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   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. 

   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 noon on Main Street, you can visit with X-Game gold medalist “Launchin’” Levi LaVallee down the block at 1 p.m.. At the same time, the bean bag tournament will commence. 

   During the day, there will be plenty of meal options to choose from! A large food court will open at 10 a.m., or you can stop by local restaurants and businesses to catch 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.

   To those who are staying local for the weekend, Longville offers events on the 5th and 6th. A four-man sand volleyball tournament will take place at Stuart Park with registration starting at 9 a.m. The next day, enjoy some Music in the Park from 5 to 7 p.m. at Salem Lutheran Church featuring CODA, a very entertaining saxophone and keyboard duet.

   If you would like to continue your celebration, head over to Luscher’s Park in Outing for their Crooked Lake firefighters dance and fireworks show on Saturday, July 6. Enjoy a beer garden and tent from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. and food provided by TTT Catering. A cornhole tournament will be held at 1 p.m. Katie Switzer will provide live music from 4 to 7 p.m., followed by a street dance until midnight  with music by Gigfoot. Wrap the night up with a fireworks show over Lawrence Lake at dusk.

   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 8th, as part of Hackensack’s Sweetheart Days events. 

   Head up north to Walker on Independence Day for a full patriotic experience! The fun starts at 10:30 a.m. with a brat booth by the Meat Boutique. Just across the street at TJ’s Floral will be live music from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

   Walker’s annual Fourth of July parade kicks off with a kiddie parade at 1 p.m. 

   Take advantage of the beauty of Walker City Beach with free watermelon and a $5 wristband that gives access to many different inflatables for the kids to enjoy. Walker’s Fourth of July celebration also offers a beer and seltzer garden, a fish fry, brats, hotdogs, curds and other great foods to fuel your fun. Live music will be played by the Empty Cooler Band starting at 2:30 p.m. and Power play starting at 5 p.m. 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!

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