It's the biggest birthday party of the year — and fortunately for us, we don't have to go far for a first-class celebration. The Commission is commemorating 241 years of independence with its third annual Salute to the 4th event at Silver Lake Park in Rochester. From a skate and BMX contest to live music to youth sports camps, this year's lineup is filled with activities for people of all ages.

Salute to the 4th skate contest / Photo by Guifeng Huang

Skate and BMX Contest

1-6 p.m. (check-in and warmups at noon)
Three classes: Beginner, Intermediate and Expert
Featuring pro skater and Rochester native Alec Majerus
Register online

"Looking back over the past years' events, I think what really stands out the most is just seeing how excited all the younger kids are to come out and compete and show the crowd what they got," says Kurt Hohberger, one of the event's organizers. "It's always fun seeing that younger generation get that spark."

"For this years skate and BMX contest, we're really working hard on just dialing in the event to keep things rolling along. It's important to keep things going to keep the energy from the event going and to keep the crowd into it, too. Downtime happens and it drags things out, so we want to try and eliminate as much of that as possible."

Salute to the 4th car show / Photo by Guifeng Huang

Car and Motorcycle show

3-5:30 p.m. (check-in 2-3 p.m.)
All makes and models welcome
Register online

Car awards: Best of Show, Best Import, Best Domestic, Best Classic, Best I.C.E, Best Exterior, Best Engine Build, Best Stance, People's Choice Award, Participant's Choice Award.

Motorcycle awards: Best of Show, Best Cruiser, Best Chopper, Best Rocket, Best Style, Best Custom.

Free Kids camp

3:30-5 p.m.
Open to boys and girls of all ages and abilities
RSVP on Facebook

The Med City Freeze and Med City FC will be hosting a free kids camp to get the little ones active. Meet and greet with the players of the teams and fun activities are planned.

"All of this would not be possible without our partnership with the Rochester Area Foundation," says Commission President Sunny Prabhakakar. "The foundation serves as our fiscal agent and has allowed The Commission and Salute to the 4th to use their nonprofit status so that we can focus on doing what we do best. Their team has been amazing from keeping track of our funds to writing thank you letters to giving us advice on how we should grow."

"When This Is Done" by Second Story / Video by Tyler Aug

Live Music

All times approximate

5:30-6:30 p.m.: Second Story

6:45-7:45 p.m.: KnuFunK

8:30-10 p.m.: Rochester Choir Band (hosted by Riverside Concerts)

10:30-midnight: DJ Gavin Boss

Food trucks

Mac's Cafe, Back Alley Kitchen, Catering For All It's Worth, Midnight Munchies, Don's Crumble Beef & Twisted Barrel Wood Fired Pizza

Fireworks

Begin at approximately 10 p.m.

Sponsored by the Rochester Parks and Recreation Department

Help share event flyers

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About the Commission

The Commission is a council in Rochester made up of young professionals who are focused on making a difference in the community. Its mission is to be a positive influence in Rochester through organizing projects and events that get the residents involved and better the city. The Commission collaborates with the young professionals from various industries and backgrounds to be the voice of the younger generation.

Learn more about how to volunteer for this year's event.

The Med City Beat is a proud sponsor of the 2017 Salute to the 4th.

Cover photo: Licensed / Pixabay