Explosive fun, music and flea markets highlight holiday weekend

A pair of fireworks displays will highlight the holiday weekend as explosive fun decorates the sky over two of the area's lakes.

The first of this year's shows will be held on Friday, July 3 over Big Spirit Lake. Independence Day features fireworks over West Lake Okoboji. Both displays are set to launch at 10:07 p.m. Lake Park will not host a fireworks display in 2009.

Friday, July 3 - Big Spirit Lake

Starting at 10:07 p.m. on Friday, July 3, Iowa's largest natural lake will light up in celebration of the nation's independence. An estimated 100,000 residents and visitors are expected to attend the annual fireworks display on Big Spirit Lake.

The large display is easily seen from adjoining roadways and parks or from docks and boats on the lake. These fireworks are paid for by special donations from the members of the Spirit Lake Protective Association.

Tune your radio to KUQQ 102.1 FM to listen to patriotic music synchronized to the fireworks display.

The Spirit Lake Protective Association is a group of more than 300 members who pay annual dues of $20. Many members make additional donations which they designate to improve the lake environment or to pay for the annual fireworks display. To become a member or make a donation, mail a check to: SLPA Treasurer, P.O. Box 51, Spirit Lake, IA 51360.

Saturday, July 4 - West Lake Okoboji

On Independence Day, approximately 120,000 people are expected to watch as fireworks ignite over West Lake Okoboji. The show begins at 10:07 p.m. Saturday, July 4.

"It will be the largest and longest show that we have ever done," said Ruth Schwarck of the Iowa Great Lakes Chamber of Commerce. "We are filling all of our mortars this year with shells."

This year, 542 shells will be launched by professional pyro technicians over West Lake. The Nadas will play at Preservation Plaza in Arnolds Park leading up to the show beginning at 7:30 p.m., and KUOO will provide patriotic accompaniment during the fireworks display.

"The theme is of course patriotic," said Schwarck. "We're having a specialty finalé. It's kind of secretive."

The Fourth of July fireworks are sponsored by the Iowa Great Lakes Chamber of Commerce. The cost of the show is approximately $25,000, and those who wish to donate to the cause may mail donations to Fireworks, P.O. Box 9, Arnolds Park, IA 51331.

Live music sure to be a hit for holiday weekend

Fourth of July at the Lakes wouldn't be the same without live music.

From Rock the Roof on Thursday night to the pre-fireworks treat of The Nadas at Preservation Plaza, Okoboji has a solid lineup of acts set for celebrating Independence Day.

Rock the Roof

July 2 from 6-8:30 p.m.

The Roof Garden, Arnolds Park

With Kathryn Dillion, Richie Lee, the Senn Menn and Starfire gracing the stage, Mylan Ray of KISD Radio in Pipestone, Minn. will be the guest emcee for the evening. Come see what all the music is about during the second of the Iowa RockNRoll Music Association's free Rock the Roof Concerts of the summer.

John Moore sings with the Spencer Municipal Band

July 2 at 7:30 p.m.

East Leach Park, Spencer

The Spencer Municipal Band will present its "Pack the Park" free concert featuring baritone opera singer John Moore. The Milford native is currently performing with the Des Moines Opera after sharing his talent with the Minnesota Opera, the Metropolitan Opera of New York City and the Welsh National Opera.

This performance was made possible through a grant from the Clay County Betterment Foundation.

In case of rain the concert will be held at Spencer's Old Middle School Auditorium on East 4th Street.

The Rumbles

July 3 at 7:30 p.m.

Preservation Plaza, Arnolds Park

Originally an early '60s garage band from Council Bluffs, The Rumbles have been rocking the Midwest for over 42 years (with a short break in between). Best known for their 1968 tune "Jezebel," that made it onto the Billboard Hot 100 list, The Rumbles are member of the Iowa RockNRoll Music Association's Hall of Fame (2001) and are still in action with a combination of original and new band members.

Damon Dotson

July 4 at 1 p.m.

Little Miller's Bay, West Lake Okoboji

Swim, float or boat to see the Lakes area's hometown entertainer, Damon Dotson, at the third annual Lake Affect concert on West Lake Okoboji. Playing on a Clary's Lake Service barge, Dotson will be backed by his full band for an estimated 200-plus boats coming for the show. His latest album will be released the weekend of July 17 and 18 at The Gardens.

The Nadas

July 4 at 7:30 p.m.

Preservation Plaza, Arnolds Park

The Fourth of July in Okoboji wouldn't be the same without The Nadas, a rock/folk rock/country band with local roots. In the early '90s, two Iowa State students (Jason Walsmith and Spirit Lake grad Mike Butterworth) got together and began their nearly 15-year careers as musicians. The group has released six albums and sold over 75,000 copies through their own Authentic Records.

Treasure hunters invited to area flea markets

Treasure hunting will be at its finest this weekend as the three area flea markets open for the Fourth of July holiday crowds.

Vick's Corner

Vick's Corner has held more than 100 flea market events and will host yet another shopping event Fourth of July weekend. The event will be held from July 3-5 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Vick's Corner, the junction of Highway 9 and 86.

Vendors from throughout the U.S. will have glassware, antiques, collectables, primitives and some arts and crafts for sale.

Flea markets are also held at Vick's Corner on the weekends of Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Treasure Village

The Holiday Weekend Flea Market will be held at Treasure Village from 9 a.m. to about 6 p.m. on Friday, July 3 through Sunday, July 5. Admission and parking are free.

Young and old will enjoy browsing at the many unique displays. Dealers will be selling collectibles, glassware, furniture, antiques, coins, new and old tools, toys, crafts, sports cards, mini donuts, Kettle Korn, and more. Treasure Village is located two miles northwest of Milford on Highway 86. Phone (712) 337-3730 or check www.treasurevillage.org for more information.

This is the second of three Antique Flea Markets set for this summer of 2009. The others are held Memorial Day Weekend and Labor Day Weekend.

Dickinson County Fairgrounds

The flea market at the Dickinson County Fairgrounds will be held July 3-5 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Dickinson County Fairgrounds, located one block north of HyVee, will host vintage jewelry, pottery, furniture, cheese curds, mini donuts, post cards, primitives, Victorian glass, and more.

The flea market at the fairgrounds is also be held over the Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends.