Crowds make this year's Fourth a huge celebration in Cloquet

The weather held and the crowds turned out for the annual Cloquet Fourth of July celebration last Thursday. It was a day full of all kinds of gatherings. There was lots to see and do all day long, including the Sawdust 5K and LaVonna 1-mile race, kids' games, helicoptors and food trucks galore at Veterans Park, a car show and music at the NorthEastern and basketball at Pinehurst.

"It was definitely the best turnout we've had since the pandemic," said July Fourth co-coordinator Jana Peterson, marveling at how many people lined Cloquet Avenue to see the parade.

The parade was packed. Cloquet Avenue was lined with crowds 10 people deep in places, and more kids up in front scrambling for candy. There were all the elements of a successful parade, from the veterans leading the celebration of Independence Day, to local royalty, sporting heroes, public safety, politicians, local businesses and the beloved Cloquet Community Band, this year's grand marshal.

The crowds migrated to Cloquet's Veterans Park after the parade. There was a little bit of everything at the park: a mini train, bouncies, wiffle ball, magic, bungee trampolines, and the Dash for Cash, when kids dig in the sand for quarters to spend at the many food trucks and other vendors. Only a moment in time, the pie eating contest was perhaps the most hilarious and also nauseating part of the day, featuring eight brave souls trying to eat an entire blueberry pie the fastest.

The long day ended with an outdoor movie and fireworks over the St. Louis River.

"Everything just worked out, including the weather," said co-coordinator Ivan Hohnstadt. "It's nice to see so many people come out."

The Pine Knot was there with a host of cameras. For three pages of pictures by Mike Creger, Dave Harwig, Jana Peterson and Jack Slater, buy the print version of this week's Pine Knot News. Otherwise check out our online photo album and visit the Cloquet 4th of July Facebook page