3c. 25th Anniversary Brochure for July 4th Celebration
CITY OF
CHANHASSEN
7700 Market Boulevard
PO Box 147
Chanhassen, MN 55317
Administration
Phone: 952.227.1100
Fax 952.227.1110
Building Inspections
Phone: 952.227.1180
Fax 952.227.1190
Engineering
Phone 952.227.1160
Fax 952.227.1170
Finance
Phone: 952.227.1140
Fax: 952.227.1110
Park & Recreation
Phone 952.227.1120
Fax: 952.227.1110
Recreation Center
2310 Coulter Boulevard
Phone 952.227.1400
Fax: 952.227.1404
Planning &
Natural Resources
Phone: 952.227.1130
Fax 952.227.1110
Public Works
1591 Park Road
Phone 952.227.1300
Fax: 952.227.1310
Senior Center
Phone: 952.227.1125
Fax: 952.227.1110
Web Site
W/{'//.ci .chanhassen.mn. us
JG
MEMORANDUM
TO:
Todd Hoffman, Park & Recreation Director
1K
FROM:
JelTY Ruegemer, Recreation Superintendent
DATE:
May 19,2008
SUBJ:
25th Anniversary Brochure for July 4th Celebration
Staff thought that the Park ~ Recreation Commission would enjoy looking at
the draft copy of the 25th Anniversary Brochure for July 4th Celebration (copy
attached). I would be happy to answer any questions you may have at the
meeting.
The Cily of Chanhassen · A growing community with clean lakes, quality schools, a charming downtown, thriving businesses, winding trails, and beautiful parks. A great place to live, work, and play.
Page 2 . Chanhassen July 4th Spectacular. 2008
Celebrate America:
Celebrate Chanhassen!
Happy Birthday America! In just a few short
weeks, Chanhassen residents will join people
across the country in celebrating the birth of
our nation. Family, friends and neighbors will observe
America's 232nd birthday in many ways, but none will be
more special than the celebration we have planned here in
Chanhassen.
This year marks
the 25th year of
the Chanhassen
Fourth of July
celebration, and
what a great
25 years it has
been! From its
beginning in
1984, this an-
nual event has
showcased the
wonderful quality of life we all
enjoy in Chanhassen. It's the one time of year when life-
long residents, new community members and welcomed
guests gather together to celebrate the best in small-town
living.
The Chanhassen Fourth ofJuly celebration offers some-
thing for everyone, and gives all of us a good reason to stay
in town for a holiday weekend offood, fun and friendship.
In the city that is known for being the best town to raise a
family, this is small-town America at its best.
Like many of you, I will spend time enjoying the celebra-
tion with family and friends while participating in many of
the special activities, including the Business Expo, street
dance, classic car show, live music performances, kiddie
parade, Taste of Chanhassen, fishing contests, carnival
rides and more. My family and I are again anxiously
awaiting the fabulous Fourth ofJuly parade - an event
that draws thousands of people to downtown Chanhas-
sen for an afternoon of entertainment and excitement.
And what better way to commemorate this anniversary
celebration than with a spectacular fireworks show at Lake
Ann Park - featuring more fireworks than ever for this
25th anniversary year.
Like Chanhassen, this event has grown and evolved during
the past quarter century - thanks to the hard work and
support of many volunteers, businesses and organizations.
I hope you will join me in extending a heartfelt "thank
you" to everyone who has made this celebration possible
this year and every year since 1984. Thank you!
During this time of year, I am especially grateful for the
sacrifice and service of the men and women who have
served or are serving in our armed forces. I invite you
to join me in saluting members of our country's armed
forces, veterans, and their families for their sacrifice and
serVice.
Finally, whether you build a castle in the sand, drop a line
in the lake, tune in to the music or sip cold lemonade with
friends - take time to enjoy Chanhassen, your hometown,
at this year's Fourth ofJuly Celebration.
Chanhassen Rotary:
Serving and celebrating community
The Chanhassen Rotary Club is a proud and long-time participant in the Chanhassen
Fourth of July celebration. Our involvement in this important event is an integral
part of our Rotary members' service to and support of our community.
From the beginning, the Rotary participated in the annual picnic - selling and serving con-
cessions to the Chanhassen neighbors and visitors who gathered on the eve of our national
holiday. We also were active in the annual parade, showcasing creative and colorful floats
that emphasized our Club's commitment to service and our nation's proud heritage.
For the past several years, the Chanhassen Rotary has provided financial sponsorship of
and coordinated the annual parade -leading a large contingent of volunteers who, like
Rotary, are committed to providing a family friendly experience for all ages. To enhance
the community-centered event, we also added the Classic Car and Tractor Show and
Taste of Chanhassen in recent years. Along with the grand parade, these activities have
quickly become family favorites for all who enjoy and appreciate the spirit in which we
gather to celebrate America and Chanhassen.
Thank you, fellow Rotarians - and families, neighbors and community friends - for the
countless volunteer hours you provide to the Chanhassen Fourth of July. Thank you for
sharing your time and talent to help make this the premier community celebration.
