NEW ULM — The longest running (148th year) consecutive July Fourth celebration in Minnesota begins at dusk, Wednesday, July 3, with a fireworks display at the Cambria Town Hall.

On Thursday, July 4, kids’ games begin at 11:30 a.m. in Cambria Park. A community potluck begins at noon in the park. An impromptu parade begins at the west end of town at 1 p.m.

A patriotic program including community memories of past celebrations begins at 2 p.m. It includes patriotic music, readings, a community sing-along, fancy cake auction and music by Rosco from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in the park.

Free-will donations and fancy cake auction funds support the annual event and projects that preserve the history of Cambria Township.

On July 3, the New Ulm American Legion hosts the annual celebration at Riverside Park. The Legion food and beer stand will be open from 5 to 8 p.m. Entertainment will be provided by the Original German Band of New Ulm from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., an Abraham Lincoln speech from 6:30 to 7 p.m.; and the New Ulm Municipal Band from 7 to 8 p.m.

The New Ulm Battery will fire cannons as needed for effect. The Riverside History & Learning Center will be open.

July Fourth at Turner Hall Park features music from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. including Dain’s Dutchmen, Schell’s Hobo Band, the Wendinger Band and Alpensterne. Burgers, brats, games, face painting and kids’ tent with bubbles, sidewalk chalk, storytime and more will be held, rain or shine.

Sleepy Eye features music and food including burgers, hot dogs, kraut, 1919 root beer, and beer from the Knights of Columbus and the St. Mary’s pie stand plus music from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fireworks begin at dusk over Sleepy Eye Lake, weather permitting. FFA members will collect free will donations at the lake before the fireworks.

Morton’s July Fourth celebration begins with the 13th annual Morton Firecracker four-mile and two-mile fun run/walk at 8 a.m. from the Brent Koch Memorial Shelter on Thursday, July 4. Registration begins at 7 a.m.

A flea market and kids inflatables begin at 11 a.m. A parade and dunk tank begin at 1 p.m. Thomas the Train starts at 1:30 p.m.

A veterans’ roundtable and bingo at the senior center begin at 2 p.m. A pork chop feed will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. A kids pedal pull starts at 6 p.m., followed by an adult pedal pull and patriotic sing-along at 7 p.m. Fireworks begin at dusk.

The High Island Conservation Club Fourth of July celebration in New Auburn begins with a smoked pork chop dinner at the New Auburn City Hall. The meal includes potato salad, corn, dinner roll, lemonade and coffee for $12. Carry outs are available.

On Thursday, a car/truck and bike show begins at 9 a.m. There is no registration fee. Judging begins at 2:30 p.m. Hamburgers, brats, ice cream and pop will be served from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Bingo takes place from 3 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. A build a squirrel feeder event is 5 to 7 p.m. Children must have an adult present. Take a feeder and cob of corn home. Fireworks begin at dusk.

Gaylord Legion Post 433 hosts a chicken dinner from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 3. Deep fried chicken, potato salad, beans, bread and beverages will be served. Take-out orders are welcome.

Fritz Busch can be emailed at fbusch@nujournal.com.