By Charlene Corson Selbee
Photo submitted
You’re invited to spend Independence Day in Harmony, Minn., where the town’s annual Fourth of July celebration promises four days of family fun, cherished traditions, and exciting new activities. From July 3 through July 6, Harmony will be alive with community spirit and patriotic celebration.
Harmony Chamber of Commerce President Erica Thilges shares, “We’re excited for another jam-packed Fourth of July weekend in Harmony! We’ll have a variety of live music, kids’ activities like bouncy houses, pony rides, face painting, balloon animals, mini golf, Next Gen Gamerz gaming truck, and the Kids’ Pedal Pull. Of course, we’ll also have traditional favorites like the Harmony Conservation Club Pancake Breakfast, Toad Races, the Grand Parade, and fireworks. We also have some new additions like the Harmony Hustler’s 5k and the Harmony Area Historical Society’s ‘Let’s Have Harmony’ play!”
The celebration kicks off with the highly anticipated Medallion Scavenger Hunt. Starting June 30, daily clues will be posted at 8 a.m. on the Harmony Chamber website. Follow the clues and you could win a cash prize worth $200 in Harmony Dollars. “If you believe you’ve found it, bring it to First SouthEast Bank in Harmony to verify and claim your prize,” explained Thilges.
Support the Harmony Chamber of Commerce by purchasing a collectible souvenir button for just $5, available at local businesses. This year’s vibrant, 1960s-inspired design featuring peace signs and flowers was created by 8-year-old Clarice Mathison, who also designed the 2024 button. Button winners will be announced at the Selvig Park Gazebo at 5:30 p.m., Friday, July 4.
The colorful design creates a sense of peace and friendship, which aligns with this year’s theme, “Let’s have harmony.”
This year’s lineup includes a variety of live music and performances to entertain all ages. Kids will love the wide range of games and family-friendly activities, with something new to discover around every corner.
Food vendors will be available on Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., include Harmony Lions Club, American Dairy Association, Espadin Food Truck, Sunshine Concessions, Sips n’ Sugar coffee truck, Sweet Treats on the GOOO!, and JEM Theatre. Don’t forget to check out the local restaurants for a wide selection of delicious foods found only in Harmony.
Don’t just come for the festival, stay and explore! Harmony offers unique shopping, local dining, and attractions like Niagara Cave, the Root River Trail system, golfing, a movie theatre, and two vintage and antique malls, whether you prefer a cozy B&B, a rustic cabin, or a scenic campsite, lodging options are available for every style.
Upcoming events in Bluff Country
•July 1 – Music in the Park, Caledonia, Minn.
•July 2-5 – Riverfest, La Crosse, Wis.
•July 8 – Music in the Park, Caledonia, Minn.
•July 8-12 – Winneshiek County Fair, Decorah, Iowa
•July 10 – Rhythm by the River, Preston, Minn.
The Visit Bluff Country Magazine is delivered to more than 1,000 locations in 35 counties in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. This magazine has a mission of promoting tourism in the Historic Bluff Country (Driftless) region.
For information on upcoming town festivals and events in Historic Bluff Country, vacation ideas for lodging, recreation, dining, and shopping, check out the magazine in print or online at www.visitbluffcountry.com.
