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   As America marks its 250th anniversary in 2026, communities throughout the area are preparing to celebrate Independence Day with parades, live music, family activities, fireworks and hometown traditions. From lakeside concerts and community festivals to small-town gatherings and fireworks displays, residents and visitors will find plenty of opportunities to celebrate throughout the holiday weekend.

Longville

   Longville’s Great American Weekend celebration kicks off Friday, July 3, with a lakeside concert featuring Kat Perkins and The Country Roads Band from 7 to 10 p.m. Organizers encourage attendees to bring lawn chairs and enjoy an evening of live music on the water. Admission is $15, while children 10 and younger are admitted free.

   Festivities continue Saturday, July 4, with a full day of activities. Food vendors begin serving at 10 a.m. Parade participants will gather at the ACE Lumber Yard before the annual parade steps off down Main Street at 11 a.m. Immediately following the Star Spangled Banner, the Patriot Parachute Team will drop from the sky into Longville, carrying the American flag in a one-of-a-kind tribute to our nation.

   Following the parade, visitors can enjoy a beer garden at Docksider from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., along with a cornhole tournament and registration for the annual volleyball tournament at Stuart Memorial Park. The day concludes with fireworks over Girl Lake at dusk.

   Longville’s celebration is one of the area’s largest Independence Day events and combines longtime traditions with special recognition of America’s semiquincentennial year.

Walker

   Walker will once again host its Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration, featuring a full day of family-friendly activities in conjunction with the city’s 130th anniversary celebration and America’s 250th birthday.

   The festivities begin with a parade at 1 p.m. along Main Street in downtown Walker. Throughout the day, Walker City Park will host a park party from noon until 10 p.m., offering food, activities and entertainment for visitors of all ages.

   The popular Beer Garden and Fish Fry will return, serving a variety of food options while attendees enjoy the holiday atmosphere. Live music by Power Play is scheduled from 4 to 10 p.m.

   The celebration concludes with the annual fireworks display over Walker Bay at dusk, visible from both land and water and serving as the centerpiece of the community’s Independence Day festivities.

Pine River

   Although the Cass County Fair and Summerfest have concluded, Pine River continues to welcome visitors throughout the Independence Day holiday with area lakes, parks, local businesses and community attractions providing opportunities to enjoy the holiday weekend.

Backus

   Backus residents looking for a more relaxed Fourth of July celebration can gather at the American Legion on Saturday evening.

   A meat raffle is scheduled from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., followed by DJ Karaoke beginning around 8 p.m. The event offers an opportunity for community members to gather and celebrate the holiday in a casual setting.

Outing

   The Crooked Lake Township Independence Day Celebration in Outing will provide a full afternoon and evening of entertainment at Luscher’s Park on July 4.

   Food vendors and a beer tent open at noon, followed by a cornhole tournament at 1 p.m. Live music begins in the afternoon with Katherine Switzer performing from 3 to 5 p.m., followed by Duncan Vinje from 5 to 7 p.m.

   The annual Firefighters Dance begins at 8 p.m. and features live music by Gigfoot. Fireworks sponsored by the Outing Chamber of Commerce will light up the sky at dusk before dancing continues into the evening.

   The event has become a popular destination for residents and visitors seeking a classic small-town Independence Day celebration.

Emily

   Emily’s Fourth of July festivities center on the community’s annual fireworks display over Lawrence Lake.

Residents and visitors are invited to gather along the shoreline and surrounding areas to enjoy fireworks at dusk on July 4.

   The community will continue its summer celebrations with Emily Day on July 18. The event includes a craft fair, games, a parade, live music and a fireworks finale, offering another opportunity for families to gather and celebrate during the summer season.

Remer

   While Remer is not hosting a major Fourth of July celebration this year, the community is preparing for one of its signature summer events.

   Bigfoot Days is scheduled for July 10-11 and will feature activities and events celebrating Remer’s reputation as the “Home of Bigfoot.” Readers can watch for additional information and event coverage in future editions of the Press-Citizen.

Hackensack

   Hackensack’s attention turns to Sweetheart Days, which will take place July 8-14.

The annual community celebration traditionally features family activities, entertainment, community events and opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy all that Hackensack has to offer during the summer season.

   Additional information on Sweetheart Days will be published in future editions of the Press-Citizen.

   All events are subject to change and weather conditions.

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