Some might say that the best holidays come during the summer, and it doesn’t get much more festive stateside than during the 4th of July. Come Independence Day, fireworks stands, watermelon slices, and excited children are everywhere. Parades blare through the streets and people from all over the state travel to Baudette, MN, Lake of the Woods for family-friendly affair.
For this northernmost town, weather turns hot and it makes the perfect time for alumni from Lake of the Woods School to return home for timely reunions. The classes from the past create beautiful floats or decorate semi flat beds and wave as they go through the parade, greeting long-time friends and acquaintances. Hand-shakes and smiles are featured throughout the days of the celebration and a good time of food and fellowship is had by all.
The streets of Baudette feature food vendors and the famous Willie Walleye Park hosts kids of all ages participating in scheduled events.
The phrase, “it takes a village” is appropriate for this July event as over 30 volunteers from numerous organizations work together to organize and assist the events so visitors and local people alike can enjoy this great day. The Baudette-Lake of the Woods Chamber of Commerce is the sponsoring entity that sets this day in motion. Be sure to buy your commemorative July 4th button which helps pay for the incredible fireworks display at the end of the weekend.
Events start on Sunday, July 3rd
Pre 4th of July festivities kick off on Sunday, July 3rd. A kickball tournament will be held at Timbermill Park on the Highway 11 East of town, 1 mile. All ages are welcome. Contact Jake Fish at 218-395-0164 to sign up your team.
The Lake of the Woods County Museum will be open for visitors that day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
At 5:30 p.m., the Women of Today will host a famous July 4th Walleye Fish Fry which also includes baked beans, coleslaw, garlic butter potatoes, dinner roll and deserts. This will be served until quantities are gone.
Starting at 8 p.m. until Midnight, a street dance will happen on the North Main Ave featuring a band called The Late Nights. Again, all ages are welcome to attend.
Monday, July 4, 2022
A breakfast sponsored by the Ladies of the Moose will be offered from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
A Flag Ceremony sponsored by the America Legion Post 217 will take place from 11-11;30 a.m. at the Willie Walleye Hill. The LOW County Museum will agan be open from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. with a medallion hunt starting July 1st. You can look for clues on their Facebook page.
Food and vendors will open at 11 a.m. and continue thoughout the day and evening along Main Av N, Downtown Baudette. Also Balloon Animals will be offered and A Mixed Nuts Comedy Show will happen on Main at 11 a.m. and 5 pm.
KIDDIE PARADE: 1:30PM
No pre-registration required.
Participants should line up in front of the Catholic Church no later than 1:15 pm. The parade route will start at that point, and run down Main Avenue.
MAIN PARADE 2 PM
The parade will line up along 5th Street SW in front of CHI LakeWood Health Center/Baudette Arena. The entire parade will run down Main Avenue. Often neighboring towns also bring their entrees to Baudette to make this such an enjoyable and entertaining parade.
The rest of the afternoon features Bingo from 3-5 p.m. at the American Legion Club, Root Beer Floats sponsored by Lake of the Woods Brewing Company on Main Ave. Bobber Races sponsored by the Baudette Rotary Club, and other random events.
NORTHERN MINNEOTA’S MOST SPECTACULAR FIRE WORK DISPLAY.
This wonderful event will be displayed over the Baudette Bay with the best viewing from Willie Walleye Park. This is truly a marvelous time as thousands of people fill the hill to watch an unforgettable show. This small northern town outdoes itself and the reputation of the quality of the show has spread from miles around. Be sure to stay for this traditional wonder before you head back to your jobs on Tuesday.
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