Mt. Pleasant kicks off celebration on Thursday

MT. PLEASANT — The smell of hot dogs wafted through the air as the late afternoon sun heated the Mt. Pleasant square.

Artists captured the scene in vivid detail on canvases. Dogs tugged at their leashes while families searched businesses for miniature Uncle Sam's.

It was a Fourth of July celebration in Mt. Pleasant Thursday evening — three days early.

The event celebrated Independence Day and independent retailers with hot dogs and an Uncle Sam-themed scavenger hunt.

Lisa Oetken, the Main Street Mt. Pleasant director, said that the event was to celebrate the independent small businesses that make up a large part of Mt. Pleasant’s economy.

“We really want to celebrate those business because they are a big part of Mt. Pleasant,” Oetken said. “These independent small businesses are the heart of downtown.”

Not only did they celebrate with hot dogs and scavenger hunt, but there was a dog costume contest, with owners parading the dogs around the square for all to enjoy.

The dogs were decorated with stars and stripes from head to toe, with some even wearing hats to show off their Fourth of July spirit.

With seven dogs competing in the costume contest, the dogs were judged on their friendliness, their costumes and personality.

All dogs walked away with prizes provided by Dr. Travis Van De Berg of Northeast Animal Hospital.