July 4, 2009 – If you live in or around the Fargo-Moorhead area and are looking for a place to celebrate the 4^th of July, look no further.  I have listed several ideas below that will ensure a good time for you and your family.  Hopefully the weather will be nice!

• 1.  First on the list is the “Home of the Brave” celebration at Moorhead State University Moorhead(MN), located on 11^th St. and 7^th Ave. S. Moorhead. This is the 37^th year for this celebration and though it has been scaled back this year, with no afternoon events, there will be a fun evening lineup with music, games, parades and of course, the huge fireworks display to close up the celebration. The annual Patriotic Parade starts at 7 p.m.; a decorated bike parade starts at 7:30 p.m.; inflatable games will be set up at Nemzek Hall and Stadium from 7 to 10:15 p.m. The Lake Agassiz Concert Band performs there at 7:30 p.m., followed by the Front Fenders at 8:30 p.m. A 15-minute patriotic program, titled “Home of the Brave,” begins at 9:30 p.m., followed by more from the Front Fenders. The fireworks display starts at 10:30 p.m. There is also a 10K run and kid trot at 8 a.m. Saturday.
• 2. If you’re spending the weekend around Fergus Falls(MN), check out the Old Fashioned Fourth of July Family Festival on Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Otter Tail County Historical Society, 1110 Lincoln Ave. W., Fergus Falls, Minn. The festival features a kids parade, games, food, music and contests. Call (218) 736-6038 for details.
• 3. If you’d like to kick back and watch a rodeo, check out the Fort Ransom (N.D.) Fourth of July Jackpot Rodeo, Friday and Saturday. Rodeos will be held at 7 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday at the Fort Ransom Arena. Parade will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday and a street dance Saturday night on Main Street. Call (701) 973-4811.
• 4. If you’re heading north on I29, check out the Sertoma Fourth of July on Saturday, in downtown Grand Forks (ND). Activities include a kids parade at 11:30 a.m. with opening ceremonies at 12:45 p.m., followed by games, entertainment, food, and a fireworks show at 10:30 p.m. Call (701) 746-0052
• 5. If you’re heading East, stop in for some fun at Walker’s Old Fashioned Fourth of July on Saturday in Walker(MN). Parades will start at 2 p.m. with games and prizes in the park from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Other events include fish fry and beer garden, live entertainment and fireworks show at dark. Call (218) 547-1313.
• 6. Heading down Highway 10 in Minnesota, you’ll find a fireworks display on Saturday night at 10:15 p.m., on the city beach in Detroit Lakes (MN). This display can be seen for miles around so if you can get close to the location, you will be treated to a fantastic sight! Call (218) 847-9202.
• 7. Lastly, if you’re heading south on Highway 75, check out the fireworks display in Wahpeton (ND).

Whatever you choose to do, stay safe and have fun!

Check out the Red River Valley Fair