Phillips celebration set to light up sky

Phillips’ fifth annual pre-Independence Day celebration is set to return with a bang in time for the Fourth of July with fireworks, food, and games for all ages to enjoy at Phillips Memorial Hall on Wednesday. 
Penny Evans, event coordinator and the Phillips Community Foundation manager, shared a positive outlook with preparations leading up to the celebration.
“We’re right on schedule and we’re hoping lots of families come to enjoy our event,” Evans stated.
Marvin Ziola, president of PCF, said the event was made possible with the help of volunteers from the foundation, Phillips Fire Department, Phillips Ball Program and community members.
Activities can be found outside of Phillips Memorial Hall and the ball fields across the street, such as the bouncy houses, dunk tank and hayrack rides. Kids can have their faces painted inside the building.
This year families will not need to purchase tickets to participate in the games, thanks to event sponsors.
Evan shared that two activities will be added for children and their families to partake in throughout the evening.
“The kiddie tractor pulls will take place on the east side of Memorial Hall,” she said. “The turtle races will be on the concrete on the east side of the building.”
Returning this year includes the Bring and Bag Car/Tractor Show, which will be available for car and tractor enthusiasts to see from 6-8 p.m
Also at that same time, meals will be provided by the Phillips Community Foundation inside Phillips Memorial Hall. Root beer floats can be purchased for $1 during the evening. Snacks can be purchased at the concessions area inside the building.
Proceeds made from the celebration will go for next year’s Fourth of July celebration, PCF and the ball program.
The grand finale will commence at 10 p.m. with the fireworks show. Jay Otto, who coordinates the fireworks, shared that the show is set to have a continuous set lasting 20 minutes.
“It’s going to be big and it’s going to be amazing,” Ziola commented. “Because Aurora is doing nothing (this year), we’re going to have that crowd. I think it’s going to be amazing this year.”
Ziola said the foundation is excited to welcome residents from Phillips and surrounding communities to the celebration.