Spirit Lake, Iowa (northwestiowanow.com) — The biggest day of the year in the Iowa Great Lakes is the 4th of July – especially when it falls on a weekend. The fireworks will start just after 10 ‘clock from a barge parked off of the Berkley Bedell State Pier in Arnolds Park. The pre-fireworks concert this year is musical group Pet Rock, playing light rock music from the 60ths, 70s, and 80s.

Occasionally Lake Park and the Spirit Lake Protective Association try to offset each other’s fireworks displays, but they’ll be going head to head Thursday night July 3rd this time around. SLPA is also holding its annual pancake feed and fundraiser Thursday morning from 8 to Noon at the Mini-Waukon State Park on the North end of the lake.

Village Northwest Unlimited in Sheldon also holds its traditional Independence Day Celebration Thursday night with food booths opening at 5, carnival games and inflatable at 6, the Fleetwood Mac tribute band Landslide at 7, and the community fireworks at dark.
If you want a parade to commemorate America’s birthday, head to Armstrong. The all-day event begins at 7am and includes such traditional activities as a soap box derby, fireman’s water fight, a parade at 1, and fireworks at 10. Estherville holds its 76th annual 4th of July flight breakfast from 7 to 11 in the morning. You can even purchase an airplane or helicopter ride.

The Star Spangled Spectacular in Storm Lake spans two days. Thursday features a classic car parade, Matchbox Hot Wheels Races, and several music groups including the Municipal Band at 5:30. A full 4th of July starts at 7:30am with a ride/run around the lake, the big parade at 10:30, and activities all over town and fireworks at 10pm off of the Chautaqua Park jetty.