When the lights go down in the city & the sun shines on the bay . . .

As Independence Day nears, the Town of Cicero’s Lights Over Morse Lake Festival is in full swing! There’s something for everyone during this big patriotic party. From a carnival to hot air balloon rides, to face painting, to basketball, cornhole, and pickleball tournaments, to bingo, to live music, and even a golf cart wash fundraiser and more … if you don’t have fun in Cicero this year, it’s probably your own fault!

Sunday, July 2

There are lots of fun, family friendly activities set for Sunday, July 2 at the Lights Over Morse Lake Festival in Cicero.

  • Cornhole Tournament, noon (registration at 11 a.m.) at the south end of Community Park, 139 Stringtown Pike. Cost is $30 per team. Cash prizes and trophies to the top three teams. To register, visit lightsovermorselake.org/cornhole-tournament.
  • Cicero’s Kids Got Talent Show, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Hamilton North Public Library Pavilion, 209 W. Brinton St. There will be cash prizes for winners in the following age categories: 6 and under, 7 to 10, 11 to 15, and 15 to 18. To register, visit lightsovermorselake.org/ciceros-got-talent.
  • The Hamilton County Community Band, under the direction of Brian Swart, will perform from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the Community Park Shelter.
  • Golf Cart Scavenger Hunt, 4 to 6 p.m. Starts and ends at the Cicero Christian Church Shelter, 1715 Stringtown Pike.
  • Tethered Hot Air Balloon Rides, 7:30 p.m. to sunset at Cicero Christian Church. $15.
  • Krista & the Night Shift (traditional and modern country music) will be in concert from 8 to 10 p.m. at the Hamilton North Public Library Pavilion. Opener Mikey Good will start at 6 p.m.

Monday, July 3

The fun continues Monday, July 3 at the Lights Over Morse Lake Festival in Cicero.

Stop by the Festival Office/Camper in Community Park, 139 Stringtown Pike, to view 11 beautifully painted rain barrels, presented by Cicero Friends of the Park and sponsored by the Cicero Storm Water Management Board. There will be a silent auction (which ends at 4 p.m. on July 2) and all proceeds benefit the Cicero Parks Department.

Visit the Food & Craft Vendors in Community Park from 4 to 8 p.m. and bring the kids to the Carnival from 4 to 11 p.m. behind the Hamilton North Public Library. Barnyard Party Pals will also be in Community Park from 3 to 9 p.m. Finish the day with the Big 80’s Band in Concert from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Hamilton North Public Library Pavilion.

Tuesday, July 4

Start the Fourth of July holiday at Selah’s Grace 5K Run/Walk at 7:30 a.m. Registration starts at 7 a.m. at the Cicero Parks Department Building, 1050 S. Pearl St.

Selah’s Grace is a non-profit support group for families who have experienced pregnancy and infant loss. This 5K is sponsored by Cicero Christian Church. Sign up at runsignup.com/Race/IN/Cicero/SelahsGrace5KRunWalk.

The annual Cicero Fourth of July Parade will kick off at 11 a.m. Line-up starts at 10 a.m. This huge parade is always a fan favorite. Parade Grand Marshals will be Greg & Kathy Bowman. For more information or to register, visit lightsovermorselake.org/parade. Thanks to parade sponsor Adler Attorneys.

Another annual favorite is the United Family Wesleyan Church Free Fair from 4 to 8 p.m. at 210 Washington Ave. There will be lots of free food and games for all ages.

Cicero has saved the best for last – the grand finale Fireworks Show at 10 p.m. Fireworks will be shot off a barge in Morse Lake in front of the Jackson Street Bridge. Find lots of great viewing on the east and west sides of the Jackson Street bridge. The bridge will be closed to vehicles at 8 p.m. Parking is $10 at Red Bridge Park (proceeds benefit Cicero Friends of the Park).

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Come celebrate the country’s birthday in Cicero this year! For more information and a complete festival event listing, visit lightsovermorselake.org.