Celebrating the red, white, and blue in downtown Merrill

Merrill’s eastside downtown businesses saw a strong turnout for their Fourth of July celebration Friday, July 3, 2026, which marked the nation’s 250th anniversary with food, music, and activities from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Organizers said the celebration was meant to highlight community, local businesses, and the country’s 250th anniversary on Merrill’s eastside.
“A huge thank you to Steve who planned this wonderful event, the local businesses who attended, and most importantly the community who joined us to celebrate,” said Andy Sargent, Coach and Owner of Sargent Martial Arts and Fitness, LLC. “It reflected a true American 250th birthday party with hot dogs, ice cream, subs, laughter, sunshine, bubbles, cool shades, and connection. We are so excited to be part of the eastside and have been warmly welcomed.”
Boy Scout Troop 503 sold hot dogs on Banker’s Square, while Sunset Hollow offered subs. The Grand Stand sold Independence Day-themed sundaes and cones from its wagon, and Sargent Martial Arts and Fitness ran a mini obstacle course and other fitness activities for attendees. Businesses along East Main and East First streets offered red, white, and blue birthday specials in honor of the occasion. Merrill’s Mayor Steve Hass and his family stopped by the square during the event, and George Washington also made an appearance.
Steve Resnick, President and General Manager of WAVL 100.5 and WJMT 96.3-730, said the event drew a steady crowd to eastside businesses.
“Lots of folks downtown. I poked my head into most of the stores, and everyone seemed busy,” Resnick said.

Resnick reached out after the event to thank Crystal Sargent for designing posters for the event and Tony Kusserow for printing and delivering them. He credited the Boy Scouts and Melissa’s [Sunset Hollow] crew for handling food, Andy and Crystal [Sargent Martial Arts and Fitness] for organizing activities, Trevor and Shelby [Cosmo/The Grand Stand] for bringing over the Grand Stand wagon, and Jeremy Gunther and the VFW Post for the George Washington appearance. He also thanked Jessica and Carrie at Crossbridge Community Bank for providing free goodies.
Resnick also recognized Dan Wendorf and the Parks and Recreation Department for use of the square, Hallie Savall with the City of Merrill, and Sarah Brooks with the Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce. He thanked the Merrill Foto News for helping spread the word about the event and Channel 7 for its coverage.
Following the event, Resnick and several eastside business owners are already discussing the possibility of working together on more community events in the future.