Barb and Norm Stutesman of Three Rivers, dressed in patriotic costumes, enjoy pancakes, French toast and beverage at Constantine United Methodist Church (UMC) on the 4th of July. (Photo by Angie Birdsall)
The Village of Constantine held with tradition and celebrated Independence Day on the Fourth of July – a Sunday this year.
The celebration featured a variety of events including a pancake breakfast at the Constantine United Methodist Church (UMC), presentation of a plaque to Jamie Judsen recognizing her as the 2010 ‘Citizen of the Year,’ a parade that stepped off in the downtown area at 2 p.m. sharp, and fireworks.
Regarding the pancake breakfast, the event has been held by the UMC men’s group since the early 1980’s. “We got up to start this at 5 a.m. and we brought along a generator because we’re always blowing fuses,” said Terry Owens, a long time participant. “We took the idea over from the fire department. We use the Lyle Kline official buttermilk pancake recipe,” Owens joked, adding, “It’s a tradition we’d like to keep alive as long as we are able.”
The Constantine Public Schools were well represented in the parade.
Accompanying this story are several photographs that will provide some glimpses into the day’s activities.
Enjoy!
State Senator Cameron Brown (R – Fawn River Township) greeted constituents along the parade route.
This horse-drawn carriage was among the Constantine parade entries.
John Ambrosen, Sue Outman, Sheila Stears and Khrisy Ambrosen of Constantine Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church are shown putting finishing touches on a float just prior to the 4th of July parade. Shandi Kern and Gayle Kern are shown in the foreground. Free water was distributed to the crowd. (Photo by Angie Birdsall)
