Blooming Prairie will host its Old Fashioned Fourth of July festival on July 3-4. But before that, the town will celebrate its sesquicentennial on July 2.

“We’ve been known for our Fourth of July celebrations,” said Blooming Prairie Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Becky Noble. “This year, we’ve added an extra day for our 150th.”

Noble says the celebration will begin with a kiddie parade in the park, followed by a blessing of the town by local ministers. There will then be a picnic in the park, in which people may bring their own food or purchase hot dogs that will be prepared in the park.

After the picnic, 150 balloons will be released, one for each year, and cake and ice cream will be served. The day will end with a live performance by Walters Wheelhouse Band in the park.

Noble said visitors can learn about Blooming Prairie’s businesses and organizations.

“We’ve invited non-profits and area businesses so people can meet and greet the people that keep the community going,” she said. “Hopefully some people will be inspired to help our non-profits.”

This year will be the town’s 43rd July Fourth celebration. The annual celebration draws an average of 20,000 people per year.

The celebration used to be called the Soybean Festival and the Petunia Festival during the 1950s and 1960s.

This year, among the regular festivities, visitors will be able to enjoy helicopter rides. Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s show car will also be on display from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the park on July 4.

Noble encourages everyone from the surrounding communities to come to this year’s special celebration.

“People like to feel welcome and that’s what its all about here,” Noble said. “We welcome everyone to come and see our community. We are very proud of Blooming Prairie.”

Schedule

Times and events subject to change. For general information, call 507-583-4472.

Sunday

•Kiddie Parade in City Park, noon

•Blessing in the Park/Picnic in City Park, 12:30 p.m.

•Group Picture in City Park, 1:15 p.m.

•Balloon Release/Cake/Ice Cream in City Park, 1:30 p.m.

•Beer Garden and Live Music by Walters Wheelhouse Band in City Park, 3 to 6 p.m.

Monday

•Antique Tractor Show at Blooming Prairie High School, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

•Tour of Schools, 3 to 6 p.m.

•Beer Garden in City Park (Alcohol in permitted areas only, 21 and over), 4 to 9 p.m.

•Pedal Tractor Pull in City Park, sign-up at 4 p.m.

•Hammer Nailed It in the Beer Garden, 5 p.m.

•Music in the Pavilion, 6 p.m.

•Hula Hoop and Stick Horse Racing at Judges’ Stand in City Park, 6 p.m.

•Magic Show with Greg Skillsted in City Park, 7 p.m.

•Street Dance Music by The High Street Band, 21 and over, ID required, $5 cover, 8 p.m.

•Teen Dance in front of Showmobile, 8:30 p.m.

Tuesday

•Awesome Blossom Run/Walk at Blooming Prairie High School, sign-up at 7 a.m.

•BP Lions Club Breakfast at Prairie Manor, 7:30 to 11 a.m.

•Sweet Rides Car Show at Victory Field, 8 a.m. to noon

•Tractor Pull west of Victory Field, 9 a.m.

•Fire Department Open House, 9 to 11 a.m.

•Antique Tractor Show at Blooming Prairie High School, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

•BPRA “Letter Club” Moonwalk in City Park, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

•Fine Arts Fair in City Park, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

•Helicopter Rides west of Victory Field, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

•Beer Garden in City Park (Alcohol in permitted areas only, 21 and over, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

•Dale Earnhardt Jr. Show Car in City Park, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

•Water Wars west of City Park (closed during parade), 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

•BP Boys and Girls Club Kids Races at Victory Field south of Pavilion, 10 a.m.

•Beanbag Tournament in City Park by Beer Garden, 11 a.m.

•Just for Kix Performance by Judges’ Stand in City Park, 11 a.m.

•Pickle and Pie Judging Contestß at Judges’ Stand in City Park, 12:30 p.m.

•Stix of Fury Performance at Judges’ Stand in City Park, 1:30 p.m.

•Rolling Car Show, 1:30 p.m.

•Parade, 2:30 to 4 p.m.

•Drum Line Performance in City Park, after Parade

•Live Performance by Mischief and Mayhem in City Park, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

•Frozen T-Shirt Contest at the Beer Garden, 6 p.m.

•Live Performance by Kyle Johnson “DJ Preps” at Victory Field, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

•Fireworks at Victory Field, 10 p.m.