Since 1964, Port Washington has been home to Fish Day, the "world's largest outdoor fish fry;" a one-day festival that includes a parade, fireworks, carnival rides, helicopter rides, a car show, arts & crafts festival, live music and, of course, fish and chips -- all while raising money for a number of local civic organizations, including the Rotary Club, Kiwanis,  and Lions Club.

This year's theme is "Fishmas in July," so bust out your Santa caps and join in the fun! The day begins at 8 a.m. with an 8K Run & 2 mile Fun Run/Walk benefiting Portal, Inc., a not-for-profit human service agency serving adults with disabilities.  There are categories for all ages, and registration can be taken the day of the event.

​One of the biggest draws to the festival is the parade, which begins at 10 a.m. at Wisconsin and Walters Streets, and runs south on Wisconsin Street to Grand Avenue. Featuring a variety of marching bands and entertainment of all kinds, the parade runs at least an hour long, and vendors sell fish and chips along the route to hungry parade-goers.

While the festival is free, a button is required to enter the Main Stage area, which can be purchased for $5 on the grounds.  This year, the Main Stage features several Country Music artists, beginning with the Milwaukee-based band, Road Crew, from 2:15-5:45. From 6:15-6:45, the McMenamin Irish Dancers will take the stage.  Then, Nora Collins, a WAMI "Rising Star" will make a special appearance from 7-7:30 p.m.  Finally, Josh Thompson will take the stage from 8-9:30 p.m.

The Main Stage isn't the only place to catch live music.  The Band Shell at Veteran's Memorial Park will host the acoustic duo, J-Dubz Live, from 11:15 a.m.- 2 p.m.; Bobby Way & The Fabulous Way Outs from 2:30-6:30; and Beatles tribute band, The Britins, from 7-9:30 p.m.  The Blues Stage (located near the main gate on Washington St.) will feature Generation Gap from 11:00 a.m.-1:15 p.m., KIC band from 1:45-5:15 p.m., and the Robert Allen Jr. Duo from 5-6:15 p.m.  The Lake View Stage (located off of Jackson St. on the lakefront will have Scotch and Soda from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Track 6 from 3:15-6:30 p.m., and The Rush Tribute Project from 7-9:30 p.m.  

The Classic Car Show, Arts & Crafts Show, and Helicopter Rides all begin at 10 a.m. in Upper Lake Park, where the Family Zone is also located.  The Carnival, located across from Veteran's Memorial Park, will also begin at 10 a.m., while the popular Soccer Water Fights begin at 3 p.m. in Veteran's Memorial Park.  The annual Smoked Fish Eating Contest will happen at the Lake View Stage from 2:30-3:15.

The grand finale, of course, is an incredible fireworks display, which begins at 9:30 p.m., and closes the event at 10 p.m.

For more, up to date information, visit the Fish Day Facebook Page, or go to www.portfishday.com.

There's nothing quite as Americana as the 4th of July in the small town communities of Oz.  Looking for a celebration near you?  Look no further!

Belgium  The celebration begins in Belgium with fireworks at 9:30 p.m. on Friday, June 24th at Heritage Park.

Thiensville  Thiensville's Family Fun Before the 4th is a nearly all-day event, and a great day for the whole family!  On Saturday, July 25th, the parade kicks off at 10:30 a.m. Follow it to the Village Park, where free ice-cream, live music, and a variety of events await, followed by fireworks at dusk.

Rotary Music Festival in Cedarburg  The Drum Corps International Tour will return to Cedarburg on Sunday, July 3, for the 17th Annual Rotary Music Festival. Cedarburg High School Stadium is set to play host to a lineup of 9 World and Open Class corps during this event that will take place on the eve of Independence Day.

Friestadt  It doesn't get any more Americana than Trinity Friestadt's 4th of July Parade and Picnic!  Spend your day enjoying one of Ozaukee County's best kept secrets, beginning with an outdoor worship service at 10 a.m. (weather permitting), an 11 a.m. picnic (complete with root beer floats), a noon tour of the Historical Grounds (with a new display of telephones through the ages), and a  1 p.m. parade, followed by children's games, a flag raising, and the very German music of the Alte Kameraden Band and dancing by the Pommersche Tanzdeel Dancers.













​Grafton  Grafton's 4th of July coincides with Grillin' in Grafton.  The parade begins at Grafton High School at 11 a.m., and makes its way to Centennial Park, where more fun can be found, including an 11:30 performance by the UW Marching Band, and fireworks at dusk.

Port Washington  Port's parade begins at 11 a.m. on the 4th; follow it to  Veteran's Park on the lakefront for an old fashioned ice cream social, bicycle judging, a watermelon seed spitting contest, and music throughout the afternoon.  The only fireworks over the lakefront in Oz begin at dusk, and are best seen from Rotary Park or Coal Dock Park.

Saukville  Saukville's parade begins at 1 p.m., going through downtown and ending at Grady Park for a picnic and activities. Fireworks are at dusk over Peninsula Park.

Cedarburg  Cedarburg's 4th of July Hometown Celebration boasts the largest parade in Ozaukee (roughly 2 hours long!), which begins at Fireman's Park at 10 a.m., and heads south along Washington Ave., making its way to Cedar Creek Park, where a picnic and activities can be found.  The Civic Band performs in the band shell at 8 p.m., followed by fireworks at 9:30.

Happy Independence Day, Ozaukee!

Memorial Day is when we remember those who died while serving in our country's armed forces, as well as a wonderful reason to gather as a community.  There are a number of events throughout Oz to attend:

In Saukville, the parade begins at 9 a.m., with a ceremony to follow at Veteran's Park. Contact American Legion Post #470 at 262-284-2787 for details.

Port Washington's parade begins at 10:30 a.m. on Grand Avenue at City Hall, and travels east to N. Franklin Street and north to E. Jackson St. There will be a program immediately following the parade at Veteran's Memorial Park on North Lake Street.  The Port Exploreum is open on Memorial Day from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., and active military and veterans receive free admission.

Fredonia will have a Memorial Day observance at 9 a.m. at Veteran's Park, sponsored by the American Legion Post #410.  For more information, contact Kim Steffen at 262-692-2171.

Cedarburg's Memorial Day Parade is organized by American Legion Peter Wollner Post 288. It begins at 9 a.m. on the corner of Bridge and Washington, goes south on  Washington Avenue, and ends at Post 288 on Hilbert Avenue. The parade will be followed at 10 a.m. by a Remembrance Ceremony memorial service at Legion Memorial Park, comprising the US Navy Silent Drill Team, a wreath-laying ceremony, and keynote speaker, Major Marcea Weiss, WIANG.

In Mequon, the Memorial Day Parade and Observance begins at 10 a.m., and is sponsored by Howard J. Schroeder American Legion Post 457.  The parade starts at Grace Lutheran Church in Thiensville, and proceeds south along Main St. to City Hall for observances.  A free will offering lunch at the new Post Clubhouse, 6050 W. Mequon Road, is available after the ceremony at Mequon City Hall and a special observance at the Post Clubhouse. 

​Happy Memorial Day to all!