Though Cambria is home to fewer than 500 residents, its annual Independence Day festival draws in visitors from across the region. This year was no exception, with strong turnout gathering on Thursday night for the fireworks show, just one part of a weekend full of activities, including a Friday parade.

The celebration offers all the staples of a classic Independence Day gathering, fireworks, a parade, and patriotic spirit, but also includes special touches unique to Cambria. One of the most beloved is the community cake auction, where residents donate homemade desserts to be auctioned off, raising money to support next year’s festivities.

For many, the celebration is a cherished summer tradition. “I’ve been coming out here my entire life,” said Jenny Krosch of New Ulm. “It’s the only local place that shoots fireworks the night before the Fourth, and it gets bigger and longer every year. It’s become part of my Fourth of July.”

Others are experiencing the event for the first time. “It’s my first time coming to the event,” said Henry Thoreson from Lafayette, “and I plan on coming in the future.”

Tim Edwards rides his lawn mower with his granddaughter Mara Barrett during Cambria’s 154th Fourth of July parade, throwing candy to the crowd.

Families gathered with lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the show under the stars. Siblings Jaxson and Aurora Hoffman from Mankato were back for their second year attending the fireworks show.

“It’s not so big and my first-grade teacher comes here,” said Jaxson.

Aurora added, “It’s nice to just watch fireworks and spend time with my family.”

On Friday, Cambria continued the celebration with its annual parade, a longtime favorite for both residents and visitors.

Timothy Thorson, a member of the Cambria Fourth of July committee, said the small-town parade stands out for its size and spirit. “It’s our 154th year. It’s so big, we go around the town twice,” he said. “And we had a bigger turnout this year because it landed on the weekend.”

Jean Walters drives his tractor down the parade route during Cambria’s 154th Fourth of July celebration on Friday.

Tom Thorson, who grew up in Cambria but now lives in Michigan, said the event holds deep roots for his family. “My mom’s lived here since 1963. We’ve seen a lot of parades here over the years. There’s no entry fee, if you want to be in the parade, you can. That’s part of what makes it special.”

LaVonne Dahltory of Lake Crystal, who has been attending the Cambria parade for over 60 years, praised the town’s spirit. “There’s tons of hometown pride and tradition here,” she said.

Jean Walter from Hanska shared a similar feeling. “It’s family-oriented, a tight-knit community of family and friends,” he said. “Everybody has fun. It’s just a great day for a parade.”

With fireworks, food, fun, and a strong sense of tradition, Cambria’s 154th Independence Day celebration showed once again why this little town continues to host one of the biggest and most beloved Fourth of July events in the state.

Fireworks light up the sky behind Cambria Town Hall on Thursday night as part of the town’s 154th Fourth of July celebration.