From parades and fireworks shows to food trucks and live music, lakes country communities plan to put on city-wide celebrations.
Don't miss out on the fun to be had, either at a citywide celebration or taking in a boat parade or fireworks show.
Bemidji Jaycees Annual Water Carnival
Maggi Fellerman / Bemidji Pioneer
When: July 3-7
Where: Bemidji, Minnesota
What: The 80th annual Bemidji Jaycees’ Annual Water Carnival will see the return of a whole slew of traditional events like the Grand Parade, Color Run, the Red, White and Boom Fireworks show and much more.
The Red, White and Boom fireworks display will be held at dusk, usually around 9:45 to 10:15 p.m., on Thursday, July 4, on Lake Bemidji. Fireworks typically start launching around 10:10 p.m.
For a full schedule of events, visit the website at www.bemidjijaycees.com/water-carnival
Brainerd-Baxter
Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch
When: July 4
Where: Brainerd, Minnesota
What: The Brainerd/Baxter parade will take place 6 p.m. Thursday, July 4, near downtown Brainerd and the Brainerd High School. Live music and family relays will follow the parade, with fireworks to close out the night at 10:15 p.m.
Crosby-Ironton
Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch
When: July 4
Where: Crosby and Ironton, Minnesota
What: The annual Crosby-Ironton Fourth of July parade will begin at 11 a.m. in Ironton. After the parade, head to the Crosby Memorial Park where there will be live music, entertainment and various activities for all ages.
Fireworks will be at dusk over Serpent Lake.
Crosslake
Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
When: July 6
Where: Crosslake, Minnesota
What: The day begins with the 27th annual Grandpa's Run for the Walleye and Kids Sunfish Dash at the Crosslake Community Center.
At 6 p.m., Reverend Raven will be featured in teh Crosslake Town Square as part of the Music in the Square series.
The 54th annual Celebrate America fireworks show in Crosslake will take place shortly after 10 p.m., launched from Sand Island on the south end of Cross Lake.
Nisswa
Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch
When: July 3
Where: Nisswa, Minnesota
What: The day kicks off with a petting zoo at the A&W restaurant at 12:30, and turtle races will start at 2 p.m.
The afternoon will feature plenty of family fun, including Water Wars, live music, food vendors and more.
The Freedom Days parade will start at 7 p.m.
Pequot Lakes
Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
When: July 3-4
Where: Pequot Lakes, Minnesota
What: Stars & Stripes Days will feature fireworks, the annual parade and many more activities.
The event will feature food vendors, bean bag toss tournament, kids’ activities, kiddie parade, music, craft fair and more. New this year is a loon calling contest.
Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
Fireworks
Wednesday, July 3
- Pequot Lakes:High school practice field. Best viewing locations are both sides of Trailside Park, Pequot Lakes School and the TDS parking lot.
- Nisswa:Community center.
Thursday, July 4
- Detroit Lakes: Fireworks on the Detroit Lakes City Beach, starting at dusk. Open to the public.
- Brainerd:Don Adamson Field at Brainerd High School.
- Crosby:Over Serpent Lake at Crosby Memorial Park.
- Gull Lake:Gull Lake area fireworks show on the south end of Gull Lake sponsored by Madden's and Cragun's resorts. Watch from the East Gull Lake airport, the Madden’s driving range on County Road 77 or by boat on the south end of Gull Lake.
Friday, July 5
- Bay Lake fireworks show near Ruttger’s Bay Lake Resort. Watch from the shores of Ruttger’s or from the waters of Bay Lake.
Saturday, July 6
- Crosslake:Sand Island on Cross Lake. Watch from the shores of Cross Lake or by boat on the water. Tune in to Skeeter 101.5 for music choreographed to the display. If viewing from shore, the best spot is the eastern shore of Cross Lake at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Recreation Area.
By West Central Tribune staff report
Our newsroom occasionally reports stories under a byline of "West Central Tribune staff report." Often, the "West Central Tribune staff report" byline is used when rewriting basic news briefs that originate from official sources, such as a city press release about a road closure, and which require little or no reporting. At times, this byline is used when a news story includes numerous authors or when the story is formed by aggregating previously reported news from various sources. If outside sources are used, it is noted within the story.
The West Central Tribune newsroom can be reached via email:
news@wctrib.com or phone 320-235-1150.
