Racine's Fourth of July celebration - with its legendary parade and lakefront fireworks - has long been a festive day. This year, folks here will have even more ways to celebrate Independence Day when the Racine Chapter of the Southeastern Wisconsin Harley Owners Group offers its first 4th Jam for Uncle Sam.

Designed to fill in the gap between the morning parade and the evening fireworks, the 4th Jam will offer live music, food and fun at the Civic Centre's Festival Park from the time the parade ends until 11 p.m. on Saturday. Local band OCD will lead off the entertainment at 1 p.m. with a mix of rock, funk and blues, and Union Grove's Bedlam (http://www.myspace.com/bedlam1) will take over the stage at 4:30, for a rare show.

The party's headliner, Chicago's Supernaut, will play its '60s-through-today rock from 7 to 11 p.m., with a break so that people can view the Fourth Fest fireworks from the Festival Park grounds. For more about Supernaut, go to: http://www.myspace.com/supernautband

More than music

While the bands perform to an audience on the east lawn, karaoke will be offered by DJVU under the site's big tent. And, throughout the event, Danny's Meats and Catering will be selling pork sandwiches, brats, burgers and more. There will also be a corn roast, 50/50 raffles and a special patriotic ceremony at 4 p.m.

In honor of the 4th of July, the HOG chapter will recognize six members of the 128th Air Refueling Wing for their service to our country by making them honorary members of the chapter. The ceremony, which will start with a presentation of colors by the American Legion Riders and members of the 128th, will also feature "The Star Spangled Banner," sung by Billy Contreras.

Contreras, who has sung for numerous events from Racine Raiders games to the Harley riders' state rally, has an "unbelievable voice," according to Dan Cramer, director of the Racine Chapter of the Harley Owners Group.

Many members of the group are veterans, Cramer explained, and Contreras' singing of the national anthem can be very moving for everyone who hears it. "It really hits you," he said.

Community concerns

Honoring veterans is something that the HOG has a history of doing, said Steve Barootian, the Racine Chapter's treasurer.

"Within the Harley community there is a deep respect for the flag, our country and the men and women serving our country," Barootian said.

The HOG also has a history of giving back to the community, and the 4th Jam for Uncle Sam will be no exception to those efforts. Proceeds from the event will be donated to the Wheaton Francisan Pediatric Center - one of several area organizations supported by the HOG's Racine Chapter throughout the year.

The HOG group, which consists of about 400 members from Wisconsin and Illinois, also supports the food pantry at Holy Communion Lutheran Church; the City of Racine Police Department's canine division; a local toy drive; breast cancer research; and other causes through its Racine chapter.

By throwing this "big party" for the Racine community, the HOG is not only hoping to have a good time and raise some money for a great cause, but to help the general public become more familiar with their group.

"There is still a stigma about bikers out there and that image is so not true anymore," Cramer said. "People shouldn't be afraid of leather."

A lot of Harley owners are hard-working folks from all walks of life, he said, as well as people enjoying their retirement years.

"We want to become more a part of the community so that people can view us as an asset," Barootian said.

And, if all goes well with the first 4th Jam, which was organized in just six weeks, he and Cramer are planning to do it again next year, in bigger and better form.

"We'll have a whole year to plan for next year," said Cramer. "So we'll be able to expand on it and offer all kinds of neat stuff."

IF YOU GO

WHAT: 4th Jam for Uncle Sam

WHEN: Immediately following the Fourth Fest Parade until 11 p.m. Saturday, July 4, - rain or shine. Live music starts at 1 p.m.

WHERE: Festival Park, 5 Fifth St.

COST: General admission is $10. VIP tickets, which include a pork plate dinner and preferred/secure parking, are $20. Advance tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster, at the Racine Civic Centre Box Office, and at Harley-Davidson of Racine.

INFO: Go to: http://www.racinehogchapter.com