People find all kinds of ways to celebrate summer. Pick your favorites: biking, water skiing, grilling that fresh caught fish. It’s all here and the best is yet to come.
Starting with a parade of Independence Day activities, July brings the county fair, community festivals, 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. Then visitors can head into Park Rapids for a pie contest and auction, the old-fashioned parade honoring America’s Superheroes starting at 5 p.m., the Park Rapids Area Community Band Pre-fireworks Concert at Heartland Park at 7:30 and the Rotary Fireworks display at dusk.
PRCA rodeo action returns July 2 at the Jokela Rodeo & Auction Grounds followed by two nights of the PBR Challenger Tour Bull Ride July 3 and 4. See 80 of the Nation’s Top Bull Riders go head to head with the toughest bulls in the country and enjoy “after party” concerts all three nights.
The Park Rapids Downtown Business Association celebrates summer at 2nd Street Stage events Thursday evenings through Aug. 20. 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.
Cheer for a winner at the Nevis Pig Races Sunday, July 5 and return for Nevis Muskie Days Friday and Saturday, July 24-25. Menahga’s Midsummer Festival runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 10-12.
The 5th Annual Bite of Park Rapids will feature more than a dozen food vendors, an art fair, kids activities, a 3M Nascar simulator, food contests, a Minnesota Sings contest, live music and more from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 12 in downtown Park Rapids. And find more fun downtown during Crazy Days Thursday and Friday, July 23-24 starting with the Downtown Dash & 5K, music and a puppet show in Pioneer Park and ending with Natty Nation at 2nd Street Stage.
The Hubbard County Fair opens Wednesday, July 15 and runs through Sunday with midway fun, monster trucks, live music and more. 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 24-26.
The highly acclaimed Twin Cities outdoor show, Nature, will be presented at the Park Rapids Antique Tractor Club Grounds at 2 and 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 15 and again at 2 and 6 p.m. Friday, July 17 at the Lake Itasca Region Pioneer Farmers Grounds near the north entrance to Itasca State Park. TigerLion Arts produces this family-friendly outdoor experience. Audience members will need to wear comfortable shoes and may want to bring folding chairs for the 90-minute production.
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 “West Side Story.”
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.