Celebrate July 4th in southeastern Minnesota
Independence Day means celebrating the United States of America and there are plenty of opportunities to display your patriotism in the area.
The biggest celebration of the weekend is in neighboring Blooming Prairie where the “2021 Old Fashioned 4th of July” gets an early start on Saturday, with a variety of events including an antique tractor show, pedal tractor pull, music in the pavilion, hula hoop and stick horse racing, a teen dance and a street dance.
The fun continues Sunday morning with the Lions Club breakfast, a car show, antique tractor show, tractor pull, Fire Department open house, fine arts fair, free pony rides, kids races and activities, trolley rides and a pickle and pie judging contest. The main event gets under way at 2:30 p.m. with the big parade.
The holiday concludes with the fireworks at Victory field at 10 p.m.
Also at 10 p.m. Owatonna will have its Patriot Skies Fireworks Display at the Steele County Fairgrounds.
To the east, Rochester’s 2021 4th Fest will be held at Soldiers Field Park near the Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial.
Lawn chairs, blankets and coolers are welcome to help celebrate the U.S. and the rich and diverse talent of the Rochester community.
The main attraction, the fireworks, is scheduled for 10 p.m.
To the north, Wanamingo also has a weekend of activities beginning with a BBQ at Blondie’s Butcher Shop from 5 to 8 p.m. followed by live music at JB’s Tavern from 8 to 11.
Saturday includes a co-ed volleyball tournament beginning at 9 a.m. and an Honor the Flag ceremony at Memorial Field at 4:30 p.m. followed by the Fire Department’s picnic and dance from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m.
There is a full slate of activities on Sunday beginning with an outdoor worship service at 9 a.m., a horseshoe tournament, music, free open swim at the city pool, a silent auction and, at 1 p.m., the Zumbrota Band.
The grand parade gets under way at 2:30 p.m. followed by a bean bag tournament, a Fire Department water fight and ending with fireworks at dusk.