Good morning, Eau Claire.

Chapter 45-2 of the Combat Veteran Motorcycles Association will host its 14th annual Freedom Fest on Saturday, July 11 at Chippewa Falls Harley-Davidson (registration opens at 9 a.m.).

Attendees can join the motorcycle ride, have a pancake breakfast and raffle featuring a new 2026 Street Glide, with proceeds benefiting veterans.

Firework shop owners in the Chippewa Valley report a boost in sales as America’s 250th birthday drives shoppers to spend more ahead of Fourth of July; extra shipments are scheduled to arrive before the holiday.

Some merchants remind buyers that Eau Claire rules require permits for firework sales.

Sacred Heart Church is restoring its interior to its original 1920s look ahead of its 100-year anniversary.

The church will close in October 2027 until Easter 2028 — during that period, services will be held at St. Patrick Church on Fulton Street.

On Tuesday, UW-Eau Claire transitioned leadership as interim chancellor Michael Carney (after 26 years of service) ended his tenure and Edwin Martini assumed the role (having met with campus groups); Carney reflected on his final emotional walk across campus and will support the university after retiring this summer.

In midsummer, juvenile American toads have emerged on Eau Claire sidewalks and in gardens; they complete metamorphosis by early July and are beneficial as they eat insects — a sign of thriving local wetlands.

The Eau Claire City-County Health Department has issued a water quality advisory for Half Moon Beach because of elevated bacteria levels that may cause skin rashes, and it advises visitors to wash hands after contact (avoid swallowing the water).

Lake Altoona Beach remains closed while six others are open.

Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls 19U baseball teams played a seven-inning game on Jun.

30 ahead of their July 4 contest. The Eau Claire Express will host the Waterloo Bucks later.

Sunday Funday: Late-Night Board Games

9 p.m. — The Plus — Free entry — Engage in late-night board games with a vast library and friendly game demos.

Geoff Tate Live Comedy Show

7:30 p.m. — The Plus — $10 adv, $15 door — Experience the witty storytelling of Geoff Tate, a well-known comic with a plethora of podcast and festival appearances.

Ride Across Wisconsin

Ride Across Wisconsin — All day — Phoenix Park — Registration on website — A scenic cycling event with distances of 60, 100, and 175 miles through Chippewa Valley.

Mission Drive Street Party

4-8 p.m. — Basketball Court - North River Fronts — Bring your dish to pass — Enjoy great music, food, and community connections at the annual street party.

Country Jam USA - Day 2

12:00–22:00 — Country Jam USA Festival Grounds — Entry fee varies — Experience an iconic country music festival featuring top artists.

Country Jam USA - Day 3

12:00 PM – 11:59 PM — Country Jam USA Festival Grounds — Check event site for ticket details — Experience a day with the Texan country sound of Braxton Keith at this lively festival.

Sunday Funday: Late-Night Board Games

9 p.m. — The Plus — Free entry — Dive into a diverse board game library with demos, competitions, and prizes for all ages.

Intaglio Collagraph Print Making Workshop

10:00 AM to 2:00 PM — Decadent Gifts & Gallery — $27.38 — Explore textures and patterns in this hands-on printmaking workshop with all materials provided.

Sunday Funday: Late-Night Board Games

9 p.m. — The Plus — Free entry — Gather for an evening of fun with a vast library of board games and interactive gameplay.