COLTON – The community of Colton will celebrate Independence Day with a River of Lights celebration and the annual children’s parade and a boat parade.

Colton’s traditional event River of Lights takes place July 3 at 9 p.m. Members of the public light flares along the river in Colton to remember the nation’s servicemen past and present. The flares should last for about 30 minutes.

Flares can be purchased for $3 each, from Larry & Joanne Hudson, 40 Cove Road Extension; Neil & Robin St. Andrews, 68 Sunset View Lane; Lin Snyder, 45 Fuhr Road; Dennis Shea & Amy Cayey, 156 Coldbrook Drive; and Brian & Jessica Plonka, 16 Evergreen Trail.

A children’s parade and a boat parade will be held July 4 starting at 10 a.m.

Organizers are complementing the children’s parade this year with a parade of antique through late classic boats (antique 1919-1942, classic 1943-1975, late classic 25 years old or older) and newer decorated watercraft. If the response is positive it may become an annual event.

All boats are welcome to join the parade but decorating of newer boats is encouraged. Older boats are encouraged to put a sign on the side of their boat telling the year of the boat.

The children’s parade starts at 10 a.m. from the far end of the Big Bay near Bob Agel’s home. Paraders should line up parallel to the shore of the parade, antique boats in front followed by decorated boats. As soon as the children’s parade reaches its destination, the lead boat will begin a circle of the Big Bay at parade speed followed by the others.

Colton will be launching fireworks later in the month at July 16 at dusk, from Firemen’s Field, at the corner of Gulf and Hanson roads.