Community Corner

Find It: A Place to Party on July 4, 2012

We've got a list of July 4 celebrations—even the dubious ones (Freedom From Pants Ride?).

10 to 20 Miles Away

Richfield

Catch the tail-end of Richfield's six-day July 4 blow out, a festival that features a carnival (open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.), a parade at 1 p.m. and free music until fireworks begin at 10 p.m. This is just a small sampling of what Richfield has to offer: For a complete list, .

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Fort Snelling

Party like it's 1899. Independence Day at historic Fort Snelling is modeled on July 4 celebrations typical of the 19th century—complete with cannon salutes, rousing patriotic speeches, and a military dress parade with fife and drum music. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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It costs $11 for adults, $9 seniors and college students, $6 children ages 6-17; free for children age 5 and under and Minnesota Historical Society members.

20 to 30 Miles Away

Stillwater

Stillwater's "old fashioned" Independence Day Bash will include a full line up: A parade, music, fireworks and even an . The city has also promised to deliver a during the annual fireworks display. Fireworks begin at 10 p.m. For more information, see the city's website

Minneapolis' Red, White & Boom!

Minneapolis parties down with an extensive series of events, topped off with a spectacular fireworks display. July 4 will begin with the Twin Cities Motion Half Marathon in the morning, followed by free concerts and family activities starting at 4 p.m. The fireworks begin at 10 p.m. Click here to find out more about Red, White & Boom!

The city will also be host to the "Freedom from Pants Ride," which is exactly what it sounds like. The pants-free bicycle ride begins at The Soap Factory at 6 p.m. and lasts until 11:30 p.m. 

For those seeking a little more culture (or less, depending on how you look at it) head over to Calvary Lutheran Church at 7:30 p.m. to see Theatre Pro Rata's latest production, "44 Plays for 44 Presidents." 

30 to 50 Miles Away

Northfield

Celebrate Independence Day with a horde of professional and semi-professional cyclists, who will hit the streets to compete in the annual 4th of July Bike Criterium held in Northfield. Racing goes from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. followed by a kids’ parade and carnival. Fireworks begin at the Middle School grounds starting at night's fall. For more information,  or go to Northfield.patch.com.

Cannon Falls

Enjoy a truly small-town celebration, with harness horse racing, a midway, minnow racing and butterfly exhibits (and release!). Find out more about this charming event here.

For the Ambitious Only

If you are prepared to drive three hours to enjoy July 4, I commend you for your spunk and give my sympathies to your family, who will likely be dragged out of bed for the PBR Bull Ride & PRCA Rodeo in Park Rapids. This well-known event boasts 80 of the top bull riders in the world going "head-to-head with the toughest bucking stock in the nation." The prize is $50,000 in prize money. The rodeo also features a Freestyle Moto X Half Time Show, kid's mutton bustin', cowboy poker, nightly dances with live music. Here's the website.


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