I just checked the forecast for next week’s Independence Day festivities, and it looks to be beautiful sunny weather. Hooray! How does your family like to celebrate? We typically enjoy a barbecue with my extended family and sometimes shoot off fireworks from the driveway or over the pond once the sun goes down.
If you don’t have plans yet, here are three fun local ideas to consider for your family’s Fourth:
Bring a chair or a blanket and watch a movie on the giant screen under the stars in Monticello’s Pioneer Park on select Saturday nights this summer.
All movies are scheduled to begin at dusk—around 9:30/9:45—and concessions will be available to purchase. Pets are welcome if they are on a leash.
Monticello Movies in the Park Schedule
Saturday, June 24 – Sing
Saturday, July 29 – Moana
Saturday, August 19 – The Secret Life of Pets
Pioneer Park (map)
9165 Fallon Ave NE, Monticello
Additional information: Call 763-295-2954
See you under the stars!
Grab your blanket and your kids, and join FYCC for a movie under the stars on select nights this summer!
The movies are being shown at various parks throughout St. Michael, Albertville, and Hanover and will begin at sundown. Popcorn is provided by FYCC, but make sure to bring your own beverage.
For more information, contact FYCC: http://myfycc.com
Great River Regional Library’s Summer Reading Program kicked off on Monday and continues through August 12. The program provides a fun way to keep students of all ages sharp over the long summer months.
Kids and teens in the program will receive credit for time spent reading—or being read to, in the case of the little ones—and have the opportunity to earn prizes.
The theme of this year’s program, Reading By Design, takes an interdisciplinary approach to literacy. It celebrates not only the ingenuity of authors, but also artists, builders, inventors, architects, and other creators who strive to strengthen the world we live in.
In keeping with the theme, the library is offering a diverse set of programs and events for kids ages 0-18. From LEGO building and STEM activities to special guest artists and a hands-on wildlife exhibit, the goal of this year’s Summer Reading Program is to show how much fun learning can be… all year long!
To find out more about the summer events, visit griver.org/events or stop by your local library. (Nearest locations are in St. Michael, Monticello, Elk River, and Buffalo)
Last week our community celebrated its annual Albertville Friendly City Days, an event that my family has come to look forward to each year. My husband will frequently take the week off from work so that we have plenty of time to take part in all the festivities. This year was the same, though the way we spent our time looked a little different.
This was my view for most of AFCD this year:
My garage was turned into a multi-family rummage sale for the week, which gave us the opportunity to meet so many people from the community—including lots of moms and moms-to-be!—during the three days we were open. Thank you to those who came by and lessened the piles of baby and kid things in my house, haha! 😀 We learned some lessons by hosting a sale during Albertville Days, such as… Wednesday is by far the best day for buying and selling, but Saturday is a great chance to grab some half-priced garage sale goodies. We also learned that it’s ridiculous to try to have a sale in high winds. Oh, my. Sorry to any of my neighbors who found our baby clothes in their yards!
A highlight of our week was HealthSource’s Kids Day, which took place Friday morning and through lunchtime. The entire parking lot outside their location was set up with vendor tents, tables, and lawn games while they served up hot dogs, cotton candy, face painting, chair massages, and more. My daughter loved the bounce house and the life-sized Kerplunk game, and she got to create a little art with the help a super sweet staff member from Tree of Life Wellness Center. We even got to meet Cinderella! 😉 Thank you to HealthSource and the other event sponsors for being so generous and providing a fun daytime activity for families!
On Friday night we hit up the carnival for some yummy fair food and to ride a few rides. My timid daughter conquered her fear of the Ferris Wheel, and we all had a great time walking the midway at dusk. Some family came into town to join us for the carnival as well as a bonfire and a viewing of the fireworks show from our driveway.
We pushed the kids (and ourselves!) a little too hard early in the week, so by Saturday we were all pooped out and had to miss the awesome family activities and Sunday’s parade. Hopefully you were able to get out and enjoy the festivities and didn’t blow away or get rain-soaked in the process. 😉
What did your family enjoy most about Albertville Friendly City Days?
Let us know in the comments!