Paying tribute to the men and women who have fought for this country'\;s freedom. The 4th of July Parade\, \;coordinated by the Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism\, helps to highlight the day'\;s festivities every year! Beginning at 5 p.m. and lead by the Park Rapids American Legion Post 212 Color Guard. The parade \;goes through downtown Park Rapids from the Hubbard County Fairgrounds entrance \;on Fair Avenue\, down \;2nd Street to Main Avenue\, down to 8th Street and back to Fair Avenue. \;(To participate in the parade\, follow the link provided.)
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\nBegin your day with the family fun FireCracker Footrace. This 5K walk/run \;begins \;at 9:00 a.m.\, starting and finishing in Heartland Park. \; Kids 12 and under are invited to take part in a FREE Kids \;Fun \;Run \;following the 5K. \;Proceeds from the event support \;the \;Park Rapids Area School Boys &\; Girls Cross \;Country and Track program. Register early!

Double Crust\, Single Crust\, Custard or Cream... bakers and pie makers wanted. Get the family involved\, kids ages 8-12 are encouraged to enter. Bring your pies to Beagle and Wolf Books &\; Bindery by Noon to be entered in the annual John \;Michael \;Lerma Pie Baking Contest &\; Auction! $5 Entry fee per pie. Prizes given in 5 categories. Get a piece of the pie without all the baking...Pies will be auctioned on the main stage downtown Park Rapids near Pioneer Park at approximately 3:30 p.m. All proceeds go to the Park Rapids Area Library.
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\nBring your lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy a pre-fireworks concert in the park. \; The Park Rapids Area \;Community Band performs in Heartland Park at 7:30 p.m. until "\;dark"\; (approximately 9 p.m.). \;With approximately 50 members in the band\, the \;4th \;of July outdoor concert is the largest audience they perform for. \;The concert area is located in the Pickle Ball Court\, not far from where fireworks are dispensed. Get there early for a prime spot! \;
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\nAt Dusk the day comes to a close with a fireworks display overlooking Fish Hook River &\; Heartland Park. This impressive show is brought to you by fundraising efforts of the Park Rapids Rotary and \;has been referred to as the "\;biggest and baddest in the state\,"\;. \; You don'\;t want to miss it! (The fireworks show is \;100% funded by donations from businesses and individual contributions. \;If you'\;d like to donate to the Park Rapids Rotary Fireworks Fund please follow the link provided.)

Parade\, Fireworks\, Family &\; Fun... Celebrate America'\;s birthday in Park Rapids! \;