A special thanks to the City of Chanhassen - and its Park and Recreation and Public
Works Departments - and the Carver County Sheriff's Office for all of the work and
support provided before, during and after the event. Thank you for allowing us to enjoy a
safe and fun celebration.
On behalf of the Rotary, I invite all who live, work and visit greater Chanhassen to join
us for a "Celebration of Community and Independence" July 3 and 4. We look fonvard to
celebrating with you and your families!
Jeff Anderson
Chanhassen Rotary
Chanhassen Area Chamber of Commerce:
Proud community partners
I may be dating myself, but as I think about the Chanhassen Fourth ofJuly Celebration
the old Carly Simon song "Nobody Does It Better" comes to mind. I can honestly say
that in my opinion nobody- meaning no community- hosts a hometown celebra-
tion better than Chanhassen has done every year since 1984.
Chanhassen's annual Fourth of July event has grown from a community barbeque with a
few family games in the park to an action-packed event that brings thousands of residents
and visitors together for a hometown celebration like no other. It is a wonderful feeling to
be a part of this special anniversary celebration.
The Chanhassen Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to partner with the City of
Chanhassen and the Chanhassen Rotary to host this celebration, which also includes
the annual Chanhassen Business Expo that serves as the official "kick off" to the annual
Independence Day Celebration. This year's 19th Annual Business Expo in City Center
Park will be bigger and better than ever before, showcasing more than 40 area businesses
under one tent. The Expo is a crowd favorite, offering a lot of helpful information, fun
activities and more - and it's FREE for the whole family!
In addition to promoting Chanhassen and the 25th Annual Fourth of July Celebration,
our Chamber is actively supporting the needs of the many businesses that are located
in and/or serve greater Chanhassen. We are proud to work with and welcome new and
expanding retail and service businesses, technical and industrial centers, and health care
facilities to Chanhassen - a great place to live, work, do business AND celebrate the
Fourth ofJuly!
Mark Halla
Board of Directors Chairman, Chanhassen Area Chamber of Commerce
2008 . Chanhassen July 4th Spectacular. Page 3
Memories & More
In 1984, Chanhassen hosted its first July 4th celebration.
At that time, the population of Chanhassen was just
under 7,000 people. Today, it is more than 24,000.
Chanhassen's first July 4th celebration featured a 3.5-mile
run, a softball tournament, free watermelon, inner
tube contest and breakdance demonstrations - plus
fireworks.
In 1985, the annual July 4th event featured a co-rec
"kittenball Duck Soup" tournament - during which
players ran bases backwards and bonus runs were
awarded for dressing like Groucho Marx.
Memories & More
In 1986, the first July 4th street dance was held as part
of the annual celebration. The dance featured music by
"The Stingrays."
Three days of activities were celebrated in 1988
including: fishing contests, free sailboard demos, co-
ree softball tournaments, sand castle building, inner
tube relays, a community picnic, balloon release and a
street dance.
In 1990, Professional Bass Fisherman Jack Boogren
hosted a seminar on "How to Catch Bass" prior to th~
July 4th fishing contest. Also in 1990, 67 runners - most
from Chanhassen - carried the U.S. Olympic
torch over an eight-mile route through the city.
"It has been a tradition for my family to
celebrate our nations independence and
the freedoms we enjoy by attending the
Chanhassen Fourth of July activities. It is
our way to reflect and show our gratitude
to many wonderful opportunities this
country provides us. Stand up and be
proud to be an American and thank
those individuals who are protecting
our independence and freedom for all!
Congratulation Chanhassen...for 25 great
years in helping us celebrate this great
country we live in!"
Todd Gerhardt
City Manager, 2008
Page 4 . Chanhassen July 4th Spectacular. 2008
.'
Memories & More
Hot-air balloon rides were a crowd favorite during
the 1992 July 4th celebration. Also in 1992, the city
celebrated the opening of the new Senior Center at
City Hall.
In 1992, more than 3,500 people attended the Friday
night street dance. At the community picnic, City of
Chanhassen staff served 3,000 hotdogs - up from
1,800 in 1991.
The 1993 celebration featured the NASA flight
simulator Spaceball, for which people paid $3 to ride.
There also were canoe races, featuring four people in
each canoe paddling only with their hands.
Chanhassen marked its centennial in 1996. The 100th-
birthday theme was incorporated into the July 4th
celebration, featuring a classic melodrama based on
Chanhassen's history. The event included a special
Centennial Village at City Center Park - with artisans
in 19th century dress and an old-time petting zoo -
and a special" Save the Depot One Brick at a Time"
opportunity. Centennial books, clothing, a coffee blend
and Trivial Pursuit games were available for sale.
"I've come to realize this parade has a magical quality. In this
developing third-ring suburb that secretly struggles to hold on to the
small town of its youth, the parade somehow brings us face-to-face
with a genuine 'Americana. m
Nancy Mancino, Former Mayor and Parade Co-Coordinator
Chanhassen Villager,June 26,2003
1999
Page 6 . Chanhassen July 4th Spectacular. 2008
..
