Summer is the only excuse you need to celebrate and July is prime time. So go for it! Pick your activity: biking, water skiing, grilling fresh caught fish or making s’mores over a campfire. It’s all here and the best is yet to come.
Starting with a parade of Independence Day activities, July brings community festivals, the county fair, Itasca State Park’s 125th birthday celebration, 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 a pie contest and auction, the parade honoring the men and women who have bravely served our country 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. See what makes Park Rapids the 4th of July Fireworks Capital of Minnesota!
PRCA rodeo action returns July 1 at the Jokela Rodeo & Auction Grounds followed by two nights of the 39th Annual PBR Bull Ride July 2 and 3. See the nation’s top bull riders go head to head with the toughest bulls in the country and enjoy “after party” dances all three nights.
The Park Rapids Downtown Business Association celebrates summer at 2nd Street Stage events Thursday evenings through Aug. 18. 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.
The 6th Annual Bite of Park Rapids Street Fair will feature a dozen food vendors, artists, kids’ activities, food contests, live music and more from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, July 10 in downtown Park Rapids. And find more fun downtown during Crazy Days Thursday and Friday, July 28-29 with live music and a kids’ show Thursday in Pioneer Park and ending with The 4ontheFloor at 2nd Street Stage that evening.
Cheer for a winner at the Nevis Pig Races Sunday, July 10 and return for Nevis Muskie Days Friday and Saturday, July 29-30. Menahga’s Midsummer Festival runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 8-10.
The Hubbard County Fair opens Wednesday, July 13 and runs through Sunday with midway fun (Wednesday through Saturday), monster trucks, Motorcity Raceway Motocross, tractor pull events, live music and more. Fairgoers also can visit 4-H and other agricultural exhibits, enjoy great food and find children’s entertainment.
Itasca State Park is celebrating its125th anniversary with special activities, including a-hike-a-month on the North Country Trail, Mysteries in History Hikes, Itasca’s Wildlife Wonders Series, She Had Nerve and a Big Gun-The Mary Gibbs Story and more. Mark your calendar for the weekend of July 31 and celebrate at a birthday party for Itasca.
A few miles from Itasca State Park, visit Lake George’s annual Blueberry Festival Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 29-31.
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 “Annie Get Your Gun.”
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.