It's 'Back to the '80s' for Stars and Stripes in Rouses Point

ROUSES POINT | A chicken barbecue and craft fair lead into the big parade and fireworks here on the last weekend in June. Stars and Stripes on the Lake is geared up for fun, food and celebration. The community's "Back to the 80s" theme has already sparked hilarity with retro styles, music and dance moves. The all-volunteer Stars and Stripes Committee Chair Krystina Robert said a fundraiser in late May drew a crowd. "It went over so well," she laughed. "We typically have a 'Decades' party the month before to get people excited for the weekend. This was the most turnout we've ever seen. The dance floor was packed. Everybody that was there was excited for Stars and Stripes this year." Stars and Stripes begins Friday evening, June 27, a week after Northeastern Clinton Central high school graduation. Events each day continue until the June 29 evening parade and fireworks. There will be lots for families and old friends to do together. "On Friday June 27, at 5 p.m., food vendors are coming in with the North Country Youth Hockey Club. They will be set up outside of the Rouses Point Civic Center, serving sausage and peppers alongside Baker's Burgers, a new food truck," Robert said. Music and dancing is organized around the Samuel de Champlain Stage, located at 39 Lake Street on the Rouses Point Civic Center grounds. "At 7 p.m., the band 5 O'Clock Somewhere takes to the stage, and the beer tent will be open," Robert said. "Food trucks will stay open as well. The beer tent is sponsored by Frencheez." Also on Friday, the local Farmer's Market is set up on the library lawn from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. SATURDAY GAMES Saturday, June 28 brings morning action on the Civic Center pickleball courts, with coin drops for the Rouses Point Fire Department. By noon, the bounce houses will be set up for kids to explore at $10 for the day on both Saturday and Sunday. The Busco Bandits perform local favorites from 3 to 6 p.m., and Taylor Lavalley sets up with her full band to play from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. "Food vendors open at noon, the beer tent starts at 3 p.m.," Robert said. Food trucks include Baker's Burger, Cousins Lobster and Caracciola's Authentic Italian Food. "We will have the big games out for families and kids, we have a giant Connect 4, cornhole boards and a bunch of other games at the Civic Center." SUNDAY KIDS' DAY & PARADE Sunday, June 29, is Stars and Stripes Kids' Day, with bounce houses ready for jumping at noon and an ice cream social with Stewart's Shops flavors at the Recreation Center. The Vendor and Craft Fair opens at noon, too, though some artisans are planning to set up and open their booths on Saturday. Rouses Point Volunteer Fire Department welcomes everyone to their chicken barbecue at 12 noon with dine-in or take-out options. The Ice Cream Social for families and kids starts at 2:30 p.m. At 3 p.m., Pipsqueak the Clown has a show planned along with face painting. Bounce houses and outdoor games will be on the Recreation Center lawn. Stars and Stripes on the Lake "Back to the 80s" parade begins at 6:30 p.m. Organizers said the view from the Rec Center is amazing. Parade coordinator Jason Borrie said the '80s theme has drawn lots of attention. "We have been encouraging people, everyone, to get into their 80s mindset, think of clothing, cars, dancing (disco), celebrity personalities, how best they want to express the spirit of the 80s." The parade usually draws over 80 entries, and some like to sign up closer to the date. Any entries who want to join in the fun can contact Borrie via email: rousespointparade@gmail.com or online. The Stars and Stripes website has an electronic form available: www.rpstarsandstripes.com/faqs "Beginning at 6:30 p.m., the parade makes a huge rectangle through the village, and a section along Montgomery Street will be a Quiet Zone, no sirens or horns or loud music, for sensory-sensitive children or adults. It is nice for everyone to be able enjoy the parade," Borrie said. The '80s-themed procession starts at the Belcam parking lot on Montgomery Street, where entries line up, starting at 5 p.m. At 6:30 p.m., the parade heads towards State Street, to Maple Street, then south to Champlain St./Rte. 11 and Lake Street, turning north and back to the Belcam parking lot. Floats and marching groups will be announced and judged at the Dodge Memorial Library on Lake Street with winners chosen for different prize categories. A community reminder: Lake Street is closed off from 6:15 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. for the parade. "We are accepting entries for the parade up until just before the parade," Borrie said. North Country Revival is taking the Samuel de Champlain stage at 7:30 p.m. to play until fireworks at dusk. ................................ COMMUNITY EFFORT The Stars and Stripes committee begins organizing for next year even as fireworks dust settles. "We have a lot of fun," Robert said, "seeing everyone enjoy this is the best part." This was her first year as chairperson and a few changes drew from community input. "We went from rides to bounce houses, they seem to go over better than the ride. We try to get different bands every year, with a mix of different for everyone." Most of all, she said, Rouses Point plans activities for family get-togethers. "The community support of the weekend is amazing," she said. "Everyone is able to enjoy it. Past alumni from NCCS have told us they plan reunions around this weekend because it brings everyone together." There are 15 people on the Stars and Stripes Committee tasked with all planning that goes into it. "We welcome community members to pitch in, and are always glad to add volunteers to help inform and produce next year's Stars and Stripes on the Lake events." To find out more: rpstarsandstripes.com

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It's 'Back to the '80s' for Stars and Stripes in Rouses Point

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