Plenty of ways to celebrate the 4th

It’s that time of year again. The temperatures are rising, boats are filling rivers and lakes and the mosquitoes are biting. Ahh, summer.

And of course some of summer’s biggest celebrations center around the Fourth of July. It falls on a Wednesday this year, but that doesn’t mean festivities have to be curbed. In fact, it just might extend them.

Temperatures are expected to be in the 90s through the Fourth of July, so the celebrations might be paired with cold drinks and maybe a dip in the pool.

But no matter how — or when — you decide to recognize the holiday, there are plenty of options, from concerts and fairs to, of course, fireworks. And you don’t need to look much further than local communities.

Here’s a sampling of local events to celebrate Independence Day this year.

Treasure Island

The annual Island Block Party will be on Tuesday July 3, so those celebrating early can head to Treasure Island Resort & Casino for the free event.

KDWB will be in the Parlay Lounge from 2 to 6 p.m. There also will be live music from Maiden Dixie from 8:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. and an outdoor performance by Stimulus Package at 7 p.m.

Food will be served leading up to a fireworks display at dusk.

Red Wing

Enjoy fireworks over the river at dusk on July 4. You can also catch Americana music in the park from the Westside Trombone Quartet at 7 p.m. in the Central Park Band Shell.

Looking to work off some of those summer treats? Try the Red Wing Fourth of July Road Races, including a 10K run, 5K run/walk and kids run. Registration starts at 7 a.m. at Bay Point Park.

Ellsworth

The Cheese Curd Capital is celebrating its sesquicentennial (150th anniversary), and the festivities happen to coincide well with the Fourth of July. Food and activities will abound at CrossRoad Church, including concerts by Colleen Raye and her son, “American Idol” contestant Reed Grimm, at both 5:30 and 8 p.m.

Fireworks will cap the festivities at dusk.

Cannon Falls

The Cannon Falls Fourth of July parade starts at 11:30 a.m.

The Cannon Valley Fair continues through the Independence Day holiday. On both the 3rd and 4th, attendees can enjoy the midway, music, animals and more. Admission is $3 per person, grandstand events are $12 per person or $5 for ages 12 and younger. Lost Highway will perform on July 3 and admission is $10. The fair also will feature fireworks at dusk on July 4.

Lake City

Fireworks will light up the sky over Lake Pepin at dusk on July 4, sure to make for a spectacular show.

Spring Valley

Enjoy America’s favorite pastime on the country’s birthday. Spring Valley’s annual Fourth of July celebration includes baseball, food stands and fireworks near the dam at dusk.

Maiden Rock

Maiden Rock will host a Fourth of July celebration, complete with — you guessed it — fireworks at dusk.

Wanamingo

Wanamingo will be filled with family activities, dancing, food and more this Fourth of July.

The parade is at 2:30 p.m. Kids’ games run until about 9:30 p.m. and the evening will end with fireworks on the south end of town at dusk.

In a more solemn recognition of Independence Day, flags at the Wanamingo VFW’s Field of Honor will be on display through July 4.

Tags: arts and entertainment, lifestyle, social, minnesota, wisconsin