Harmony’s Fourth of July Celebration: What’s New This Year?

Organizers have been busy planning Harmony’s annual 4th of July celebration. The festivities run throughout the week from Wednesday, July 3, through Saturday, July 6.

“I am looking forward to my first jam packed 4th of July here in Harmony! So many fun activities happening this year, but I am most excited for the fireworks!” exclaimed Harmony Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Beth Weedman.

New this year for teenagers and adults, Next Gen Gamerz will be set up from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Selvig Park on Thursday. Next Gen Gamerz is promoted as the “ultimate video game party in a climate-controlled trailer.”  There is even something for the family pet. Ladd K-9 Agility and Obstacle Course will take place on Thursday from 10 a.m. to 12 noon near the splash pad at Trailhead Park.

This year the purchase of a child’s festival button includes an activity wristband. The children’s button was designed by Fillmore Central Elementary student,, Clarice Mathison and the adult button was designed by Fillmore Central High School student, Arabella Wolfgram. Buttons are $5 each.

Returning favorites like the Rochester-Caledonian bagpipers can be seen in the Grand Parade, joined this year by a 3-4 airplane group flyover at the parade’s start – an exciting addition for attendees.

Debuting this year is Ole and Lena’s Kitchen food truck from Waukon, Iowa, offering Norwegian specialties like lefse filled with butter and sugar, pølse (Norweigian hot dogs), and strawberries with whipped cream vaffles – a unique culinary experience not to be missed.

Saturday, July 6 is the Harmony Spirits Car Show from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Shop the sidewalk vintage market with Gingerbread Lane at Bee Balm Boutique, and check out the outdoor vintage market and the Amish mini farmers market at New Generations of Harmony Antique Mall.

Celebrate Niagara Cave’s 100th anniversary with a tour or take a tour through Southeast Minnesota’s Amish country, or tour Harmony’s historic McMichael Grain Elevator.

  While in town, consider biking the Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail that connects with the Root River State Trail. Sixty-five miles of paved trail connecting the rural communities of Harmony, Preston, Fountain, Lanesboro, Whalan, Peterson, Rushford and Houston. The trail meanders through picturesque bluff country.

Upcoming events in

Bluff County:

•July 3-6, July 4th Celebration, Harmony, Minn.

•July 7, Music in the Bandshell, Peterson, Minn.

•July 9, Music in the Park, Caledonia, Minn.

•July 9-13, Winneshiek County Fair, Decorah, Iowa

•July 11, Rhythm by the River, Preston, Minn.

•July 12, Fillmore County Relay for Life, Spring Valley, Minn.

The Visit Bluff Country Magazine is delivered to more than 1,000 locations in 35 counties in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. This magazine has a mission of promoting tourism in the Historic Bluff Country (Driftless) region.

For information on upcoming town festivals and events in Historic Bluff Country, vacation ideas for lodging, recreation, dining, and shopping, check out the magazine in print or online at www.visitbluffcountry.com.