Your Guide to Lake Minnetonka's Fourth of July

From fireworks and parades to fishing contests and flying pancakes, Lake Minnetonka will be humming with patriotism this July 4.

The Cottagewood 4th of July Celebration & Children's Parade
When: When: 10 a.m., Pledge of Allegiance
Where: , opens at 7 a.m.
Why Go: Celebrate Independence Day in Americana style at the Cottagewood General Store. There will be a kid's carnival, raffle for great prizes and lots of red, white and blue fun for the whole family. Everyone is welcome! For more information please visit www.cottagewoodusa.com.

35th Annual Firecracker Run
When: The two-mile race is at 8 a.m. and the 10k is at 8:30 a.m.
Where: 
Why Go: Might as well put a little spice into your fitness routine for the holiday.
Price: On race day, $5 for two-miles and $35 for the 10k.

The Revolutionary "Flying Pancakes"

Read the full preview here
When: 8 a.m. to noon
Where: The Historic Wayzata Depot (402 Lake Street E, Wayzata)
Why Go: Catch your breakfast while it’s hot, hear tales from revolutionary actors and see powder muskets fired every hour on the hour
Price: $6 includes pancakes, sausage, coffee, cold drink and a flag. Veterans eat for free.

Sand Sculpture Competition
When: 9 a.m.
Where: 
Why Go: Get creative down by the lakeside.
Price: Free

Broadway Kiddie Parade
When: 10 a.m.
Where: On the corner of Park Street and Broadway Avenue in Wayzata
Why Go: All kids accompanied by an adult can participate, as well as enjoy face painting, balloons, popsicles and more.
Price: Free
 
Patriotic Popsicle Social
When: 9:30 a.m.
Where: Band shell at 
Why Go: Popsicles? Life for a kid (and kids at heart) doesn’t get much better.
Price: Free

Kids' Patriotic Parade

When: 11 a.m.
Where: Begins at Third and Water Street and marches to the Excelsior Commons.
Why Go: See the little ones proudly flaunt the red, white and blue.
Price: Free

Kids' Fishing Contest
When: 12 to 1 p.m. (registration begins at 11:30 a.m.)
Where:  shoreline
Why Go: Prepare to catch the big ones.
 
Live Outdoor Music and entertainment in Excelsior
When: 4 to 8:15 p.m.
Where: 
Why Go: Live entertainment featuring Saint Anyway Stomp Grass Trio (4-5:30 p.m.), Chris Thompson and Coral Creek (6:30-7 p.m.) and Michael Wiskus Aerobatic demonstration over Gideon and Excelsior Bays.
Price: Free
  
Mini Olympics for Kids
When: 12:30 p.m.
Where: 
Why Go: Kids under 12 can get outside and compete in the Wayzata Fire Department’s variety of events.
Price: Free

Canyon Cowboys
When: 3 to 7 p.m.
Where: Lord Fletchers (3746 Sunset Drive, Spring Park)
Why Go: Four decades of hits music fans of all ages can sing along to.
Price: No cover charge

Minnesota Orchestra & Fireworks
When: 8:15 to 10:30 p.m.
Where: 
Why Go: The Minnesota Orchestra will perform at 8:30 p.m. and fireworks will top of the evening at 10 p.m.
Price: Free