Memories & More
The annual July 4th parade is coordinated by an
all-volunteer committee and funded by private
contributions from local businesses and
residents. The parade was first held in
1996, when a group of residents wanted
to do something special to celebrate
Chanhassen's centennial.
In honor of the Depot Restoration project
and dedication of Depot Square, the 1998
Chanhassen July 4th event included a
"Railroad Days" parade and the" biggest
toot'n community celebration of the
year." There also were Kaptain Kirby train
rides, music in the park and a medicine
show. The Friends of the Chanhassen
Library float, "Take a Ride on the Reading
Railroad," won first place in the parade's Most
Original category.
World War II vet and former POW Earl Joswick
served as the grand marshal of the 2002 July
4th parade, which was dedicated to honoring all
veterans.
Memories & More
In 2003, the CAP Agency, City of Chanhassen and
3-Car Garage Band gave a free benefit
concert after the parade. The goal of the
benefit was to fill the CAP truck with
5,000 pounds of non-perishable food
items and to raise $5,000 to help those in
need.
The "Taste of Chanhassen" was added
in 2004, providing another activity to the
popular parade day. "Fourth of July has
grown into such a large community event,
it's kind of a way to give these businesses
exposure and to showcase their product,"
Co-Chair Mark Senn said at the time.
Music was added to the annual July 4th
fireworks display for the first time in
2005, providing added entertainment and
excitement to the nearly 30-minute show.
In 2007, City of Chanhassen Recreation
Superintendent Jerry Ruegemer estimated
that about 12,000 people participated in at
least one Fourth of July celebration activity.
Carnival rides were also added in 2007.
.~
2008 . Chanhassen July 4th Spectacular. Page 7
Before the 4th ...
Frontier Days Flashback
)
I
,f.
~ 1
1
Long before the first Fourth ofJuly Celebration was held in 1984, Chan-
hassen was home to "Frontier Days!'
According to "Chanhassen: A Centennial History" and city archivcs,
a committee of Chanhassen residents, along with support from the Chanhas-
sen Chamber of Commerce, Chanhassen Lions Club, Chanhassen American
Legion Club, and Chanhassen Fire Department, organized the first Frontier
Days celebration in 1960. These were often referred to as the "good old days."
This was an annual three-day event that took place at the end of June or early
July. As the event evolved, it occurred closer to July 4th.
Using a Wild West theme modeled after Herb Bloomberg's old west vision for
Chanhassen, the annual celebration featured many of the same activities we
enjoy at today's Fourth of July Celebration as well as some old traditions too.
Activities included a parade, carnival, mock bank robberies, softball tournament,
western-themed street dance, queen contest, stage coach rides, flea markets,
daily band concerts and a kiddie parade. There was a good old-fashioned steak
fry at the American Legion Hall where you could get an 18- to 27-ounce
steak with all the fixins' for just $2.50! This major community event hosted
former Vice-President Hubert H. Humphrey as its guest of honor in 1970.
The celebration continued until about the mid-1970s.
"There is a small-town feel to the Chanhassen celebration that makes it very special. It is
something that my family looks forward to every year. "
Chanhassen resident Jim Vim Asten, 2008
Page 8 . Chanhassen July 4th Spectacular. 2008
Cruis~ ba(~ i~ time at 'c~abiW lkChestra
sic and Antique Car and Tractor
Show. According to Chairman
Clark Horn, more than 50 units
are expected to participate in the
show "with a good variety of 1960s
muscle cars, originals and restora-
tions. The unusual ranges from a
34 Packard V12 to Cobras and
Thunderbirds, and even a restored
city bus," Horn said. The event
will also feature several restored trac-
tors. Car show enthusiasts will also
enjoy listening to classic 1950s and
60s "car music."This event is spon-
sored by the Chanhassen Rotary.
Back by popular demand, the popular Casablanca
Orchestra (CEO) will kick off the 25th Chan-
hassen Fourth of July celebration with its unique
music and dance show on Thursday, July 3. Put on your
dancing shoes for a street dance featuring CEO - the
hottest, most hip touring band around. Capturing the
" essence of the times, CEO will take you from the swing-
ing 40s to the current top 40 - from big-band sounds
to current coverS and mOre.
1'J.44'
~!!
Classic and
Antique Car and
Tractor Show
Friday, July 4
10 a.m.: Car staging
begins
11 a.m.: Show opens
City Hall Parking Lot
(upper west lot; enter
from Kerber Drivel
CEO (Casablanca Orchestra) has had the honor of per-
forming for Chanhassen's Celebration since 1998. They
started in a small tent on the site which now houses the
library. The first year there was a giant thunderstorm that drove all the festival
attendees into the tent. CEO suddenly had a captive audience and wanted
to ensure all were thoroughly entertained, so they played and played and
played. This pattern has continued, allowing the 10-piece showband the op-
portunity to perform for this event and its amazing people for a decade. CEO
has watched children and families grow as well as the city's own evolution and
development. "Thank you, Chanhassen, for allowing CEO to be a part of your
history! It is an honor to play for the 25th Anniversary of this very special event.
This celebration has been one of oUr favorite venues to play over the years and
we look forwrd to continue to play this event for many years to come. Happy
Anniversary! - CBO & MfM Productions, Inc.
