Fourth of July Fun

Celebrate with fervor

Even with a reported shortage of consumer fireworks, this year's Fourth of July celebrations will most certainly be far more spectacular (and noisier) than last year, when local celebrations were canceled because of the pandemic. Here is the current schedule of July Fourth events in Carlton County.

Cloquet

8 a.m. Sawdust 5K race at Pinehurst Park. Register in advance at http://www.tempotickets.com/sawdust2021. Registration for the Sawdust is $25 before July 2 and $30 on race day.

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The annual Fourth of July car show returns to the NorthEastern Saloon and Hotel on Cloquet's Dunlap Island starting at 10 a.m. on July Fourth. All ages welcome. Enjoy a beverage or some grilled hamburgers and more, and mosey past notable cars from every decade: hot rods, antiques and classic cars to make every car lover's heart beat a little faster. There may be live music after the car show.

10:45 a.m. LaVonna 1-Mile Run: A run down Cloquet Avenue beiginning at 18th Street, before the 11 a.m. parade. The race is free to take part in.

11 a.m. Cloquet July Fourth parade starts on 18th Street and proceeds down Cloquet Avenue to US Bank. Grand Marshals for this year's parade include any healthcare professionals who would like to participate. Anyone who would like to be in the

parade is welcome. Register your float by calling Alyson at the Cloquet Chamber of Commerce at 218-879-1551 or email [email protected]. There is a suggested $20 donation, and lineup starts at 10 a.m. Trophies will be awarded for Most Patriotic and Best Music.

Noon: The Pinehurst Park 3-on-3 basketball tournament, which starts at noon and is free to all participants. There's no charge to play in the double-elimination tournament, and spectators are welcome. Bring your own chairs, suggested organizer Paul Cameron. While the first tournament featured mostly teenagers through adult players, Cameron said if they get enough elementary-age players interested, they will hold a round robin event before the tournament this year. To register email [email protected] or find Cameron on Instagram @pinehurstcourts.

Dusk (approximately 10:10 p.m.) Fireworks over the St. Louis River. Find a new favorite spot to watch the Cloquet fireworks with friends or family.*

*All the children-oriented events in Veterans Park were canceled this year due to the pandemic and the fact that children under 12 aren't eligible for vaccinations, so there will not be any food vendors or extra porta potties at the park.

Moose Lake

8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Flea market at Riverside Arena, with a farmers market across from the arena at the same time.

11 a.m. Moose Lake Muni Bean Bag Tournament (sign up by Saturday, July 3, at the Muni).

1 p.m.) The annual Moose Lake Fourth of July parade will begin at 1 p.m. this year, with the theme of "Together, we can!" Cost is $5 to participate. Contact Allison Jones at [email protected] or 218-485-4145.

Noon-10 p.m. Old fashioned fun in the Moose Lake City Park, including food, games, bingo and live music.

10 p.m. Fireworks over the lake.

- Pine Knot News