OCONTO FALLS TO HOLD HIGHWAY 22 CEREMONY
Event to include ribbon cutting,
opportunity to walk “new” Highway 22
OCONTO FALLS–The Oconto Falls Chamber of Commerce will celebrate the end of state Highway 22 reconstruction at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at Oconto Falls City Hall, 500 N. Chestnut Ave.
“Roll out the Barrels, We Have the Construction Blues on the Run” is the theme selected by the Chamber for the event.
Attendees will have the opportunity to hear messages from local and state dignitaries, including Colleen Harris, regional deputy director of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Mayor Brad Rice, City Administrator Vicki Roberts and Chamber President Gail Yatso.
“I think it’s important to celebrate the end of the hardships the road construction has brought to the businesses of the city that has affected their bottom line,” Yatso said. “It’s something that’s been needed a long time, to be proud of our city and our streets.”
The program and ribbon cutting ceremony at City Hall, 500 N. Main St., will be followed by an opportunity to walk the “new” Highway 22 from City Hall to the Oconto Falls Library, 251 N. Main St., where refreshments will be served.
An Oconto Falls Fire Department engine will lead the walk, and the Oconto Falls Police Department will assist with traffic control.
American Legion Post 302 will present the colors and Boy Scout Troop 1024 will lead the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Oconto Falls High School band and Oconto Falls High School Cheer Team are scheduled to perform.
City leaders and owners of businesses in the construction zone will cut the ribbon, signifying that Oconto Falls is once again open for business.
The color scheme for the day will be orange, and people are invited to wear orange to match the color of the construction barrels that have been so visible in the city.
The $3.95 million DOT project includes pavement removal and replacement, curb and gutter, sidewalks, storm sewer, street lighting, pavement marking and street signing on 1.6 miles from West Highland Drive to East Highland Drive. Work is scheduled to end Wednesday, Nov. 11, weather permitting.
In case of inclement weather, the ribbon cutting program will take place indoors at City Hall.