July 4th is almost here! 

The 4th of July will have special meaning this year as the City of Windsor Heights celebrates not only the birthday of our country but the ribbon cutting and unveiling of a brand new community center.   After many years of planning, City Leaders are excited to "show off" the results.  The grand opening  officially kicks off beginning with the ribbon cutting at 4:45 pm followed by a guided tour.  The Mayor and other dignitaries will dedicate the building.

New to this year's Celebration will be a non-denominational Prayer Service.  In conjunction with area clergy, the interfaith service will be held at 1 pm at the Band Pavilion in Colby Park.  Planned is a very special combination of music, lead by Duke Ellington scholar Janna Steed, poetry and prayer.  A bag piper will also accompany the song.  Attendees are asked to bring a non perishable food item to donate to the Emergency Food Pantry.  The Des Moines Area Religious Council is coordinating this effort.  Executive Director Sarai Schnucker Rice acknowledges the crucial need to support low income families, "Windsor Heights is one of ten food pantry sites around the city that gather items for distribution." 

Also new this year is the starting time of the parade, beginning at 3 pm.  The parade, an integral part of the Windsor Heights Independence Day tradition, is known to be the area's most popular with participants handing out candy along the route.  The parade starts at 73rd and Hickman, follows 73rd south to University, travels east to 66th Street and south to Colby Park where additional activities take place including inflatables for kids. 

After the Parade, festivities continue at Colby Park with arts and crafts, food and other vendors.  Visitors can relax on the beautiful lawn.  The free musical entertainment begins at 5 pm with Throwing Toast, a popular 7-person cover band.  Following at 7 pm will be the high energy sound of the Blue Band.  This legendary band is sure to make people want to dance.  The Celebration will once again conclude with a rousing show of the finest fireworks in the area.

Schedule:
1 - 2 pm Prayer Service
3 pm  Parade, Vendors, Arts & Crafts, Inflatables
4:45 pm Ribbon Cutting/Building Dedication
5 pm  Tour and Meet City Dignitaries
5 - 7 pm  Live Music: Throwing Toast
7 - 10 pm Live Music: Blue Band
10 pm  Fireworks

For more information, go to www.windsorheights.org