Appleton celebrates Independence Day

APPLETON - Some communities celebrated the Fourth of July Friday night, including Appleton, where thousands of people packed Appleton Memorial Park. Officials estimate 100,000 people will watch the Appleton fireworks, about 20,000 of them from the park.

"We have a large crowd of friends that are here with us," said Jennifer Plamann of Appleton.

Plamann arrived at Appleton Memorial Park around five o’clock in the afternoon, just in time to watch her husband perform with Appleton based Corey Chisel and the Wandering Sons, though that’s just one highlight of the day.

“Fireworks, being with family, I think those are the two big things for us. Doesn’t matter what we eat or where we are, as long as we’re together when the big booms are going off.," said Plamann.

Putting on a fireworks show, and everything that goes along with it takes a lot of work.

"You’re keeping this thing fully stocked and running to make sure that you have enough ready to serve everybody, so there’s no waiting,” said Bob Parish, who mans the grill for the Appleton area Jaycees.

Through the course of the evening, Parish will grill hundreds of hot dogs, brats and burgers.

“It’s just a sense of accomplishment just knowing that you’re putting something of this size on. It’s a long day but it’s well worth it by the end,” said Parish.

The Appleton Jaycees say this is the 75th year the organization has put together this Fourth of July celebration.

“If the fireworks go out without any problems, if everybody has a good time, then it’s a success to us," said Paul Schmerse, president of the Appleton Area Jaycees.

While the festivities are enjoyed by many, the reason for the celebration is not overlooked.

“My big thing is remember the independence that you guys have, everybody has, and remember it’s not about the party, it’s about why we have it," said Patty Mullins of Appleton.

This celebration of freedom went on for hours, with a few of different bands performing, and ending with the fireworks display.

Organizers say the cost of putting the festivities together runs around $30,000.