If anyone knows Blooming Prairie’s Fourth of July Celebration it’s Harvey Farr. This year’s event co-chair, Farr has lived in the town his whole life and attended the community’s first Fourth of July event 35 years ago.

It was also the same year he graduated from high school.

“I know I was there,” he said.

It all starts again Friday, July 3 as the old fashioned celebration kicks off at City Park with everything from food vendors to the kids pedal tractor pull. Concessions will be open from 4 to 9 p.m., and other festivities during that time include the pie and ice cream social and water war games.

Bingo and the iron man obstacle challenge are slated from 5 to 9 p.m., while the kids tractor pull also begins at 5 p.m.

For a complete schedule of events, visit the town’s Web site at www.bloomingprairie.com or call the chamber at (507) 583-4472.

The street dance for the 21 and over crowd will feature the sounds of “Rambone,” which plays 50s, 60s, rock and roll and some country and performs from 8 p.m. to midnight in front of J&H Liquors downtown. Cover charge is $5 with proceeds benefiting the chamber of commerce.

From 8:45 p.m. to 11:45 p.m. the Servicemen’s Club will host a teen dance.

Farr said the two-day celebration, which wraps up with fireworks at Victory Field Saturday at 10 p.m., provides something for all ages.

“It’s so family oriented, and it really doesn’t cost you anything except what you eat,” he said.

As for the food, there will be between 20 and 25 vendors to choose from, stands offering everything from gyros to malts.

“I like the grilled pork chops that come with potato salad,” Farr said. “That’s my supper there.”

New for 2009 is the kickball tournament on the Fourth of July, and the draw for the bean bag tournament was so big last year, officials have included more boards this year to make sure they have enough.

“It’s going to be an even bigger draw this year,” Farr said.

Also on Saturday, the parade will march in from 2:30 to 4 p.m. with more than 100 entries.

Parade Coordinator Karen Kruckeberg said this year’s entries will range from bands to local royalty to possibly even a few surprises.

“I just got a call about a motorized bar stool, so that might be interesting to see,” she said.