Photo by Charlene Corson Selbee
Communities in the far southeast corner of Minnesota are planning an array of activities for everyone including your furry four-legged friends in celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary.
Brownsville, located along the Mississippi River in Houston County, will celebrate the 250th anniversary June 26-28. Activities on Saturday, June 27, include a 5K Fun Run/Walk, and a Dog Dash. The parade steps off at noon. Live music, face painting, and children’s activities will take place throughout the day. There will be a fireworks display that evening.
The Canton Community Association is organizing Minnesota’s first patriotic midnight parade at 12:01 a.m. on July 4 followed by fireworks. Festivities begin on July 3 and include live music at ZZ Tap, a hot dog eating contest, an apple pie contest, and a kiddie parade.
The “Biggest Little Town in Southeast Minnesota,” Harmony, will be holding its annual Fourth of July celebration. Activities include tours of Niagara Cave, Amish tours, live music, an outdoor movie, Ladd K-9 Agility and Obstacle Course, and visits to the historical McMichael Grain Elevator. Visitors can also view the Civil War display honoring Harmony area veterans at the visitor center, enjoy the Grand Parade, and cap off the celebration with fireworks.
The Rushford Community Foundation is putting its best foot forward with a flag display, fireworks, live music, historical speakers, food, vendors and historical movies.
The “Little Town with the Big Parade,” Cherry Grove, will host its popular Fourth of July parade followed by lunch at the Cherry Grove United Methodist.
Bluffton Resort and Bar will host fireworks at dusk on Friday, July 3. On Saturday, July 4, from 4-7 p.m., enjoy a free concert featuring The Breakers along the picturesque Upper Iowa River. Camping is available, along with canoe and kayak rental and shuttle service.
Fillmore County Historical Society will host a patriotic celebration on Sunday July 5 from 2-5 p.m. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy music from the Chatfield Brass Band, watch a presentation of “Women of 1776” by History Alive Lanesboro, take part in old fashion games and a history scavenger hunt, visit historic exhibits and see the unveiling of a historic 1878 plat map of Fillmore County.
The LeRoy Commercial Club is celebrating the community’s 150th anniversary in conjunction with the nation’s 250th anniversary during LeRoy Summer Fest, July 16-19. Fireworks will be held Friday, July 17 at 10 p.m. Other activities include the Garden State Tractor Pullers, a mud run, a sand volleyball tournament, tractor/truck pull, kids water ball fights, build your own ice cream sundae, bingo, a street dance, and the Grand Parade.
Do not forget to pick up your free copy of Visit Bluff Country at one of more than 1,000 locations across 35 counties in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Visit Bluff Country magazine is dedicated to promoting tourism throughout scenic Bluff Country.
For festival updates, travel ideas, and recommendations on where to eat, play, and sleep, visit us online at www.visitbluffcountry.com.
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