It should be said folks in the Park Rapids Lakes Area feel pretty fortunate these days. The lakes and rivers are high, but not flooding. Instead, the ferns grow inches taller than in other years and all the woodlands are green and lush.
Against the beautiful backdrop Mother Nature has provided, summer awaits with a 4th of July like no other, the county fair, community festivals, live music, theater and more.
From 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 Heartland Park at 7:30 and the Rotary Fireworks display at dusk.
The PBR Challenger Tour Bull Ride is bucking tradition and is on for July 10, 11 and 12 at the Jokela Rodeo & Auction Grounds. See 80 of the Nation’s Top Bull Riders go head to head with the toughest bulls in the country.
The Park Rapids Downtown Business Association celebrates summer at 2nd Street Stage events Thursday evenings through Aug. 22. Second Street Stage runs from 6 to 8 p.m. – rain or shine – with bands, a beer garden and family activities on 2nd Street between Main Avenue and Highway 71 (at Armory Square if it rains).
Cheer for a winner at the Nevis Pig Races Sunday, July 6 and return for Nevis Muskie Days Friday and Saturday, July 25-27. Menahga’s Midsummer Festival runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 11-13.
The 4th Annual Bite of Park Rapids will feature food vendors, an art fair, kids activities, food contests, live music and more from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 13 in downtown Park Rapids. And find more fun downtown during Crazy Days Thursday and Friday, July 24-25 starting with the Downtown Dash & 5K, music in Pioneer Park all day and ending with the Arvig Summer Fun Event and The Limns at 2nd Street Stage.
The Hubbard County Fair opens July 16 with midway fun and some new events this year. Fairgoers also can visit 4-H and other agricultural exhibits, enjoy great food and find children’s entertainment.
The Lake George Blueberry Festival rounds out the month’s festivities Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 25-27.
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 “Guys & Dolls.”
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.