No Wake Lake Can't Stop the 4th of July

Once again, The Excelsior - Lake Minnetonka Chamber of Commerce presents a 4th of July celebration with flair.

Excelsior, MN July 4, 2014 -- The Excelsior Lake Minnetonka Chamber of Commerce proudly produces and hosts the only public 4th of July fireworks event on the shores of Lake Minnetonka, at the Commons Park in downtown Excelsior. Enjoy a 4th of July that kicks off with a Firecracker and ends with a BANG!

Schedule of Events

• 8:00 a.m. Firecracker Runs 1 mile, 5K and 10K directed by Minnetonka Community Education
• 9:00-10:30 Sand Sculpture Contest
• 9:30-noon Popsicle Social
• 11:00 Water Street Parade
• 11:30-1:00 Kids Fishing Contest
• 6:15 The Wolverines Big Band performs
• 8:00 Lucas Oil Aerobatic Air Show
• 8:45 Salute to our Veterans
• 8:50 Presentation of the Colors
• 9:00 The Wolverines Big Band returns to the stage
• 9:55 National Anthem by Kate Raddatz, WCCO Reporter and Excelsior Native
• Dusk Fireworks Display over Lake Minnetonka

If for any reason the July 4 date needs to be cancelled due to severe weather, the events (not the Firecracker races) will be rescheduled for July 5, 2014.

To stay current and up-t-date, please visit the website: http://www.excelsior-lakeminnetonkachamber.com/lake-minnetonka-4th-of-july.html and facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/LakeMinnetonka4thOfJuly?ref=hl

Highlights

4th of July Airshow - We are excited to announce the Lake Minnetonka 4th of July Air Show will be back this year for another breath taking performance! Join us as we take to the skies in an aerial tribute to

the Minnesota Military Family Foundation. An organization dedicated to support those who are at the front-lines in supporting our troops on a daily basis. WHAT IS THE MMFF? The MMFF seeks funds to financially support deployed Minnesota military personnel, their spouses and children with grants during times of extraordinary financial hardship. The MMFF is a community-supported fund founded in November 2004, started by Bill Popp of Popp Communications. Contributions are made by people who understand that there are many sacrifices that military families make and want to help soften the extraordinary financial hardships that may occur when a family member is deployed by providing a financial safety net.

Firecracker Runs This is the 39th annual 4th of July Firecracker Run and continues to be a family-friendly competition that attracts top athletes and casual runners of all ages and abilities. This year the run will be coordinated by the Minnetonka Community Education and draws participants from all over the country. This year, the race consists of a 1 mile, a begins at Excelsior Elementary and takes runners all around scenic areas of the lakeshore.

The Wolverines Big Band - Celebrating their 41st year, and led by drummer Jendeen Forberg, the 19-piece Wolverines Big Band continues to perform their matchless repertoire. Covering a wide range of styles, this includes the best of the bands led by Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Fletcher Henderson and more.

Fireworks - An estimated 9,500+ people and thousands of boaters on the lake come to watch the only professional fireworks show over Lake Minnetonka on the 4th of July. The fireworks are produced by RES Specialty Pyrotechnics. This local company has won many awards for presenting fireworks with symmetry and flair including first place in the Thailand International Fireworks Contest, December 2012. The brilliant display of light and sound will create an experience like no other and is sure to get an emotional response from the viewers.

Media Contact: Laura Hotvet Executive Director of Excelsior Lake Minnetonka Chamber of Commerce

952-474-6461

www.Excelsior-LakeMinnetonkaChamber.com

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