Photos: Emily John Photography
Community-wide festivities mark special Fourth of July events.
Summer’s unofficial midpoint holiday, the Fourth of July, comes with an extra dose of celebration this year as the country marks its 250th anniversary. Several lake area communities continue to offer their annual gatherings with festivities and patriotic celebrations. From fireworks to parades, here are some local spots to celebrate the Fourth of July, the semiquincentennial and summertime fun.
Delano hosts one of the area’s largest multiday celebrations from July 1–4 in Central Park. Highlights include carnival rides and games, the Firecracker 5K, fireworks, free live music, a medallion hunt, parades and various tournaments, including axe throwing and water ball, throughout the weekend. Visit delano4th.com for schedules and updates.
The Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Chamber of Commerce will host the 50th Firecracker Race, followed by the Kids Parade on July 4 in downtown Excelsior. There will be food trucks, live music, a petting zoo and a popsicle social. Visit excelsiorlakeminnetonkachamber.com and ci.excelsior.mn.us for schedules and updates.
Later in the month, from July 16–18, Mound’s Surfside Park is the scene for the annual Spirit of the Lakes Festival, featuring family-friendly activities, fireworks over Cooks Bay, food vendors, live music and a parade. Visit spiritofthelakes.com for schedules and updates.
Wayzata offers loads of family-friendly events on July 4. Kick off the day with a Pancake Breakfast from 8 a.m.–noon at the historic Wayzata Depot. The Kiddie Parade is set for 10 a.m.–noon on Broadway Avenue. For children 10 and younger, the Mini Olympics is planned for 12:30–2 p.m. at Wayzata West Middle School. Visit wayzata.org for additional event details.
