Not headed to “the lake” or “the cabin” this weekend for some Fourth of July R-and-R? No worries, as droves of Twin Cities communities continue to keep up with their Independence Day celebrations, and others join the fray.
Annandale, right here in Wright County, has one of the longest-running Fourth of July fireworks demonstrations, while Delano claims to have the state’s largest and oldest celebration. Both are back at it this year.
New to the scene is Taste of Minnesota’s new location – not-to-far-away Waconia – where there will be plenty of food, fun and fireworks.
Elk River has its display on tap, too, over at Elk River High School.
There are dozens of other celebrations around the Twin Cities as well, from White Bear Lake to Woodbury, Coon Rapids to Shakopee.
Here’s a guide:
Delano: Four days of celebration begin Wednesday, July 1 with various activities, including one of the state’s largest American Legion Baseball tournaments. Action continues through the weekend with such things as the carnival/midway, lots of food and music, two softball tournaments, bean bags and the Fourth of July Parade at 10:30 a.m. Saturday morning. Then, things wrap up with music and the Fourth of July Fireworks at dusk on Saturday night.
Annandale: Get set for a weekend of celebration on Friday night with the annual Boat Parade. There’s also a pork chop feed and carnival heading into the weekend. Saturday kicks off with a parade at 10 am., and fireworks are set to light the sky around 10 p.m. on the Fourth of July.
Elk River: Cross the river out of Wright County and into southeastern Sherburne County for a quick fireworks display over Elk River High School. The best viewing, according to organizers, will be at Lion John Weich Park, located near the school. There will not, however, be any activity at the park (which last happened in 2013). Fireworks should start around 10 p.m.
Up Highway 10 at the Historic Kelly Farm, there is a full slate of activity, including a picnic, plenty of spring calves and lambs to hang out with and some music. Activity starts at 10 p.m. and runs through 5 p.m.
Coon Rapids: Anoka County’s hub has a carnival, bean bag tournament and fireworks around 10 p.m.
Around the metro:
CHS Field – The St. Paul Saints will have fireworks after home games Friday and Saturday night.
Canterbury Park – The track will have fireworks over the infield after Friday night’s races, weather permitting.
Lake Minnetonka – Head over to Excelsior Commons and check out one of the Twin Cities’ biggest displays, and all of the majestic boats. If you can get on the water, Big Island is a great place to be. However, it’s not always kid friendly (editor’s note).
Waconia – Taste of Minnesota heads to Waconia after a brief hiatus and relocation process. Fireworks are set for 10 p.m. both Friday and Saturday night, so try not to eat so much that you crash and burn before the big finale.
Minneapolis – Red White and Boom over the river at 10 p.m. downtown.
Edina – Music and fireworks at Rosland Park at dusk
Other communities with celebrations and fireworks: Apple Valley, Lakeville, Eden Prairie, Forest Lake, Richfield (one of the best!), Prior Lake/Mystic Lake Casino, Chanhassen, Eagan, Maplewood, Roseville and White Bear Lake. Check community websites for more information on time and events.