Spectators have a host of patriotic festivities to choose from this Fourth of July to celebrate the U.S.A.’s birthday.
Runners and walkers planning to participate in the 46th annual Firecracker Footrace are encouraged to register online prior to July 2.
Online registration ends on that day, but participants can register on Wednesday, July 3 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. or prior to the race on Thursday, July 4 from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at Park Rapids’ Heartland Park. Runners and walkers who pre-register can also pick up their bibs at those times. Participants are encouraged to pick up their bibs on Wednesday night prior to the race to avoid the race day rush. The race will be capped at 850 runners and walkers.
The 5K run/walk will start at 9 a.m. on July 4. This is a certified USATF fast course for the serious runners. The event will be chip timed by Pickle Events.
The cost is $30 per participant. Register a family or group of five or more in one order and every runner will receive $5 off the entry fee.
A free Kids Fun Run for ages 12 and under will follow the 5K. No formal registration is needed. Kids should meet at the finish line area to pick up a race bib.
To register online, go to
and sign up by looking under “Race Schedule” and click the link to the Firecracker Footrace.
The event is a fundraiser for the Park Rapids boys and girls cross country teams and the Park Rapids boys and girls track and field teams.
In a popular Independence Day tradition, residents decorate their boats or pontoons and promenade along the shore.
The Long Lake Fourth of July flotilla will gather near the New Frontier Resort at 3:50 p.m. The flotilla will start at 4 p.m. If you can’t take part in the flotilla join the fun on shore and cheer the boats as they go by. If there is inclement weather (high winds, rain, thunderstorms) at 3 p.m, the flotilla will be canceled.
The Big Sand Lake Association’s parade is scheduled for 11 a.m. Meet at the Big Sand inlet and look for Bill Eichen’s Chris-Craft boat.
Meet near the public access at noon to join the Duck Lake Association’s flotilla.
The Fish Hook Lake and River Association boat parade begins at 2 p.m. Meet at the red bridge and look for the Fishhook Lake & River Association sign.
Sponsored by Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, the Park Rapids Fourth of July parade pays tribute to the men and women who fought for the nation’s freedom.
The “Salute to the Troops – Heroes in our Hearts” parade begins at 11 a.m.
Lefty Anderson will be the parade’s grand marshal and lead a military assembly organized by American Legion Post #212.
Anderson has served as post commander as well as vice commander, historian and executive board member. He’s a longtime member of its honor guard.
Contributed/Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce
Adeline Bjorklund, a sophomore at Nevis High School, will perform the national anthem on the stage near Pioneer Park when Anderson and the color guard reach Main Ave.
Spectators have the opportunity to vote for their favorite parade participants. The 4th of July Parade Float Voting Contest opens at 11 am on July 4 and closes at noon on July 5. Visit www.parkrapids.com to vote and see which floats are chosen as the most patriotic and most creative.
The parade lineup will start near the entrance of the Hubbard County Fairgrounds, travel east on 2nd Street, turn south on Main Avenue, turn west on 8th Street and return to the fairgrounds on Fair Avenue.
The Park Rapids Area Community Band will play a pre-fireworks concert at 7:30 p.m. at Heartland Park, directed by Adam Torvola-Hultberg. The program will feature a variety of patriotic music and pieces by notable composers.
Known as “Minnesota’s July Fourth Fireworks Capital,” Park Rapids has one of the biggest fireworks displays in the area. Sponsored by the Rotary and donations from many individuals and businesses, it draws people to Heartland Park from far and wide.
The impressive show, overlooking Fish Hook River, begins at dusk and closes out the Independence Day celebration in Park Rapids.
Fireworks will fly over Lake Belle Taine on Friday, July 5.
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