July 2022
July festivities and adventures are where memories are made
Independence Day and all the other festivals and events on the July calendar promise different things to different people. Maybe a long weekend, a vacation, family arriving to visit, time at the lake and under the stars.
July’s calendar is filled 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. Whatever you’re most excited about doing, we hope your expectations are happily fulfilled.
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, Park Rapids is the best place in the country to celebrate Independence Day! Visitors are invited to head into Park Rapids for the parade at 11 a.m. and return for a Park Rapids Area Community Band Pre-fireworks concert and the Rotary Fireworks display.
PRCA ProRodeo and Xtreme Bulls returns to the Double J Rodeo Grounds July 1-3 – rain or shine. All three nights offer freestyle MotoX, kids sheep riding, dances featuring live music and more. The 44th 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. 18. 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 season’s 10th anniversary of free music. See our new up north stage and emember to bring your own chair. And remember to head Downtown for shopping fun and more during Crazy Days July 28 and 29.
The Menahga Midsummer Celebration offers three days of entertainment, great food and fun July 8-10. You won’t want to miss time at Spirit Lake and around town from the Miss Menahga / Little Miss Menahga Pageant Friday evening, the St. Urho Walk/Run, Arts & Crafts Fair, water ski show, parade and fireworks Saturday to a concert featuring Monroe Crossing Sunday afternoon.
The Hubbard County Fair opens July 13 and runs through July 17 with midway fun, an amateur talent show, truck and 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.
Nevis Muskie Days returns July 22-23. A highlight will be the Muskie Days Music Festival featuring Corey Medina & Brothers, Charlie Parr and others. Nevis’ Halvorson Beach on Lake Belle Taine is the site of free Water Ski Shows July 16 and Aug. 6. The Nevis Lions Club will serve food and beverage. Bring a lawn chair or beach blanket.
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 July 29-31. The festival is focused on blueberries – a blueberry pancake breakfast and blueberry treats. Traditional highlights are a parade, 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 “Hello, Dolly.”
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 218-732-4111 to learn more.