Twelve score and nine years ago, the Continental Congress of the United States drafted a Declaration of Independence at Philadelphia, started with an opening paragraph that inspired a nation, and the world.
Now some 249 years later, a celebration of the nation inspired by that document will come to Chapman Park in Stanley, on Saturday July 5 at 3 p.m.
Tom Larson of Reclaimed Tavern shared more on this year’s Independence Day Celebration and what goes into it.
“We’ve officially formed our own 501(c)(3) so we can handle our own paperwork and insurance, especially as this event continues to grow,” he said. “We’re incredibly thankful to everyone who’s helped us get this far — especially the STPR for letting us operate under their umbrella when we were just getting started. We now have a small board of five dedicated members working hard to ensure the core values of this event remain strong.
Larson also thanked the volunteers that make the event possible.”
“Our raffle helps, but it doesn’t cover everything — we absolutely couldn’t do this without our sponsors. Just as important are our volunteers,” he said. “Last year, we had over 95 volunteers — an amazing feat for such a small community!”
As for events, the craft show is back, with food this year outsourced locally to Martino’s, Debbie’s on Broadway, Tessy’s Popcorn Delights, and the STPR cheese curd stand.
We’re still keeping the tradition alive — free hotdogs, water, ice cream, and cotton candy for everyone!”
Also included in this year’s event is free music.
“This year’s stage acts include Eric Dahl and Benny G, with The Gray Band closing the night,” Larson said. “They play everything from 60s and 70s classics to newer hits — even some Pitbull!”
Among the many other attractions at this year’s Celebration in Chapman Park are bucket, bike, and meat raffles, face painting, glitter tattoos, bounce houses, Lego Wars, bungie basketball, and a mid-sized obstacle course.
New to this year’s Celebration are a rock wall and mechanical skateboard, each event sponsored by a local area business.
Taking place at 7 p.m. on the main stage meanwhile will be a $45,000 grand prize raffle, with the winner choosing the vehicle of their choice from Courtesy Ford.
Not to be left out this year are the fireworks, starting at 10 p.m. after a flag folding ceremony at 9 p.m. in the bandstand area, put on by Stanley Fire along with Legion and and VFW members.
“Make sure you grab a good seat for the fireworks — preferably one with a view of the water,” Larson said. “There are a few added surprises this year, and we’re hoping to deliver some upgraded effects compared to last year.”

Sponsors for this year’s Independence Day Celebration at Chapman Park include the following:
Stanley Tire Center
Gib’s Affordable Septic And Sand Pumping
Christoph Transportation
Stanley Hometown Dentistry
Michael Troyer with Coldwell Banker Brenizer, Realtors
Hazuga’s True Value
Debbie’s on Braodway
Tolley’s Bowl & Bar
RMC Gardening and Landscaping
Reclaimed Tavern
Moretti Pyrotechnics
Twilite Zone
Maple Hill Tavern
Harris Family Chiropractic
Westaby Trucking
Firehouse Friends Childcare Center LLC
Reits Garden Center
Ele’s Flowers
Hetch’s LLC of Boyd
Superior Screen Printing
Print Wisconsin
Schuebel Lawn Services
Chwala Construction
Broadway Boutique
ABE Concrete & Excavating
Derks Farms Beef
May’s Auto Sales
Sytech 4th Avenue
Forward Financial
Cody’s Classic Cars
Wisconsin Veteran Farm & Winery
Stanley Equipment Rental
Chippewa Concrete Services, Inc
Mel’s Foxx Den
Tom’s Stanley Bar and Bowl
Oemig’s Sport Shop, LLC
Lube Suppliers Store
Courtesy Ford
Martino’s Restaurant
Kelly Grill
Hansen’s IGA
Plombon’s
Fredrickson Implement

Come out and enjoy the Independence Day Celebration July 5 at Chapman Park!