Old Fashioned 4th of July

St. Peter’s Old Fashioned Fourth of July celebration will be noting its 50th year in 2021 (it took a year off in 2020 because of the pandemic). Fourth of July is on a Saturday this year, so it’ll be a perfect weekend activity for anyone who wants to celebrate the holiday in a big way.

Residents roll out the red, white and blue carpet during the annual event, held annually at Minnesota Square Park following the grand parade. The event typically brings in over 10,000 revelers to the community.

The festivities, sponsored by the St. Peter Area Chamber of Commerce, begin with the 10 a.m. parade that starts at Washington and Broadway avenues before winding its south to Elm Street and Minnesota Square Park.

Thousands, young and old, dressed in their patriotic finest, welcome the parade — complete with area marching bands, local organizations and the Shriners and their mini cars — one of the largest in the state.

But that’s not nearly all. An afternoon picnic in the city’s beloved park includes food vendors, a hot dog eating contest, a beer tent, kids activities, music, classic cars and fun for the whole family. There’s even a Freedom Fun Run, which features a 5K and 8K race with chip timing. For the youngsters, there’s a 1-Mile Kids Run and a Toddler Trot. But what would the Fourth of July be without a grand finale? When the sun goes down, the sky above the Nicollet County Fairgrounds lights up with fireworks, a fitting end to a perfect day.

Get involved

For more information, to volunteer or enter the parade, contact the St. Peter Area Chamber of Commerce at 507-934-3400 or visit stpeterchamber.com.