Contact: Clark Horn at
(952) 994-8760
aU
2008 . Chanhassen July 4th Spectacular. Page 9
Enjoy some of Chanhassen's best treats and eats at the 2008 "Taste of
Chanhassen," featuring samples from local restaurants. This annual
event is sponsored by the Chanhassen Rotary Club.
Be sure to enjoy a sample or two - or three or four - of the following:
Axel's - Bull bites, "Death by Chocolate," chips, Red Bull beverages
Byerly's - caramel apple sundaes, caramel apple pie ala mode, Byerly's water,
Rock Star energy drink, Glaceau Vitamin water. From Big Bowl at Byerly's -
Hibiscus iced tea, fresh -squeezed lemonade, chicken satays, chicken pots tickers,
peanut noodle salads, combos.
Buffulo Wild Wings - wings, soda, water
Caribou Coffee - iced coffee, coolers, smoothies, cold drinks
Culver's - custard, root beer floats, onion rings, cheese curds, corn dogs,
burgers
I Frankies - pizza, hot dogs, Coney's, sausage sandwich, meatball sandwich,
root beer floats, pop, water
Gina Maria's - pizza
GreekTaste- gyros
I Lakewinds - watermelon, frozen fruit bars, fruit juice freezers, ice creme
~, sa~d~ich, sorbet bar, pop, water . .
r.1. M~lies - burgers, hot dogs, brats, fibs, pulled pork sandWICh, corn, popcorn,
ChIPS, pop, water
.1 Rey Azteca - tacos, chips/salsa, pop, water
11 Pizzaioli - pizza, pop, water
'1." Tommy Concessions - Buffalo burgers, hot dogs, riblet
sandwich, steak sandwich, pork chop on a stick, sno-
cone, nachoes, cotton candy, popcorn
Chanhassen Rotary - beer, wine
,
2008 Taste of Chanhassen
PLUS
Chanhassen Rotary Beer &
Wine Concessions
, Thursday, July 3: 3:30 p.m.
to midnight
Friday, July 4: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
City Center Park
Fees vary by restaurant
Page 10 . Chanhassen July 4th Spectacular. 2008
Thursday, July 3
BUSINESS EXPO
3:30 to 6:30 p.m.
City Center Park
FREE
More than 40 local business-
es and organizations will par-
ticipate in this annual expo,
sponsored by the Chanhas-
sen Area Chamber of Com-
merce and Visitors Bureau.
TASTE OF
CHANHASSEN
PLUS
CHANHASSEN
ROTARY BEER & WINE
CONCESSIONS
3:30 p.m. to midnight
City Center Park
Fees vary by restaurant
Enjoy some of Chanhassen's
best treats and eats at the
"Taste of Chanhassen," featur-
ing samples from local restau-
rants. Sponsored by the Chan-
hassen Rotary Club.
2008 Taste of Chanhassen
participants include:
Axel's
Byerly's
Buffalo Wild Wings
Caribou Coffee
Culvers
Frankies
Gina Maria's
Greek Taste
Lakewinds
Millies
Rey Azteca
Pizzaioli
Tommy Concessions
Chanhassen Rotary
CARNIVAL RIDES
3:30 p.m. to midnight
City Center Park
Regular rides: $2.50 to $3
each
Unlimited ride wrist bands
are available for $15 from
6 to 10 p.m. on July 3 only.
Are you ready to ride? Enjoy
the midway carnival, featuring
amusement thrills and conces-
sions for every age and
interest.
AIR-
BRUSH
TATOOS,
FACE PAINTING,
WACKY HAIRDOS &
CARICATURES
3:30 to 8 p.m.
City Center Park
$3 to $15
Paint your face, get a crazy do
or have your likeness sketched
by an artist.
WATER WARS
3:30 to 10 p.m.
City Center Park
$3 per bucket
Looking for a great cool down?
Challenge your opponent to a
water war - the wetter, the
better!
SPEEDWAY RACING
3:30 to 10 p.m.
City Center Park
$3
Ready, set, race your Micro-
Reality stock car - guaran-
teed racing fun for all ages.
KIDDIE GAMES
3:30 to 8:30 p.m.
City Center Park
$.25 per game
Test your luck, have a lot of
fun and win some prizes at
these super-summer games.
Hosted by the Chanhassen
Summer Staff.
THE MEDICINE
SHOW
4:30 to 7 p.m.
City Center Park
FREE
This popular rov-
ing vaudeville
show is back by
popular demand.
PONY RIDES
4:30 to 8:30 p.m.
City Center Park
FREE
Hey kids - are you
ready to ride? It's
time to saddle up and
take a pony ride in the
park.
SUMMER
SKATEBOARD SERIES
5p.m.
Chanhassen Skate Park
$5 registration fee (collected
at the event)
Skaters will compete against
other skaters from around the
Twin Cities. At this stop on
the series tour, skaters earn
points toward competing at
the Midwest Melee. Boarders
of all ages and abilities are
welcome. Sponsored by the
City of Chanhassen.
