July 2023
July festivities and adventures are where memories are made
If you’re craving a long weekend or the chance for a vacation has opened up on your
schedule, there’s no better time than July to head north. Warm days, cool nights and
time on the water may be just what you need to recharge your batteries.
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.
The 45th Annual PRCA Pro Rodeo events will start at 7 p.m. July 1, 2 and 3 at the
Jokela Rodeo & Auction Grounds – rain or shine. Extreme Bulls will add to the
excitement July 2. Park Rapids hosts Minnesota’s largest ProRodeo event. Bull riders,
kids sheep riding, Free-Style Moto X and Nightly Dances under the Pavilion are all
highlights.
The Park Rapids Downtown Business Association celebrates summer at 2nd Street
Stage concerts Thursday evenings through Aug. 17. 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 year’s 11th season of free music. See our up north stage and
remember to bring your own chair.
The Menahga Midsummer Celebration offers three days of entertainment, great food
and fun July 7-9. You won’t want to miss time at Spirit Lake and around town from the
pageant Friday evening to the weekend’s St. Urho 5K Run/Walk, Arts & Crafts Fair,
grand parade and fireworks.
The Hubbard County Fair opens July 11 and runs through July 15 with midway rides
and games, motocross, Baja racing, a 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 21-22. A highlight is the free live Muskie Days Music
Festival. The weekend also offers a 5K Fun Run, grand parade and other family
activities.
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
28-30. The festival is focused on blueberries – a blueberry pancake breakfast and
blueberry treats. Traditional highlights are 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
Jasper’sTheater, exhibits at the Nemeth Art Center and three art galleries in downtown
Park Rapids and the Northern Light Opera Company’s production of “Little Shop of
Horrors.”
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.