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Exchange Club of Alpena sponsoring Fourth of July decoration contest

ALPENA, Mich. — Despite the Fourth of July parade in Alpena being canceled, there are still ways to celebrate. The Exchange Club of Alpena is sponsoring a decoration contest.

This organization is aimed at serving their communities through patriotism. They’re also the longest existing national service club. Normally the organization would be passing out American flags at the parade, but not this year.

President of the Exchange Club Shawn Ballor said that this contest is a way to celebrate our nation. “Come together as a country and show our solidarity for what makes our country work, all the people who have fought for us and all the people that kind of struggled through this difficult situation and continued to help keep our country rolling,” he said.

All residents and businesses are welcome to participate. The Exchange Club wants people to pull out all the stops and display their red, white, and blue decorations in their windows, yards, and porches.

One thing that they want to avoid is politics as this contest is meant to bring people together as Americans. “Keep it about our country so that it stays positive,” said Ballor. “We want to keep the negativity out of it and let everyone each other’s patriotism.”

To enter the contest send an email containing your name address, and photo of your completed decorations to Alpenaexchangeclub@gmail.com. Prizes will be awarded to the top three businesses and residents. The community will also select a People’s Choice Award via the Exchange Club of Alpena’s Facebook page. The picture with the most likes by July 3 will be the winner.

The deadline to register is June 29.