KAPTAIN KIRBY
TRAIN RIDES
5 to 8 p.m.
City Center Park
FREE
All aboard!
Kaptain
Kirby is
ready
to take
you on
a mini
train
ride.
Gather your family
and friends for
Chanhassen's old-
fashioned July 4th
celebration - come
see why this event
is one of the Twin
Cities' best.
ANNUAL KIDDIE
PARADE
5:30 to 6 p.m.
Parade route: West 78th
Street. Iroquois, Chan View &
Market Boulevard
FREE
Decorate your wagon, bike,
trike or stroller and gather at
5 p.m. in Chanhassen Elemen-
tary School's east parking lot
for the annual Kiddie Parade.
Parents must accompany chil-
dren. Traffic control provided.
CHALK IT UP
6 to 8 p.m.
City Center Park
FREE
Let your creativity shine at the
annual Chalk Drawing Contest.
Open to groups or individu-
als. Prizes will be awarded for
the most creative and most
difficult designs in two age
groups. Judging takes place at
8 p.m. In the event of rain, this
activity will be cancelled.
TAE KWON DO DEMO
6 p.m.
City Center Park
FREE
Watch board-breaking and
self-defense demonstrated by
the Chanhassen Rec Center's
Tae Kwon Do program.
FREE-THROW FUN
6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
City Center Park
Basketball
Court
FREE
Shoot and
score at
the bas-
ketball
free-
throw
contest.
Open to
kids ages 6
to 15.
CHANJAM CHAMPIONS
"KARMEL"
PERFORMANCE
6 to 6:45 p.m.
City Center Park (large tent)
Enjoy great live music and a
fun show, featuring a perfor-
mance by "Karmel." Winners
of the first annual ChanJam,
"Karmel" from Chaska High
School, will kick-off this mile-
stone celebration.
STREET DANCE
7 p.m. to midnight
Put on your dancing
shoes! Cap off the
evening at an
old-fashioned
street dance.
The incred-
ibly hip
"Casa-
blanca
Orches-
tra" will
play music
from the
1960s to
today.
KIDS FISHING FESTIVAL
11 a.m. to noon
lake Ann Pier
FREE (preregistration
required)
Reel em' in kids! Every con-
testant will receive a door
prize. Trophies and prizes are
awarded for largest, longest
and smallest fish in two age
groups: 5 to 9 years and 10
to 15 years.
SAND SCULPTURE
CONTEST
11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
lake Ann Beach
FREE
Use your imagi-
nation and cre-
ate a sculpture
or castle in
the sand. A
designated
area of the
beach will
be used.
Prizes will be
awarded to the
most creative
and most difficult
sculpture. Judging
will be at
1 :30 p.m.
TREASURE HUNT
11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
lake Ann Beach
Concession Building
FREE
Challenge yourself in this bat-
tle of the minds and look for
the treasured medallion. Clues
will be posted every 20 min-
utes and maps will be available
at the Lake Ann concession
building.
CLASSIC CAR AND
TRACTOR SHOW
11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
City Center Park (upper City
Hall parking lot - NEW
location)
FREE
Cruisers and collectors of all
kinds will be on display at the
Classic Car and Tractor Show,
featuring cars and tractors
from days gone by. Sponsored
by the Chanhassen
Rotary Club.
For more in-
formation,
contact
Chairman
Clark
Horn via
e-mail at
cdhorn@
aol.com.
The
celebration
continues. Don't miss
the popular July 4th
Parade in downtown
Chanhassen or the
spectacular fireworks at
Lake Ann Park.
Friday, July 4
ADULT FISHING
CONTEST
7:30 to 10 a.m.
lake Ann
$20 (preregistration required;
50 participants max)
Hook, line and sinker! Come
join us on Lake Ann for this
annual tradition. Every contes-
tant will win a door prize, and
prizes are awarded for largest
northern and bass by length.
All bass and northern fishing is
catch and release. Contestants
must fish during the entire
contest to be eligible to win
door prizes.
OUTDOOR QUILT SHOW
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Downtown Chanhassen
FREE
Stroll through downtown, ad-
mire the handiwork of local
quilters and then vote for your
favorite quilt. Sponsored by
The Sampler. For more infor-
mation, call (952) 934-5307.
2008 . Chanhassen July 4th Spectacular' Page 11
TASTE OF
CHANHASSEN
PLUS
CHANHASSEN
ROTARY BEER & WINE
CONCESSIONS
11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
City Center Park
Fees vary by restaurant
Enjoy some of Chanhassen's
best treats and eats at the
"Taste of Chanhassen," featur-
ing samples from local restau-
rants. Sponsored by the Chan-
hassen Rotary Club.
2008 Taste of Chanhassen
participants include:
Axel's
Byerly's
Buffalo Wild Wings
Caribou Coffee
Culvers
Frankies
Gina Maria's
Greek Taste
Lakewinds
Millies
Rey Azteca
Pizzaioli
Tommy Concessions
Chanhassen Rotary
CARNIVAL RIDES
11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
City Center Park
Regular rides: $2.50 to $3
each
Are you ready to ride? Enjoy
the midway carnival, featuring
amusement thrills and conces-
sions for every age and inter-
est.
