Coal City ready to salute America at 250

After a week of tornado warnings, flash flooding concerns and six inches of rain falling across the Coal City area in just seven days, residents are hoping the skies clear in time for one of the community's biggest celebrations of the year.
The Village of Coal City will host "America 250: A Coal City Salute" on Saturday, June 20, a day-long celebration honoring the nation's upcoming 250th birthday while showcasing the hometown pride and community spirit that have long defined the village.
For organizers, the final preparations have been accompanied by plenty of weather watching.
Last week's storms repeatedly interrupted outdoor activities across Grundy County. Residents endured multiple rounds of heavy rain and severe weather, including tornado warnings that sent many scrambling for shelter.
Now, with Saturday's festivities just days away, organizers are crossing their fingers that Mother Nature takes a break.
The early forecast offers cautious optimism.
According to AccuWeather, Coal City is expected to experience a stormy start to the week, with thunderstorms forecast Tuesday and Wednesday and additional showers possible Thursday.
Conditions are expected to improve Friday with mostly sunny skies and temperatures in the mid-70s. Saturday's forecast currently calls for a high near 76 degrees with only a slight chance of showers and clouds giving way to sunshine as the day progresses.
That forecast is a welcome change after a week of weather alerts and even power outages.
Parade kicks
off celebration
The festivities begin at noon Saturday with the Parade on South Broadway, bringing patriotic spirit to downtown Coal City and officially launching a full afternoon and evening of entertainment.
Additional activities open at 1 p.m., featuring live music, family entertainment, contests, games, food vendors and community attractions.
Stage One
Entertainment
Located at South Broadway and Willow Street, Stage One will feature a continuous lineup of family-friendly performances and competitions.
The schedule includes:
1:30 p.m. – Incredible Bats Show
1:45 p.m. – On Broadway Dancers
2 p.m. – Jesse White Tumblers
2:45 p.m. – Hot Dog Competition
3 p.m. – Major School of Dancers
3:30 p.m. – Popsicle Contest
4 p.m. – Reptile Show
5 p.m. – Ben Franklin Speaks
5:45 p.m. – Pie Contest

Live Music at
Stage Two
Music fans can gather at Bob's Advanced Auto Lot, where Stage Two will host local entertainment throughout the afternoon.
Scheduled performers include:
1 p.m. – The Clients
4 p.m. – Hot Toddies
A variety of attractions will be available throughout the day. Featured activities include: Trackless train rides, Beer garden opens at 1 p.m.; 2 p.m. – Bingo and water fights with the Mazon Fire Department. At 3 p.m. will be a foam party and library crafts. There will even be hot air balloon rides in the evening. There will be vendor booths, a dunk tank. caricature artist, 360-degree photo booth, face painting and balloon artist
Grand finale at Coal City High School
The celebration will conclude with an evening spectacular at Coal City High School, where gates open at 8:15 p.m., featuring the American Legion Band, Coal City Community Choir, a drone show and fireworks display
Organizers expect the evening program to provide a patriotic conclusion to the village's tribute to America's 250th anniversary.
While the event honors the nation's upcoming semiquincentennial, it also highlights the community partnerships that made the celebration possible. Numerous local businesses, organizations and volunteers have contributed time, resources and sponsorships to help bring the event to life.
The village has spent months planning its salute to America. Now all that remains is one final request from organizers and residents alike: Let's hope Mother Nature decides to celebrate, too.