The New Independence Square has a full day of family-friendly activities planned for Saturday, July 3, 2010. The 8th annual “Let Freedom Ring” children’s parade begins at 10:00 a.m., but kids should gather at the corner of 23rd & Main at 9:30 a.m. with their decorated bikes, wagons or scooters. Families can walk, ride or scoot north on Main street, to the strains of patriotic music. The parade will end at about 11:00 a.m. on the Square at Clinton’s Ice Cream parlor, 100 W. Maple, where children will receive a free treat (maybe you can get your kids to share with you).
Primary Colors Art Gallery, 109 W. Lexington, will offer free flag face paintings, and around the corner at Gilbert and Whitney’s, 104 N. Liberty, you can decorate patriotic cookies for 50 cents each.
Stick around for the watermelon seed contest and the pie eating contest starting at 11:00 a.m. at the Pharaoh Theater, 114 W. Maple. The winner of each gets a “Square Packet” (4 movie passes to the Pharaoh, a $20 gift card, free bowling pass to Diamond Bowl and more).
From 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., executive chef Marshall Roth of Ophelia’s will share his “Grill Secrets to Success” at Gilbert & Whitney, 104 N. Liberty.
You can spend the afternoon shopping the sidewalk sales or hop aboard a covered wagon for a narrated tour with Pioneer Trails Adventures, which begins and ends at 223 N. Main (not sure if there’s a charge for this).
Wrap up the day with a visit to the Mormon Visitors Center, 937 W. Walnut, where you can take a free escorted tour of inside exhibits while you wait for the outside fireworks viewing area to open at 8:00 p.m. The first 500 people through the gates will get a free ice cream treat. The Spirit of Independence Concert Band will play patriotic music and a “massive” fireworks display will begin at dusk.
