Summer’s fun events are back
As we look forward to celebrating Independence Day, the pattern of warm days and cool nights has set in. If you’ve spent time in other states or even southern Minnesota, cool nights make “good sleeping weather,” and are one of the many reasons visitors have enjoyed a stay here for over a century. No air conditioning necessary.
Festivals and events have returned to the calendar 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 July 4th 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 11 a.m. and return for the Rotary Fireworks display. See what makes Park Rapids the best place in the country to celebrate Independence Day!
Xtreme Bulls returns to the Double J Rodeo Grounds for a July 4th “Back to America” Bull Ride July 4th. Pro Rodeo action is coming July 2 and 3. All three nights offer freestyle MotoX, kids sheep riding, dances featuring live music and more. The 43rd annual arena events have earned Park Rapids the title of Minnesota’s Rodeo Capital.
The Park Rapids Downtown Business Association celebrates summer at 2nd Street Stage concerts Thursday evenings through Aug. 19. The events open with a Social Hour at 5 p.m. and bands playing from 6 to 8 p.m. A beer garden and kids’ activities add to the fun of this great community get-together. Remember to bring your own chair.
Experience shopping fun and more in Downtown Park Rapids at Crazy Days Thursday, July 22 with a pet and costume parade, kids’ magic show and kids’ games, music, a Native American drum group and Rich Mattson and the Northstars at 2nd Street Stage that evening.
Nevis Muskie Days returns Friday and Saturday, July 23-24. Watch the Nevis Chamber of Commerce Facebook page for a schedule of events. Nevis’ Halvorson Beach on Lake Belle Taine is the site of free Water Ski Shows Saturdays July 10 and Aug. 7. The Nevis Lions Club will serve food and beverage. Bring a lawn chair or beach blanket.
Menahga’s Midsummer Festival runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 9, 10 and 11 with the 40th Annual St. Urho Walk/Run, Arts & Crafts Fair, parade and fireworks Saturday evening, water ski show Sunday afternoon and many more activities.
The Hubbard County Fair opens Wednesday, July 14 and runs through Sunday, July 18 with midway fun (Wednesday through Saturday) with motocross, Baja racing, tractor pull and kiddie tractor pull, 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 23-25. The festival is focused on blueberries – a blueberry pancake breakfast, blueberry ball and blueberry treats. Highlights will be a pie and ice cream social, kids carnival, live music and the Firemen’s Bean Feed.
If it’s culture you crave, check the calendar for dates for performances at Long Lake Theater, Jasper’sTheater, exhibits at the Nemeth Art Center and the Northern Light Opera Company’s production of “Pippin.”
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.