Photo Credit: LuAnn Hurd-Lof
As we look forward to celebrating the red, white and blue, the landscape is displaying a thousand shades of green. From the pine trees and foliage overhead to the ferns and other native plants at our feet, the view from the bow of a boat or through the window is glorious green.
The July calendar is overflowing with festivals and events in addition to all the possibilities for adventures like biking, water skiing, kayaking, tubing, grilling fresh caught fish or making s’ mores over a campfire. It’s all here.
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 the parade at the new time of 11 a.m., a pie contest and auction, Park Rapids Area Community Band Pre-Fireworks Concert at Heartland Park at 7:30 and Rotary Fireworks display. See what makes Park Rapids the best place in the country to celebrate Independence Day!
PRCA Xtreme Bulls returns to the Double J Rodeo Grounds July 4 and 5 followed by PRCA Rodeo action July 6. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Xtreme Bulls brings the nation’s top bull riding contestants who travel from all over the world to compete for qualifying points. Rodeo events feature ESPN stars competing in all seven professional rode events. All three nights offer freestyle MotoX, kids sheep riding, dances featuring live music and more.
Photo Credit: LuAnn Hurd-Lof
The Park Rapids Downtown Business Association celebrates summer at 2nd Street Stage concerts Friday, July 5, but otherwise on Thursday evenings through Aug. 15. The evening opens with a Social Hour at 5 p.m. and bands playing from 6 to 8 p.m. A beer garden, cornhole tournaments and kids’ activities add to the fun. Bring your own chairs.
Experience shopping fun and more Downtown at Crazy Days Thursday, July 25 with a pet parade, kids’ show, live music, and food contests and the Brother Jon Band at 2nd Street Stage that evening.
Cheer for a winner at the Nevis Pig Races Sunday, July 7 and return for Nevis Muskie Days Friday and Saturday, July 26-28. Head to Nevis Tuesday evenings for Music Tuesdays featuring live bands. Nevis’ Halvorson Beach also hosts Water Ski Show Sunday, July 13 with free live music at 4 p.m. and the ski show starting at 5 p.m.
Menahga’s Midsummer Festival runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 12-14 with the St. Urho Walk/Run, Arts & Crafts Fair, inflatables at the lake, parade and fireworks Saturday evening, water ski show Sunday afternoon and many more activities.
The Hubbard County Fair opens Wednesday, July 17 and runs through Sunday with midway fun (Wednesday through Saturday) with motocross, Baja racing, tractor pull events, demolition derby, and other grandstand shows. 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 26-28. The festival is focused on blueberries – a blueberry pancake breakfast, blueberry ball, and blueberry treats. Traditional highlights are a pie sale, Firemen’s Bean Feed, quilt show, Sunday parade and more.
If it’s the culture you crave, check the calendar for dates for performances at Long Lake Theater, Jasper’s Theater exhibits at the Nemeth Art Center and the Northern Light Opera Company’s production of “The Drowsy Chaperone.”
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.
Click to request the 2019 Discovery Guide