Even COVID could not squash BP’s Fourth

The Old Fashioned Fourth of July celebration will stand STRONG once again as it returns to Blooming Prairie for two days, Saturday, July 3 and Sunday, July 4.
Blooming Prairie's Fourth of July celebration took it on the chin twice during the past three years.
The popular Fourth parade was called off for the first time in history of the parade in 2018. It returned in 2019 but was called off once again in 2020 because of a nasty virus called COVID-19.
It is so refreshing to see and hear local activists getting together to sponsor a full weekend of activities, highlighted by a colorful Fourth of July parade.
As early as July 4, 2020, Fourth supporters began lobbying locally to have the Fourth events return. "We just couldn't let this virus get the upper hand," said a longtime Fourth of July supporter and worker.
Last year (2020) was to be Karen Fouarge's last run as parade chair. With COVID-19 pushing aside the 2020 parade, she agreed to make 2021 her last year as parade chair.
New Blooming Prairie Chamber of Commerce executive director Emily Glazer volunteered to work with Fouarge this year and said she would chair the parade, beginning in 2022.
Volunteers from previous years stepped forward once again to make the Blooming Prairie Fourth of July celebration one of the best in all of Minnesota.
Sarah Esplan (in charge of food vendors), Pam Ingvalson (events), Sandy Jones (crafters) and Judy Esplan (treasurer) are part of the Fourth of July committee once again. Even retired chamber executive director Becky Noble is involved in organizing some of the volunteer activities.
Blooming Prairie's célébration has put the small southeastern Minnesota city on the map. "Where else can you showcase your city like an event of this magnitude," said Noble.
Blooming Prairie's Central Park will again be the hub of much of the Fourth of July activities featuring food vendors and music in the park.
The Pedal Tractor pull is one of the most popular first-day activities. Sign-up begins at 4 p.m.
Other first-day activities on Saturday include: antique tractor show at the high school 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; concessions at City Park and Victory Field, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Beer Garden at city park, 12-9 p.m.; Music in the Park, First Lutheran Worship Team; Hula Hoop and Stick Horse Racing, in front of snowmobile, 6 p.m.; teen dance, in front of snowmobile, 8:30 p.m.; Street Dance, Red Dirt Band, 8 p.m. to midnight, in front of J & H Liquor on Main Street.
Here's the program for the Fourth: BP Lions Pancake Breakfast at Prairie Manor Care Center, 8-11:30 a.m.; concessions, City Park and Victory Field, open all day; Antique Tractor show at high school, 9 a.m. to 4 pm.; Tractor pull, west of Victory Field, 9 a.m.; Sweet Rides Car Show, Victory Field, 9 a.m.; Fire Department Open House, Fire Hall; Beer Gardens, City Park, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Fine Arts Fair, City Park, 9 a.m.- 6 p.m.; Kids Races, Victory Field Pavillion, 10 a.m.; Kids activities, Victory Field, 10 a.m.; Pony rides, free, sponsored by Eagle Prairie Insurance, Victory Field, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; Pickle & Pine judging contest, snowmobile, 12:30 p.m.' PARADE, 2:30-4 pm.; Live entertainment, Generation Gap, Beer Garden in City Park, 4:30-8:30 pm. Frozen t-shirt contest, Beer Garden in City Park, 6 p.m.; FIREWORKS, Victory Field, 10 p.m.
Blooming Prairie can be extremely proud of its community celebration that draws as many as 25,000 to the parade alone.
Lots of hard work goes into the planning. Stop and thank the many unsung volunteers. Also, reach into your pocket and make a donation to defray some of the costs.
Some sponsorships are still needed for parade units. If interested call the chamber office at 507-583-4472.
Wishing you a HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!