Journal Country prepares for festive Fourth of July celebrations
Communities across Journal Country are gearing up to celebrate Independence Day with several days of patriotic fun, offering everything from parades and fireworks to family activities, live music, races and historical programs.
Lake City's annual Fourth of July celebration stretches across four days, from July 1-4, with activities for all ages. The festivities begin July 1 with an LCM Meat Raffle, while live music will be featured Thursday and Friday evenings.
The biggest day of the celebration comes Saturday, July 4, beginning with the Screamin' Freedom 5K. Registration opens at 7:30 a.m. at Lake City Park, with the race starting at 8 a.m. Participants of all ages are welcome to run, walk, push strollers or bring along children and dogs. Registration is available by searching "Screamin Freedom 5K" on Facebook.
Lake City's annual Fourth of July Parade steps off at 10 a.m., rain or shine. New attractions this year include bouncy houses and free children's vision screenings through the Lions Club KidSight program. Returning favorites include food trucks and live music by the Darren Beyer Band beginning at 11 a.m. on the outdoor stage.
Those looking to celebrate with a little history can head to Fort Sisseton Historic State Park on July 4. The park will host an old-fashioned Independence Day celebration from 1 to 4 p.m. featuring games, crafts, homemade ice cream and opportunities to explore the historic fort. A South Dakota park entrance license is required.
The holiday weekend continues Sunday, July 5, with the annual Clear Lake Boat Parade. Lineup and registration begin around 12:30 p.m. at Ivory Tower Bay, with the parade starting at 1 p.m. Entries will compete in jet ski, boat and pontoon divisions, with first- and second-place prizes awarded in each category. Participants are encouraged to decorate their entries, with special emphasis on America's upcoming 250th anniversary.
Roy Lake State Park will also celebrate throughout the holiday week with its Fourth of July Family Fun Days, running July 1-5. A South Dakota Park Entrance License is required to attend activities.
The schedule begins Wednesday evening with "Night Skies & Fireflies," featuring stargazing, a look at nighttime wildlife and s'mores. Thursday includes a guided geology walk exploring how glaciers shaped the Coteau des Prairies, followed by "Fish Jeopardy," a fishing-themed trivia competition.
Friday's activities include an introduction to orienteering, where participants can learn map and compass navigation before testing their skills on a prize course, and a lantern-lit night kayak excursion exploring Roy Lake after dark.
On Saturday, children can compete in minnow races at the beach before the park's patriotic Fourth of July Parade at 5 p.m. in the East Campground. Visitors are encouraged to wear historical attire as the parade celebrates America's 250th anniversary.
The weekend concludes Sunday with "Red, White, & Fishy," an educational program about the native Shorthead Redhorse fish that includes a themed craft for children.
Whether enjoying a hometown parade, exploring a state park, watching fireworks or spending time on the lake, residents throughout Journal Country will have plenty of opportunities to celebrate Independence Day with family, friends and community.
