Summer is the only excuse you need to celebrate and July is prime time. So go for it! Pick your activity: biking, water skiing, grilling fresh caught fish or making s’mores over a campfire. It’s all here and the best is yet to come.
Starting with a parade of Independence Day activities, July brings community festivals, the county fair, live music, live theater and more.
From the early morning Firecracker Footrace to the fabulous fireworks at dusk, July 4th promises picnics and time at the lake. Visitors are invited to head into Park Rapids for a pie contest and auction, parade at 5 p.m., Park Rapids Area Community Band Pre-Fireworks Concert at Red Bridge Park at 7:30 and Rotary Fireworks display at dusk. See what makes Park Rapids the 4th of July Fireworks Capital of Minnesota!
PRCA Rodeo action returns at the Jokela Rodeo & Auction Grounds June 30 and July 1 followed by two nights of XTREME Bulls July 2 and 3. See the nation’s top bull riders go head to head with the toughest bulls in the country and enjoy “after party” dances all three nights.
The Park Rapids Downtown Business Association celebrates summer at 2nd Street Stage concerts Thursday evenings through Aug. 17. The evening opens with a Social Hour at 5 p.m. and bands playing from 6 to 8 p.m. A beer garden and family activities add to the fun. Bring your own chairs.
Find more fun downtown during Crazy Days Thursday and Friday, July 27-28 with live music, a kids’ show and more Thursday, The Lucky Dutch at 2nd Street Stage that evening and a chalk contest and music in Pioneer Park Friday.
Cheer for a winner at the Nevis Pig Races Sunday, July 9 and return for Nevis Muskie Days Friday and Saturday, July 28-29. Menahga’s Midsummer Festival runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 7-9.
The Hubbard County Fair opens Wednesday, July 12 and runs through Sunday with midway fun (Wednesday through Saturday), monster trucks, Motocity Raceway Motocross, a bull ride, tractor pull events, demolition derby, talent show, live music and more. Fairgoers also can visit 4-H and other agricultural exhibits, enjoy great food and find children’s entertainment.
At Itasca State Park, visitors can not only walk across the headwaters of the Mississippi River, but also learn more about the park at naturalist programs, on hikes and around the campfire.
A few miles from Itasca State Park, visit Lake George’s annual Blueberry Festival Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 28-30.
If it’s culture you crave, check the calendar for dates for performances at Long Lake Theater, Jasper’s and Akeley’s Woodtick Theater, exhibits at the Nemeth Art Center and the Northern Light Opera Company’s production of “South Pacific.”
While July offers lots to see and do in the area, you may want to just stay at the lake to relax, unwind and watch the clouds float by. It’s up to you.
The Chamber Website has all the information you need to put together a memorable vacation or weekend visit. If you want help or have questions, call our friendly staff at 800-247-0054 to learn more.