JULY 4TH PARADE
2:30 to 4 p.m.
Downtown Chanhassen
FREE
Come early to get curbside
seating for the old-fashioned,
patriotic Fourth of July Parade
- featuring bands, clowns,
floats, fire trucks, classic cars,
horses, local celebrities and
more. For information, contact
Jeff Anderson via e-mail at
jeffanderson _ 11 @msn.com
(for fastest response) or call
(952) 474-3183. Sponsored by
the Chanhassen Rotary.
LIVE MUSIC AT CITY
CENTER PARK
4to 6 p.m.
City Center Park Tents
FREE
After the parade, enjoy
live music under the
big tent. The bands
were the runners up
from ChanJam '08.
25TH ANNIVERSARY
MINI-CARNIVAL
4:30 to 8:30 p.m.
lake Ann Park, field #3
$.25 cents
Celebrate 25 years of July
4th fun at this special carni-
val, featuring classic carnival
games, an inflatable obstacle
course and a moon bounce. In
honor of the 25th anniversary,
the cost for every activity is
only a quarter!
LIVE MUSIC AT
LAKE ANN PARK
6:30 to 9 p.m.
lake Ann Park, Parkview
Picnic Shelter
FREE
Relax with family and friends
before the big fireworks show
and enjoy the acoustic duo
Dave & Mary at the new
Parkview Picnic Shelter.
FIREWORKS
SPECTACULAR
10 p.m.
lake Ann Park
FREE
Finish off July 4th with a
BANG! Join us for a special
25th anniversary fireworks
show and see one of the best
fireworks displays in the Twin
Cities. Fireworks are launched
from the east shore of Lake
Ann. Note: The trail between
Lake Ann Park and Greenwood
Shores will be closed from
8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
And there's even more
fun ...
Saturday, July 5
and Sunday, July 6
CHANHASSEN LIONS
SOFTBALL TOURNA-
MENT
lake Ann Park
Let's play ball! The City of
Chanhassen is bringing back
the age-old tradition of playing
softball over a summer holiday
weekend. For more informa-
tion, contact Brian Divine via
e-mail at brian@americanflex-
ible.com.
For more information about
any of the Chanhassen July
4 Celebration activities, call
Chanhassen City Hall at (952)
227-1100.
Page 12 . Chanhassen July 4th Spectacular. 2008
2008 Chanhassen
Sponsored by the Chanhassen Rotary
.
.
In honor of the 25th Anniversary of the Chanhassen Fourth of July
Celebration, this year's parade theme is "A Celebration of Community
& Independence: Party Like It's
1984!"
Plan now to bring the whole family!
Come early and get curbside seating
for an old-fashioned, patriotic Fourth
of July parade - featuring bands,
clowns, floats, fire trucks, classic cars,
horses, local celebrities and more!
Parade safety reminders:
The parade route is the same as in
recent years, despite construction
activities.
Parents and other adults - please help
keep all children safe
and out of the way of
parade participants.
Please wait for candy
to be given, do not run
into the street.
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Parade
2:30 to 4 p.m.
Downtown
Chanhassen
FREE
Featuring bands,
clowns, floats,
fire trucks, classic
cars, horses, local
celebrities and more.
No tents and pop-up
shelters with ground
stakes are allowed on
public property along
the parade route.
Please pick up your
trash and personal be-
longings following the
parade. A garbage truck will follow the parade and you are
encouraged to carefully - and safely - put your trash into
the back of the truck. Please help city staff and clean-up crews
keep our streets clean.
CHANHASSEN
Parade route
The parade route is through downtown Chanhassen.
The parade will begin on West 78th Street at Chapel
Hill, and travel Kerber Boulevard to Santa Vera Drive to
Laredo Drive and to Chan View.
If you're interested in volunteering or have questions about
the parade, contact Jeff Anderson at (952) 474-3183 or via
e-mail atjeffanderson_l1@msn.com. Sponsored by the
Chanhassen Rotary.
.
2008 . Chanhassen July 4th Spectacular. Page 13
ea para e
Parade Grand Marshals -
1996 to 2008
Chanhassen natives Cy and Madonna Kerber will serve as
Grand Marshals of the 2008 Fourth of July Parade. They
were honored this spring by the Chanhassen Rotary with the
Club's Distinguished Service Award for exemplifYing Rotary's goal of
"service above self."
Cy and Madonna have eight adult children, 17
grandchildren and two great-grandchildren on
the way.
Congratulations to the Kerbers and thank you for
your commitment to the greater community!
Long-time community volunteers, the Kerbers helped to organize and
lead the Charis program in Minnesota - a retreat program to help
state and federal inmates re-evaluate their lives and priorities - in the
early 1980s. Madonna has been frequently honored for her volunteer
work with the Hennepin County Adult Correction facility through the
years, and the couple has also been actively involved
in Habitat for Humanity in several states. In 2005,
the Kerbers helped to start a children's home in a
city near Nairobi, Kenya and currently raise funds
to support it.
