Page 4 Apple Valley Freedom Days • Friday, June 19, 2026 sunthisweek. com
Apple Valley Freedom Days to celebrate America 250
New Kiddie Parade set to roll on Friday, July 3, from Scott Highlands to Johnny Cake Park East
by Tad Johnson SUN THISWEEK DAKOTA COUNTY TRIBUNE
Where else would one want to be on the nation’ s 250th birthday than Apple Valley, a community that’ s been celebrating Freedom Days for 60 years?
Activities on the Fourth of July will include a Fun Run; the American Legion’ s Red, White & Barbecue; Freedom Days Parade; Carnival; and Pre-Fireworks Party all ending with a blast of color and light in the Fireworks Show.
“ Freedom Days has always been about showing one’ s pride in being American, and we hope people take time to think about the freedoms we have in this country during the events,” said Freedom Days planning committee chairperson Pat Schesso.
The Freedom Days Parade will break out the red, white and blue on floats, banners, flags, decorated bikes, and in participants and spectators’ attire.
Among the entrants to cheer on
during the 1 p. m. parade are bands from both Eastview and Apple Valley high schools, along with a host of other school groups and sporting organizations.
The Apple Valley American Legion Post 1776 also participates along with many other city, business and civic groups.
The parade will continue to follow its traditional route from the south side of County Road 42 at Fireside Lane and Pennock Avenue all the way to Apple Valley High School.
A map of the parade route appears in this edition. On the day of the event, people should be patient driving around, as traffic will be heavy around the intersection of County Road 42 and Cedar Avenue, already one of the busiest places in the south metro.
People should also be cognizant of a city ordinance that bans space saving along the route until 9 a. m. July 3. Due See Fourth, 5
Photo by Tad Johnson
The Freedom Days Parade will start at 1 p. m. on Saturday, July 4, at the corner of Pennock Avenue and Fireside Lane.
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