A small town celebration of the Fourth of July

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Happy Fourth of July all fellow Americans! Today is a day of celebration, family, watermelon, picnics, brats on the grill, parades and fireworks. Nothing could be better than spending it in small town America located in the heart of Minnesota’s northern lakes. My husband and kids even saw a bald eagle fly right over their head this morning as they were walking to our car. I can’t think of a more symbolic way to start off the day.

Yesterday we had the pleasure of experiencing a real live small town American celebration here in Nisswa and enjoyed all the festivities. There were arts and crafts, tons of food, face painting, hair glitter for the girls, and later on a huge old-fashioned parade. The parade had all the oldies but goodies. Firetrucks, beauty queens, candy tossing, politicians, crazily-decorated floats, and good ole American fun. I could hardly resist to capture it all on film. The whimsical small town fun of the Nisswa Fourth of July parade. Here it is in a series of photos….enjoy!

17 thoughts on “A small town celebration of the Fourth of July”

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Madhu! It was fun and I got a kick out of the silly floats. What a difference when I compare this parade to the one I saw in Antigua over Holy Week! I kept thinking about the contrast and it made me smile.

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    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Renee! It is steaming hot here and every night there are massive storms. It has been so relaxing though to sit out on our porch and watch the sunset past ten.

      Reply ↓

  3. I, too, love Sophia’s hair. How cute. Happy 4th to you, as well!

    Sorry to have been away all week. I know I’ve missed a lot, but tomorrow’s post will explain my absence. I’ve missed you.

    Hugs,
    Kathy

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      She was so proud to get the hair glitter and bow! Oh, to be a litle girl again! I read your post this morning and wow, I’m so glad you are ok! That sounds like a scary experience! Those stairs look painful and brutal too. 🙂

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    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      It was really fun to bring the kids! Every 4th I went to our small town parade and carry those memories in my heart. I’m rather nostalgic about it and it was really cool to see the excitement in Max and Sophia’s eyes!

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  5. Eliz@MirthandMotivation – Growing up on three continents has exposed me to people/places that are culturally rich and varied. My interests in learning, teaching and traveling continue to inform my work as a training specialist. My family, friends, faith and colleagues have been instrumental in my growth; therefore, as I learn, develop and share new skills, I remember with gratitude, how important it is support others.
    eof737 on said:

    Great photos too! ღ˚ •。* ♥ ˚ ˚✰˚ ˛★* 。 ღ˛° 。* °♥ ˚ • ★ *˚ .ღ 。*˛˚ღ •˚ ˚ Happy Independence Day Greetings! ˚ ✰* ★˚. ★ *˛ ˚♥* ✰。˚ ˚ღ。* ˛˚ ♥ 。✰˚* ˚ ★ღ ˚ 。✰ •* ˚ ♥

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    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks! There is something nostalgic about small town american parades. I always went to the fourth of july parade in our town as a child. I loved it. It was fun to see it here through the eyes of my children. 🙂 P.S> I love all your happy, whimsical symbols! Fun and makes me smile! 🙂

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  6. Now I’m so jealous. I was from work yesterday, night shift and I missed the parade. I have not experience one since I migrated to America and it’s always been my dream, more so now that my son is 6 and curious of just about anything. I will share with him this post. Beautiful post with inspiring images. Thanks.

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  7. Pingback: Weekly Image Of Life: Of Dreams And Freedom | this man's journey

  8. restlessjo – Hi! I’m Jo! Johanna when I’m feeling posh, Jan to my Dad, and Joasiu to my Polish family. A bit of a mix-up, that’s me. The one constant, however, is my restless nature. I love to travel and to explore our world. It doesn’t have to be the big wide world. I can be ridiculously happy not too far from home, so long as I’m seeking new horizons. Of course I have a wish list, and it was to help me fulfil my dreams that I started to write travel guides for a venture called Simonseeks. I’d always kept a travel diary, and it was hugely satisfying to share my experiences and to make new friends who shared my passion for travel. Alas, Simonseeks hit a few troubles, but I still find myself writing about my travels. I’ve become addicted. I’d love to share them, and to make more friends. So, it has to be a blog- right? Or do I mean- write?
    restlessjo on said:

    Always good to see people enjoying themselves.

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    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Yes indeed! Good old fashioned fun!

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  9. Happy July 4th. I missed Canada day July 1st, but I was heading home that day so that was special.

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    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Wonderful indeed! Enjoy your stay! Are you going to be home for awhile?

      Reply ↓

      • yes about 5-6 weeks we are off. Not as long as I would like, but it is nice to have a weeks holiday in Oct, Feb and April that we don’t have here.

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