Lakeland celebrates America’s Independence Day

  The celebration of America’s Independence is here once again!  Each year, communities of the Lakeland express different traditions to show appreciation of this hallowed anniversary.   

   Lakeland’s Chambers of Commerce have events planned through the Fourth of July week.    

   July Fourth in Longville will be a fun-filled day with the annual parade, food, games and more.   

   Main Street is going to be full of entertainment. The city parking lot will be full of free inflatable games from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Kid contests and dancing start at 12:30 p.m. 

   Registration for the bean bag tournament begins at 12:45 p.m., and the tournament kicks off at 1:15 p.m. 

   Parade staging begins at 10:30 a.m. at Salem Lutheran Church’s parking lot. At 11:30 a.m., the annual parade makes its way down Main Street. 

    From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Docksider’s parking lot, there’s a Beer Garden for parents while kids have fun participating in fun and games on Main Street. From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., water wars will be held there as well. Live music by Mike and Faydra direct from Nashville, Tennessee will be held in downtown Longville from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

      At 1 p.m., X-Game gold medalist “Launchin’” Levi LaVallee will sign autographs and take photos with fans. 

    At dusk, fireworks sponsored by Longville’s Chamber of Commerce will light the night sky over Girl Lake. 

   On July 3rd, take a dive for a Sand Volleyball Tournament! Registration begins at 8 a.m. Teams of four, with any number of teens or adults, men or women, begin playing at 9:00 a.m. at Stuart Park Pavilion. For more information or to pre-register, call John at 319-240-8441. 

   After you play some sand volleyball, you can come to the Salem Lutheran Church from 5-7 p.m. and enjoy live Music in the Park featuring the Compass Rose Brass Quintet.

   Hackensack, nestled on the shores of Birch Lake, offers a 4th of July Boat Parade from 1 to 2 p.m. sponsored by the Birch Lake Association. Hackensack’s fireworks will be held Saturday, July 10th as part of Sweetheart Days.

   Outing has a fantastic fireworks display slated at dusk on Saturday, July 3rd, over Lawrence Lake. The Crooked Lake Fire Department is hosting live entertainment and dance, along with a  cornhole tournament in Luscher’s Park, call Larry at 612-845-1684 to sign up.

   Head north to Walker on Independence Day to watch Walker Bay Live at Wilbur’s from 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Enjoy live music from Cresent Moon, as well as food and games.

   You can enjoy a dunk tank and more from noon to 10 p.m. and a fish fry, beer garden, brats and hot dogs from noon to 9 p.m. at the Walker City Park. 

   A Kiddie Parade commences at 2 p.m. along with Walker’s annual Parade down Main Street. No registration is required for floats or costumes. Contact Terry Holly at 218-252-8070 or Bruce Pederson at 547-2576 for more details. 

   Once dark hits, get back to City Park or Walker Bay for spectacular views of the fireworks show. 

   Whichever community you choose to visit this Independence Day, there will be food, fun and fireworks for the whole family to enjoy! Be safe, respectful, and responsible this holiday and, as always, have a fabulous time expressing your patriotism!