The Gillett Fourth of July Celebration has been overhauled with even more horsepower this year, with highlights including a mini tractor pull, a horse pull and a growing car show.
“There should be something for everyone this year,” said Noel Nienstedt, chairman of the Fourth of July Committee.
The Lena Mini & Modified Tractor Pullers Association will run the mini tractor pull at Zippel Park. Shane Rank, president of the Lena Mini & Modified Tractors Pullers Association, said he expects between 80 and 95 hooks, with each tractor pulling two times.
“We have everything from stock tractors – what we call our pro-stock tractors – to modified tractors, to mini-rods with V8 engines in them,” Rank said. “We do a wide variety of pulling, and if you are into the pulling world, you should enjoy it.”
According to Rank, the association’s events have included pullers ranging in age from 5 to 87.
Those who are not into roaring engines might be more interested in the horse pull taking place in the morning on July 4.
“We are glad to have the horse pull this year. It will make a nice addition to the lineup of events,” Nienstedt said.
The Antique Car and Truck Show cruises back into Gillett for a seventh year and will feature more classic automobiles from far and wide.
“The car show has gotten bigger every year,” Nienstedt said. “The first year we had 60 cars, and I think last year we had 155 cars. We have more cars coming from all over the state, and it’s a really nice event.”
Musical entertainment for this year’s celebration will be provided by Rapid Transit, Jess Hav’n Phun and Starfire Band. Other attractions include inflatables, food and beverages, and a fireworks show put on by the local walleye club.
Nienstedt said the fireworks show has become quite impressive.
“They have really turn it into a professional show,” Nienstedt said. “The first year we did fireworks we spent around $3,000, and we have almost tripled that. Last year there wasn’t any down time between bursts of fireworks in the sky.”
Nienstedt welcomed everyone to come on out to Zippel Park to have some fun this Independence Day.
“It’s a good chance to come down and maybe see people you haven’t seen in a while and reminisce,” Nienstedt said.
