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German high school band members highlight Ontario Fourth of July fest
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The Ontario community is hosting high school band members from Mulheim, Germany for their Fourth of July celebration.  The “Big Band Luisenschule” will take part in Ontario’s celebration through the Blue Lake international exchange program.

While in Ontario they will march in the Independence Day parade at 12 noon and give a concert at 4 p.m. on the Community Hall deck. Some band members will also take part in the Ontario talent show at 7 p.m. July 3, following the Kid’s and Pet parade at 6:30 p.m.

The Ontario Community Club is organizing their stay in the area. The group is internationally known and excited about coming to a small midwestern village to help celebrate American Independence Day.  Members of the 40 member youth group will stay in private homes during their visit.

The village of Ontario will also be the site of a “Rendezvous on the Kickapoo River” Friday through Sunday.  The campers will be re-enacting the fur trade lifestyle of the 1700’s.  Other activities on Saturday include horse drawn wagon rides, food, crafts, flea market, pie and ice cream social, kid’s games, a sand volleyball tournament, and kid’s softball games.  A  pancake breakfast will be held in the Community Hall from 7-10 a.m., the Run for Fun starts at 8 a.m. followed by the Kid’s Run at 9 a.m.  The American Legion Auxiliary chicken barbecue starts at 11 a.m before the noon parade.  MiniPullers Garden Tractor Pull will be at 2 p.m., and a Pedal Tractor Pull will be at 5:30 p.m.

The theme for the celebration and parade entries is “The Hills are Alive with Music.”  Following the 4 p.m. Big Band Luisenschule Concert, Tor Eness and Friends will provide musical entertainment leading up to fireworks at dusk.  Bring a lawn chair or blanket to enjoy the music and fireworks on the village square.

Thanks to the Ontario Community Action Club, all activities are open to the public for free or free will offering.