They said they serve simply because it's the right
thing to do. "It's such a tremendous satisfaction to
know that you find the time to help change people's
lives," Cy said.
-","
1996 - Herb Bloomberg
1997 - AI Klingelhutz
1998 - Dutch Pauly
1999 - Miles Lord
2000 - Jerome Carlson
2001 - Ursula Dimler
2002 - Earl Joswick
2003 - Lee Kerber, Dick Mingo,
Ken Wicklund, Marty Meiers,
Craig Heitz, Chris Orcutt
2004 - Jonathon Gill and
Jennifer Formico
2005 - Gary Delaney, James Ische,
Gayle Degler, Tom Workman,
Tim Lynch
2006 - Bob Meuwissen
2007 - Ladd Conrad
2008 - Cy and Madonna Kerber
Page 14 . Chanhassen July 4th Spectacular. 2008
,
Celebrate to a
Q: What has appeared in Chanhassen every July 4th
since 1984 and only looked the same twice?
A: The commemorative 4th of July Celebration
T-shirt - worn by thousands and coveted by
many more - during the past 25 years. Each
year since 1984, a celebration T-shirt has been
designed and sold during the event. A variety
of artists have created the designs by hand and
with computer design software, including pro-
fessional graphic designers as well as students
and community members.
There has been a new T-shirt design for each year, except
1987, when, according to John Stutzman, City ofChan-
hassen Recreation Supervisor, "There were so many shirts
left over from 1986 that we used them again in '87."
The 24 shirts have been saved over the years by the Park and Rec-
reation Department; however, they were not all saved originally,
The 1984 and 1985 editions were missing from the City's collec-
tion, Fortunately, new shirts from those years were donated to the
collection after a story featuring the missing shirts was printed in
the Chanhassen Villager. Local residents John and Jean Linforth
and Dave and Nikki Dummer are credited with holding on to
the commemorative shirts for all those years.
In addition to this year's anniversary shirt, and the previously
mentioned missing shirts, there are a few other well-known
shirts,
,
2008 T-shirts on sale now
Showcase your Chanhassen spirit - et ou
commemorative 25th An ' Tg?", r . .' II . 'I I ~..
mversary -shIrt '."
t Ch tohday! T-s~irts are now available for purchase ,'" .r,." .~.~. "'I
a an assen CIty Hall and the Ch h ,'od
Recreation Center. an assen ~., .
Shirts will also be, available at City Center Park on .~.
July 3 under the bIg tent d '11 b r'
25thA' M" an WI eavailableatthe '/-1 \: . """
nmversary IllI Carnival and Co' .\ 11.\ ,. I ... _
Stand at Lak A P k ncesSlOn
e nn ar on July 4.
Be SUre to OWn this piece ofChanhassen h' ,
youth medium and large, and adult small-~Z T-shIrts are $8 and offered in
In 1990, the final hand-drawn design was missing the "N"
in Chanhassen. The shirts arrived shortly before the event,
preventing a re-print from being produced, thereby creating the infamous
"Chahassen" shirt.
To celebrate the Chanhassen Centennial, the 1996 shirt featured an image of
the Chanhassen Train Depot and the 1896-1996 Centenniallogo.
In 2005, the shirts featured the notorious grey-headed eagle, or the "Chicken
hawk," as City staff has so fondly named it.
All 24 shirts were recently framed by the local business
Westermann's Art and Frame. They will be on permanent
display in the Chanhassen Recreation Center, except during
the celebration
when they will
be displayed at
City Center
Park.
,
Iil.~ ro I
~9 I .,.~ ~
-y--~ooo
9.11'-
I~/I .... " .. .
-
)
2008 . Chanhassen July 4th Spectacular. Page 15
Chanhassen
.
-;::=
-
;...
our serVIce
men and women
~
---
Thank you to all our service men and women and their families for
providing the freedom we celebrate this day!
----
~
-----
The Chanhassen American Legion Post 580 is seeking financial support
for the Veterans Monument to be dedicated in City Center Park.
Groundbreaking - Memorial Day 2008
To make a donation or for more information, contact Post 580 Commander
Gary Boyle at (952) 934-6677.
~OO"l-
Page 16 . Chanhassen July 4th Spectacular' 2008
r
to our July 4
event sponsors!
Their generous support makes
this great community celebration
possible.
GOLD
Corporate: General Mills-Chanhassen; Emerson Process
Management-Rosemount, Inc.; IWCO Direct
Business: Klein Bank - Chanhassen; Americana Community
Bank; Chanhassen Dinner Theatres; Merlin's ACE Hardware;
Eden Trace Corp.; The Mustard Seed Landscaping & Garden
Center; Stone Creek Dental; Culver's Chanhassen; Michael J.
Leonard, D.D.S.
