's history, and you won't have to walk very far either.
Outside, you can reflect in the quiet gardens. Should you need them, there are seated rest areas too.
Drive 20 minutes away to Eau Claire, and you can join in on its popular river float. You can drift lazily down the Chippewa River, starting from Phoenix Park and ending at Hobbs Landing.
During this 45-60 minute float, you can close your eyes, cool off, and let all your troubles melt away. It'll beat jostling in crowds during events on a hot summer day!
At this destination, you can rent tubes or kayaks to enjoy a scenic, buoyant drift, and then follow it with riverside refreshments.
Also in Eau Claire is the f-EAU-rth of July 5K, which is ideal for older adults who want to stay in shape. It's a short enough distance to be challenging, but not so long that you'll feel beat afterward. You'll start bright and early at 8:00 am, and if the grandkids are joining, they'll start at 9:15 am.
Registration costs $35 and includes a festive pair of f-EAU-rth of July sunglasses that'll match your red, white, and blue clothes. You can also run with your dog, but do note that you must register your pup and pay an extra $5 during registration. They'll receive a festive bandana to wear during the 5K!
Yet another Independence Day event in Eau Claire is the city's fireworks. It'll start at 10:05 pm, and there are several places in the city you can watch them from, including:
If you're not able to make it, but still want to see Eau Claire's fireworks show, it'll be broadcast on WEAU TV-13. They'll cover it live from the Madison Street Bridge.
Another Independence Day option to consider is the festivities at Wakanda Park in nearby Menomonie. It's an all-day celebration that runs from 9:00 am to 11:00 pm, featuring things like:
It's easy to catch a concert in the shade while sampling local treats here, all without having to arrive first thing in the morning. Around 10:00 pm, the fireworks will light up the sky over Lake Monomin, so stick around for the show!
Admission is $5 per person, but there are family discounts available.
Within Chippewa Falls and the surrounding areas, there are many 4th of July events that can provide hours of entertainment for the entire family. Even if you're an older adult, you can participate, especially if you bring folding chairs and stay hydrated and cool.
For more information on assisted living in Chippewa Falls, WI, get in touch with us now. LakeHouse Chippewa Falls has high-speed WiFi and devices to help our residents stay connected with their loved ones.