Iron Range Fourth of July 2011

It's been a turbulent year in America. People seem so angry and uncertain. The caffeinated alcohol doesn't help. Nor do all the wars. But we endure, finding comfort in the little things that make being an American so great, not least of which is our vast prosperity haphazardly distributed among our large population. (The word "large" here means whatever you want it to).

On the Iron Range of northern Minnesota the traditions of Independence Day parades, street dances and fireworks displays continue to unite people who increasingly don't know what to say to each other. The fact that all of these things are loud helps. Indeed, the loudness is the point.

You may say, "I am not from the Range. My town has fireworks, a parade and other celebratory events!" That may be true. I would posit that the Range Fourth is a little different. It's like Mardi Gras, only less exotic, less expensive, alternately hilarious, frightening and endearing. It's a bit for the booze, but that's not the only appeal.

Below is a schedule of the Iron Range parades, fireworks and street dances that I could find. Generally these parades line up about an hour before the start time. No Range town is particularly huge, so just go to the town and find the crowd. Feel free to make additions or corrections in the comments.

Saturday, July 2
8 p.m.-midnight -- Gilbert Street Dance
Evening - Keewatin Street Dance (fireworks at dusk)

Sunday, July 3

6 p.m. -- Aurora Parade (followed by street dance and 10 p.m. fireworks)
7:30 p.m. -- Gilbert Parade
8 p.m.-12:30 a.m. -- Eveleth Street Dance (fireworks at 10:15)
Evening -- Nashwauk Street Dance (fireworks at dusk)

Monday, July 4
9 a.m. -- Virginia "Calithumpian" Parade
9:30 a.m. -- Eveleth Parade
9:30 a.m. -- Mt. Iron Parade
11 a.m. -- Tower Parade
11 a.m. -- Crosby-Ironton Parade (lines up in Ironton)
Noon -- Aurora Children's Parade (includes flyover by 148th Fighter Wing)
Noon -- Nashwauk Parade
Noon -- Side Lake Parade
1 p.m. -- Biwabik "Patriotic" Parade
1 p.m. -- Ely Parade
2:30 -- Keewatin Parade
7 p.m. -- Biwabik "Calithumpian" Parade
Dusk -- Virginia Fireworks
Dusk -- Crosby Fireworks
10 p.m. -- Ely fireworks
Dusk -- Grand Rapids fireworks (over Lake Pokegama)