Pequot Lakes - Breezy Point 4th Of July Parade News

The Breezy Point-Pequot Lakes Stars & Stripes Days Committee along with the event’s Gold Sponsor, Dotty Brothers Construction, is always striving to make each year’s events more successful and enjoyable.
Several noticeable new changes have been made this year in regards to parking and access to the parade route. Most importantly, the parade start time on July 4 will be at 1 p.m. This is due to the 4th being on a Sunday and the committee would like to be respectful to those citizens that wish to attend church. Parade entries need to stage in the Industrial Park from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. In an attempt to ease the congestion on County Road 11, free shuttle bus service will be available 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. to the City Hall from Eagle View Elementary School on July 4. Park in the school parking lot and ride the shuttle for free! Chris Greer is offering parking on his lot adjacent to County Road 112. Cost is $3 per car. Parking is also available at the Pequot Lakes High School and TDS Telecom. The Parade route is only a few blocks away by crossing at the stop lights. Marked handicap parking is available on Government Drive west of Market Place, East Butler Street, and Old Hwy 371 in front of Pequot Lakes Dental.

Parade spectators need to stay behind the marked parade line, so floats have enough space to maneuver corners. Parents are urged to watch their children and not allow them to run out into the street during the parade. The committee urges everyone to arrive early and take part in all of the festivities on July 4, such as: the Fireman’s Pancake Breakfast (7-11 a.m.), Kiddie Parade (10 a.m.), Youth Karaoke Contest (9:30 a.m.), Flea Market (9 a.m.-4 p.m.), Moon Jumps (10 a.m.-4 p.m.), and Money in the Haystack (10 a.m.). Don’t rush off just because the parade has gone by you, events will continue after the parade. Come back to the band shelter for the Adult and Group Karaoke Contest (2:30-4:00 p.m.). The popular Bed races will be held in the Chamber Parking Lot (3 p.m.). Roads will remain open to allow access to Pequot Lakes until 12: 30 p.m. County Road 112, County Road 11, and Old Hwy 371 will remain closed throughout the duration of the parade. The Pequot Lakes Police Department is not allowing parking along the parade route. Vehicles will be ticketed and towed.

Saturday, July 3 events will include the Fireman’s Rodeo (6:30 p.m.), S.T.A.R.T. Band (7:30 p.m.), Moon Jumps (6:30-10:00 p.m.), Carnival Games (6:30 p.m.), Pony Rides (6:30 p.m.) Food Vendors (5 – 10 p.m.) and Fireworks (dusk). Donation cans have been placed in Breezy Point and Pequot Lakes businesses. Your leftover change adds up to a generous amount, so please drop your change in the fireworks cans to help fund all of these activities.