July 2012 July brings festivities, fair, festivals and fun Fantastic fireworks, the county fair, festivals, live music, theater and more fill the July calendar. The Park Rapids Lakes Area celebrates summer like no other place in a setting of crystal clear lakes, beautiful beaches, fresh north woods air and a star-spangled night sky. 4th of July Events ScheduleFrom the Firecracker Footrace at dawn to the fabulous fireworks at dusk, Independence Day promises picnics and time at the lake. Then visitors can head into Park Rapids for a pie contest and auction, the old-fashioned parade starting at 5 p.m. on Main Avenue, the Park Rapids Area Community Band Pre-fireworks Concert at Red Bridge Park at 7:30 and the Rotary Fireworks display at dusk. The PBR Challenger Tour Bull Ride kicks off on the 4th of July weekend in Park Rapids. Talented and brave cowboys pit their skills against some of the world’s best bucking bulls July 4th and 5 at the Jokela Rodeo & Auction Grounds. Arena action continues July 6 and 7 with the return of Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) sanctioned rodeo events. The Park Rapids Downtown Business Association celebrates summer at 2nd Street Stage events Thursday evenings through Aug. 16. Second Street Stage runs from 6 to 8 p.m. with bands, a beer garden, snacks and family activities on 2nd Street between Main Avenue and Highway 71. On July 5 the band, Tree Party, tips their hats to the roots of country music, covering the likes of Hank Williams, Jimmie Rodgers, Gillian Welch, Webb Pierce and Willie Nelson. Bands coming up are The Color Pharmacy July 12, Matt Ray & Those Damn Horses July 19 and Patchouli July 26. The Hubbard County Fair opens July 4th with midway fun and continues through Sunday, July 8. A talent show, grandstand concert, tractor and truck pull, demolition derby, 4-H and other exhibits and more are on the schedule Thursday, July 5 through Sunday, July 8. Menahga’s Midsummer Festival runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 6-8. Or cheer for a winner at the Pig Races in Nevis Sunday, July 8 and return for Nevis Muskie Days and Nevis School centennial celebration Friday and Saturday, July 20-21. The 2nd Annual Bite of Park Rapids will feature food vendors, kids activities, food contests, live music and more from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, July 27 (the second day of Crazy Days) in downtown Park Rapids. Live bands play on at the Ror Schach Music Fest from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 28 at the Fairgrounds in Park Rapids. The Lake George Blueberry Festival rounds out the month’s festivities Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 27-29. Live Theater and ExhibitsIf it’s culture you crave, check the calendar for dates for performances at Long Lake Theater and Jasper’s, exhibits at the Nemeth Art Center, the Northern Light Opera Company’s productions of “The Sound of Music” and other events. 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 Park Rapids Lakes Area 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. Check out our Quick Links https://parkrapids.com/ and Event Calendar for the latest information. https://business.parkrapids.com/events/
