Parade and fireworks highlight Freedom Days on July 3

Firecracker Run slated July 6

NISSWA — Celebrate freedom in Nisswa on Wednesday, July 3, with a full schedule of activities, culminating with the evening Freedom Days Parade and fireworks at dusk.

New this year is that no parking will be allowed on Main Street starting at 3:30 p.m. July 3. Festivities throughout the day include Turtle Races, Water Wars, live music, food vendors and more.

The Freedom Days parade will start at 7 p.m. Spectators can line both sides of Main Street to watch the parade that includes various floats, marching veterans groups, area royalty, fire trucks and much more.

Following is a schedule of events:

Wednesday, July 3

• 12:30-1:30 p.m.: Petting Zoo at A&W Restaurant.

1 p.m.: Turtle Race registration at the Turtle Track by the chamber building.

2 p.m.: Turtle Races at the Turtle Track.

• 3-7 p.m.: Music by Groove Hawks at The Pickle Factory.

6 p.m.: The Unicycling Unicorn Show at the Turtle Track.

• 7 p.m.: Parade on Main Street.

• 8 p.m.-midnight: Music by Sugar Buzz at The Pickle Factory.

Dusk (approximately 10:15 p.m.): Fireworks from the Nisswa Community Center.

Firecracker Run

The 15th annual Nisswa Firecracker Run will take place Saturday, July 6, on Main Street in Nisswa.

The event offers a 5K, 10K and Kids Run starting at 8 a.m.

This event is known for its laid-back atmosphere; comfortable event shirts; crawfish boil; free beer; a Red, White and Blue foam party; and a Slip’N’Slide finish line.

The courses are spectator friendly with scenic views from Main Street to the nearby peaceful wooded roads and trails.

Professional chip timing and event management are part of the Firecracker Run. For more information and to register, visit www.RunUpNorth.com.

The free Zorbaz Kidz Run, sponsored by Zorbaz, is for youth ages 10 and under and takes place after the 5K and 10K races are complete. Check in at the finish area at the Nisswa Community Center on the day of the event.

A parent or other family member must participate in the 5K or 10K run for a child to participate in the kids run. The Nisswa

Firecracker Run is a beneficiary to Bridges of Hope, a Brainerd lakes area organization that serves children and families in Crow Wing County and the surrounding communities.