The Madeline Island 4th of July celebration kicks off every year at 10:30 a.m. with a parade that defies description. Fireworks begin at dark and are synched to music with boats anchored all over the  harbor as the backdrop. The Madeline Island 4th of July is full of events, ending with the fireworks in the harbor, and has been described as one of the TOP 10 small town celebrations for the 4th in the entire country!

A Full Day of Events

The Madeline Island 4th of July celebration starts at10:30 a.m. with a parade that includes entries from firetrucks and ambulances to family reunion marching units.

2016 Parade Prize Winners:

Community Award – Lady and Trump- Amnicon Bay Association
Grand Sweepstakes – MIWP Monarchs
Special Award – RWB= P. (Flyover)
Most Patriotic Award – RWB Miatas
Best Float - 
1st Place- Root Beer Pub
2nd Place- Music Camp
3rd Place- MISA
Best Child Entry – 
1st Place- Bearpath Family Band
2nd Place- Lewandowski Let Freedom Ring
3rd Place- M.I. Dairy
Best Individual Entry – La Pointe PD Bike Cop
Best Library Entry - Kids with Hats
Best Band – M.I. Marching Band
Best Pet Entry – M.I. Circus
Best Vintage Car – ’38 Coupe- Cedric M.I. Metal Works

You get the idea. Everyone and anyone can and does contribute to making this truly a one-of-a-kind parade.

Following the parade, there is a program on the village green in front of the Madeline Island Museum which includes the band, a choir, group singing of patriotic songs and speeches appropriate to the occasion. This is a not-to-be-missed program and also includes the awarding of all the parade trophies, which in 2015 added up to 15 trophies awarded in 11 categories. And even the trophies are special. They are recycled sports awards and could include baseball, golf and Ice hockey, with new title plaques applied! We really do have a great time.

After the program, you are free to find the beer and brat cookout at the Rec Center or whatever else you are interested in. Now it is time to tour the island, find a great beach and relax the afternoon away.

Our spectacular fireworks begin at dark, which this far north is almost 10:00 p.m. The light show is synched to music, boats are out floating at anchor in the harbor, and the magic takes over. The fireworks truly are a community effort with fundraising to cover their cost taking place all year long. If you want to be a part of this event, make plans now.

For more information about Madeline Island, please see our website at madelineisland.com, or call the office at 888-475-3386 or 715 -747-2801.