UPDATED: FOURTH OF JULY FUN ON THE WAY!

    Communities across Journal Country are preparing to celebrate Independence Day with a variety of events, offering something for everyone from parades and porch crawls to fireworks and festive family fun.
    Lake City is ready for their usual Fourth of July fun this weekend. The festivities next week start on Thursday, July 3, with a Free Juke Box from 5 p.m. to midnight at the Lake City Municipal. Friday, July 4, promises a full day of patriotic fun, rain or shine! The parade steps off at 10 a.m.  Kids can get in on the fun by looking for painted rocks around town during the day on Friday. Turn the rock in at the municipal and get a prize. The Lake City Lutheran Women will serve a brat meal at the church fellowship hall from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
    Live music will be featured as the Darren Beyer Band takes the stage at 11 a.m. The celebration continues into the weekend on Saturday, July 5, The evening will heat up with “Dakota Blues With Katie J” performing live from 9 pm to 1 am. 
    On Friday, July 4, the skies over Roy Lake will light up with a fireworks show presented by Dakota Pier and Ooh Aah Pyro. The display begins at dusk and is a favorite annual tradition for lakegoers and area residents alike.
    The celebration continues into the weekend. On Saturday, July 5, Clear Lake hosts its popular Boat Parade at 1 p.m., with lineup and registration from noon to 1 p.m. at Ivory Tower Bay. This year’s parade includes three divisions—jet skis, boats, and pontoons—with first and second place prizes awarded in each. Participants are encouraged to get creative and show their patriotic spirit.
    Also on July 5, Fort Sisseton Historic State Park invites the public to an old-fashioned carnival from 1 to 4 p.m. Activities include carnival games, homemade ice cream, and the chance to explore the historic fort. Admission is by free-will donation, and all proceeds support the Fort Sisseton Commission. A South Dakota park entrance license is required for vehicles entering the park.