---

   The celebration of America’s independence is here once again! Each year, communities of the Lakeland area come together in the appreciation of this hallowed anniversary with different traditions.

   Lakeland’s Chambers of Commerce have planned an abundance of activities for you and your friends and family to enjoy.

   July 4th in Longville will be an action-packed day with the annual parade, food, games and more.

   Main Street will be full of entertainment for people of all ages! The city parking lot will have free inflatable games for the kids from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Along with the games, kid contests and dancing will start at 12:30 p.m.

   Parade staging begins at 10 a.m. at the ACE Lumber Yard. An hour later, the annual parade will make it’s way down the new route.

   The Docksider will be hosting a beer garden for the adults from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. while the kids are participating in the fun and games on Main Street, and water wars will be going on from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. 

   After you register for the bean bag tournament at 12:45 p.m. on Main Street, you can visit with X-Game gold medalist “Launchin’” Levi LaVallee down the block at 1 p.m.. At 1:15, the bean bag tournament will commence. 

   During the day, there will be plenty of meal options to choose from! The Longville Lion, Hunter’s food truck, Baja Hut and the Young at Heart Club’s bake sale are all great places to stop. If you would like to stop by other local restaurants around town, make sure to check their updated hours in the ad elsewhere in this issue. The Anchorage Inn, Common Grounds, One Stop, Patrick’s, Frosty’s and the Woodpile are great local places to stop for a bite to eat. 

   Once dusk hits, a beautiful fireworks show sponsored by Longville’s Chamber of Commerce will light the night sky over Girl Lake.

   If you would like to start your celebrations early, head over to Outing to see a fantastic fireworks display on July 1st over Lawrence Lake.

   Hackensack, nestled on the shores of Birch Lake offers a Fourth of July boat parade that will begin at 1 p.m. Another wonderful fireworks show will be held at dusk on July 8, as part of Hackensack’s Sweetheart Days events. 

   Head up north to Walker on Independence Day for a full patriotic experience! Enjoy fun and games from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., including two blow up bounce houses, an obstacle course, a deluxe slide sponsored by the Walker First National Bank! If you are hungry, there will be a fish fry, brats, hot dogs and a beer garden sponsored by the Rotary and Interact clubs. Walker also hosts a kiddie and Fourth of July parade, starting at 2 p.m. While you wait for fireworks, stop by for some live entertainment by Power Play. Finish off your fun-filled day with a spectacular fireworks show at dark over Leech Lake!

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

---