The Fourth of July is a federal holiday originally set aside for commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence—when the U.S. was declared independent from Great Britain. It’s a patriotic holiday, often marked with festive parades and an abundance of red, white, and blue.
It’s also a day when many of us get together with friends and family and grill or swim or go boating during the day and then watch fireworks at night. I can still remember—with vivid accuracy—how much fun it was to watch the fireworks in Stillwater when I was growing up. Staying up past your bedtime, staring at the night sky in eager anticipation, oohing and ahhing over your favorites. Whoosh! Fizz! BANG! (or pop, pop, pop) Streams of color filling the sky. And then silence until the next whoosh, fizz, BANG!
It’s all very magical—whether you’re eight or 18, 28, 38, 48, 58, 68, 78, 88, or 98.
I don’t think fireworks ever truly lose their appeal.
If you’re planning on going to see the fireworks in the metro area, here’s a list of cities prepared to light up the night sky. Don’t forget a blanket and some bug spray.
• Red, White, and Boom, Minneapolis riverfront. Fireworks start at 10 p.m. Good viewing spots include the Stone Arch and Central Avenue bridges, spots along St. Anthony Main, and Nicollet Island Park. Parking is available at the St. Anthony Falls Ramp.
• Powderhorn Park, Minneapolis. Fireworks start at 10 p.m. 3400 15th Ave. S.
• Harriet Island, St. Paul. Even though the Taste of Minnesota isn’t going on, the fireworks will still happen after dusk July 4, around 10:15 p.m. Good vantage points from the Mississippi River—especially Kellogg Boulevard.
• Apple Valley, Johnny Ridge Cake Park, 140th Street West and Johnny Cake Ridge Road. 10 p.m.
• Blaine, National Sports Center, 1700 150th Ave NE. Dusk.
• Bloomington, Normandale Lake Bandshell, 10 p.m.
• Coon Rapids, Sandcreek Athletic Field and Park, 1008 Northdale Blvd. NW, Coon Rapids. 10 p.m.
• Cottage Grove, Kingston Park, Indian Boulevard and 75th Street. 10 p.m.
• Eden Prairie, Round Lake Park, 16691 Valley View Road, Eden Prairie. 10 p.m.
• Edina, Rosland Park, 4300 W. 66th St., Edina. 10 p.m.
• Elk River, Lions Park, 1104 Lions Park Dr. 10 p.m.
• Forest Lake, over Forest Lake. 10 p.m.
• Ham Lake, Lions Park, adjacent to City Hall. 10 p.m.
• Hastings, Hastings Country Club, 2015 Westview Dr. 10 p.m.
• Lakeville, Lakeville North High School, 19600 Ipava Ave., 10 p.m.
• Maplewood, Hazelwood Park, 1663 County Road C E., Dusk.
• Mendota Heights, Mendakota Country Club, 2075 Mendakota Dr. 10 p.m.
• Minnetonka, over Lake Minnetonka, viewing spots at downtown Excelsior and Commons Park. Dusk.
• Oakdale, Richard Walton Park, 1584 Hadley Ave N. 10 p.m.
• Prior Lake, Mystic Lake Hotel and Casino, 2400 Mystic Lake Blvd. 10:15.
• Richfield, Veteran’s Memorial Park, 6335 Portland Ave. S. 10 p.m. Two viewing areas at Veteran’s Memorial Park: 64th Street & Portland Avenue South and 66th Street and Chicago Avenue South.
• Roseville, Central Park – Lexington East, 2540 Lexington Ave. Dusk.
• Shakopee, Valleyfair (near Planet Snoopy)—1 Valleyfair Dr. Set to music. 9:50 p.m.
• St. Louis Park, Aquila Park, 3110 Xylon Ave. S. 10 p.m.
• Stillwater, Lowell Park (on the St. Croix River). 10 p.m.
• White Bear Lake, West Park and Memorial Beach, 4980 Lake Ave N. 10 p.m.
• Woodbury, Ojibway Park, 2695 Ojibway Dr. 10 p.m. (festivities begin at 7 p.m.)
Have fun, be safe, and enjoy the show!
