Live music will return to the city's annual Uncle Sam Jam.
Trinkle Brass Works, a 14-piece brass and percussion ensemble including local, regional and national musicians, will play two concerts July 3 and accompany the fireworks display at 10 p.m. at Oak Lake Park.
“We’re very excited to be back,†Hans Sturm said, speaking on behalf of the music group’s sponsor, the Meadowlark Music Festival.
The concerts before the Zambelli Fireworks show will be at 7:30 and 9 p.m.
This year’s Uncle Sam Jam will kick off at 3 p.m. with free family activities scheduled throughout the afternoon and evening. People can canoe and play "NEOS†(an interactive electronic board game), Simon Says, bingo, horseshoes, bocce ball, soccer or other activities. A potato sack race, balloon toss and three-legged race are scheduled, and carnival games will be available.
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“I think we have a great line-up,†said Jerry Shorney, Parks and Recreation assistant director.
Food vendors also will be at the park.
The Lincoln Saltdogs will play Fargo-Moorhead at nearby Haymarket Park at 6:05 p.m. July 3. The teams will meet again July 4 and 5, with both games at 7:05 p.m., followed by fireworks at the ballpark.
The city's annual Independence Day celebration has been moved ahead of the actual holiday in recent years to reduce personnel costs. Mayor Chris Beutler said the city had received positive comments from residents who enjoyed having the nighttime fireworks show precede a day off work and those who enjoyed family gatherings July 4.
Parking on July 3 will be available at Oak Lake Park with shuttles running from other locations. Should inclement weather arise, the fireworks display will be rescheduled to July 5.
The Meadowlark Music Festival will continue through the weekend with performances by Francois Rabbath on July 5 at St. Paul United Methodist Church and Anthony Molinaro on July 6 at Kimball Recital Hall.