Prepare for frolic on Fourth

Past visitors have relished the small-town flavor of the Cloquet July Fourth celebration. From the races to the 11 a.m. parade down Cloquet Avenue, to an afternoon of family fun at Veterans Park, ending with fireworks over the St. Louis River, the Independence Day recipe doesn't change much. There's pie eating and wiffleball, in the same spot that kids used to play baseball decades ago. Inflatables and mini-train rides, a magic show, balloon animals. So much food.

Find times and places on Page 20, or a longer story on all the festivities in the June 21 issue of the Pine Knot.

"July fourth was the best summer day ever. It always will be," wrote Cloquet native and local poet Patrick Stevens of his 55-year-old memories of the holiday, when everything happened at Pinehurst Park. Pinehurst still plays a role on the Fourth for athletes, first with the Sawdust 5K at 8 a.m. and the annual 3-on-3 basketball tournament starting at noon. And don't forget the car show at the NorthEastern Hotel Saloon & Grille.

Organizers shared one change from last week: this year's movie in the park is "Luca," the story of a young sea monster boy with the ability to assume human form while on land, who explores an Italian town with his new best friends in a tale of childhood friendship.

"We apologize to all the "Inside Out" fans; we didn't know that movie was blacked out until September when we made the list," said July Fourth co-coordinator Ivan Hohnstadt.

Other news since last week's story: even more local businesses and residents contributed to the cause, ensuring the fireworks display will be outstanding.

If there's lightning on the big day, search for "Cloquet 4th of July Festival" on Facebook for the latest updates. The rain date is July 5 for the movie and fireworks and maybe more.

Look for photos and coverage of all the fun in the July 12 issue of the Pine Knot News.