Individual: Ivan's Sinclair and Bait & Tackle; Lipinski
Accounting & Tax Service, LLC; Requet Chiropractic Wellness
Center; Bloomberg Companies Inc.; P & J Promotions; Peak
Heating & Cooling, Inc.; Hair for Guys and Dolls, Inc; Ameriprise
Financial - Joe Schimml; Westermann's Art and Frame
,
l._______ __ _._____~ _ ~__
SILVER
Corporate:
Business:
Travel Advisors
International/
American Express
Individual:
BRONZE
Corporate: Lyman
Lumber Company;
Byerly's -
Chanhassen;
Xcel Energy
Business:
Americlnn Hotel-
Chanhassen; CenterPoint Energy; Jimmy John's Gourmet
Sandwiches Chanhassen; Roberts Automatic Products; Sign
Source; PMT Corporation; Houlihan's Restaurant & Bar;
Chanhassen Villager; Custom Fab Solutions; Dr. Mark Davies
D.D.S.! Great Plains Dental; New Horizon Academy;
Individual: Party Bags To Go, LLC; Brian Keister State Farm
Insurance
CONTRIBUTING
Corporate: Gander Mountain-Eden Prairie; Chanhassen Area
Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau; Chanhassen Lions
Club; Chanhassen Rotary Club
Business: Chanhassen Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites;
Parker Hannafin-HCS; Hour Glass Cleaners; Vessco, Inc.;
Dentistry on the Ponds; Tradition Title; Cabin Fever Sporting
Goods; Country Inn Suites-Chanhassen; Berne Scale; The
Goddard School; Scott & Associates, Inc; Community Bank
Chanhassen; Esse Driving School; Caribou Coffee Company;
Chanhassen Dental; Howard's Jewelry Inc.; DayCo Concrete
Company, Inc.; Electrical Production Services, Inc; Toy World
Individual: Dunsmore Asphalt Co., Inc.; The Promotion Group
"For 25 years,family,friends
and neighbors have come
to enjoy Chanhassen's Fourth
of July celebration in all its
grandeur. From the fishing
tournament or street dance to the
parade and fireworks show, citizens
of all ages have the opportunity to I
participate and more importantly I
celebrate our country's independence. " i
]qfl)aniel I
Park and Recreation Commission Chairman, 2008 I
. ........ __ =-1
Chanhassen Rotary
Sponsors
Diamond
Sponsors and
Paul Harris
Fellows
Michael J. Leonard,
D.D.S
Eden Trace Corp.
General Mills
Community Bank
Chanhassen
Ruby Sponsors
Ridgeview Medical Center
KleinBank
Americana Community Bank
WAYTEK, Inc.
EXLAR
Bloomberg Companies
Sapphire Sponsors
Thorp Distributing
Contributing
Sponsors
Eckankar
TCF Bank
Custom Fab Solutions, LLC
2008 . Chanhassen July 4th Spectacular' Page 17
''In 1992, I chose to live in Chanhassen
because I fell in love with a piece of land
which happened to be in its borders. ... I
did not realize that Chanhassen was a
little like Rip Van Winkle. It had been
sleepingpeacefullyfor about 95 years
and was suddenly being shaken awake.
. .. I do have faith however, that
we, as a community, can keep the
special flavor that has been a part of
Chanhassen for the past 100 years. So,
happy birthday Chanhassen. May you
remain a place of beauty, a place where
your citizens work and play and raise
joyful children. That is my wish for your
"
next century.
Ann Klaff, Columnist
Chanhassen Villager,]une 27,1996
Page 18 . Chanhassen July 4th Spectacular. 2008
Kids Fishing
Festiva I
Friday, July 4
11 a.m. to noon
lake Ann Pier
Ages 5 t015
Register by June 27
(prereg istrati on req u ired)
FREE
Trophies and prizes awarded for the largest
fish, longest fish and smallest fish in two
age categories: 5 to 9 years and 10 to 15
years. Every contestant receives a door
prize and is also eligible for prize drawings.
Prizes include rod and reel combos, kids
tackle kits, gift certificates, bobbers, bait
buckets, 4th of July T-shirts, fishing lures,
sinkers and more!
For more information or a registration form, call (952) 227-1100 or
visit www.ci.chanhassen.mn.us.
Adult Fishing
Contest
Friday, July 4
7:30 to 10 a.m.
lake Ann
Register by June 27
(preregistration required)
Northern Category
First prize: Plana outdoor
carrying case
Second prize: Shimano rod and reel combo
Third prize: Berkley digital fish scale
Bass Category
First prize: Abu Garcia rod and reel combo
Second prize: Plana tackle box
Third prize: Rapala 6" filet knife
Door Prizes
Eagle depth finder, Minnkota trolling motor, gift
certificates, fishing supplies and more!
All fishing is catch and release. Must fish entire contest to be eligible to win door
prizes. For more information or a registration form, call (952) 227-1100 or
visit www.ci.chanhassen.mn.us.
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2008 . Chanhassen July 4th Spectacular. Page 19
Brought to you and the
greater Chanhassen
community by:
CHANHASSEN
~\
CHANHA5SEN~
CH~R OF CoMMERCE" VISITORS BUlliU
and
Special Event Sponsors
Photos courtesy of the City of Chanhassen,
Karen Engelhardt, John Stutzman, Jerry Ruegemer and the Chanhassen Villager.
Commemorative publication produced by the City of Chanhassen and the Chanhassen Villager.