Schedule of Events for Lake Minnetonka Fourth of July 2013 Celebration

Original post by Jay Corn

News and notes: The boat perimeter will be impassable beginning at 7:30 p.m. If a vessel breaches the perimeter, the air show will have to be cancelled. The Wolverines Big Band, air show and the National Anthem will be simulcast online. Events are located in downtown Excelsior and Commons Park, unless otherwise noted.

Schedule

• 8:00 a.m.     2 Mile Firecracker Fun Run
• 8:30             STEELE Fitness Firecracker 10K
• 9-10:30        Sand Sculpture Contest
• 9:30-noon    Popsicle Social
• 11:00           Water Street Parade
• 11:30-1:00  Kids’ Fishing Contest
• 6:15             The Wolverines Big Band performs
• 8:15             Lucas Oil Aerobatic Air Show
• 8:45             Salute to our Veterans
• 8:50             Presentation of the Colors
• 8:55             The Wolverines Big Band returns to the stage
• 9:55             National Anthem
• Dusk             Fireworks Display over Lake Minnetonka

Event Highlights

8 a.m.
STEELE Fitness Firecracker 10K Fun Run: Online registration is closed, but sign up at STEELE Fitness in Excelsior, the Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Chamber of Commerce HQ on Water Street. Race day registration available, but expect lines. Shirts for 10k participants.

9 a.m.
Cottagewood 4th of July Family Fun Run/Walk: Bring the whole family, pets too, and take part  the inaugural one-mile run/walk around Cottagewood. Cost: $5 person/$15 family, each kid finisher will receive a commemorative ribbon. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. 

Sand Sculpture contest: Kids and kids at heart will have a chance to express their creativity and compete for bragging rights on Excelsior Beach.

11 a.m.
Water Street Parade and Popsicle Social: Popsicles and parades, life for a kid doesn’t seem to get much better. Parade begins at 11 a.m. at Gary's First Class Car Care, 301 Water Street and concludes at Commons Park with a
and concludes at Commons Park with a popsicle social. Gussy up your bikes, scooters, wagons and celebrate our nation's favorite holiday. Click here for Commons layout and parade route
 
Kiddie Carnival and All-American Lunch: Come to Cottagewood for an old-fashioned carnival (starts immediately following the parade) that includes a cupcake walk, dunk tank bounce house and many other classic carnival games. Cost: $5 per child. A BBQ lunch will also be available nearby.

11:30 a.m.
Kids Fishing Contest: An annual favorite, the contest is open to kids of all ages. Prizes will be given for biggest fish in each age group. Wet your line just beyond the centerfield fence of the baseball field. Contest will end around 1 p.m.
12:30 p.m.

6:15 p.m.
The Wolverines Big Band performs in Excelsior: Celebrating their 40th year, and led by drummer Jendeen Forberg, the Wolverines Big Band continues to perform their matchless repertoire. You won't want to miss this timeless performance!
 
8:15 
Lucas Oil Air Show returns featuring Pilot Michael Wiskus and new this year, John Mohr performing with his restored 1943 stock 220 Stearman bi‐plane. 

Dusk
Enjoy fireworks over Lake Minnetonka.

In the city of Minnetonka, there is no fireworks display on the Fourth of July. The fireworks show that was scheduled as part of the June 22 Summer Festival event, cancelled due to weather, has been rescheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 8, in conjunction with the Minnetonka Fire Department and City Open House.

The city of Eden Prairie also hosts a July Fourth Hometown Celebration from 4-11 p.m. at Round Lake Park. Click here for details.