sunthisweek. com Apple Valley Freedom Days • Friday, June 19, 2026 Page 5
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to the long parade route, organizers say there’ s always a great place to view the parade even without the extra effort.
Not the only parade in town
Freedom Days has a new way for children to show their patriotic spirit with a Kiddie Parade on Friday, July 3, prior to Family Fun Night in Johnny Cake Park East.
The parade encourages those ages 12 and under to decorate their rides in red, white and blue for the 5 p. m. Apple Valley Parks and Recreation event.
Children can pedal their bicycle and tricycles or roll along on scooters, strollers, wagons, or“ Power Wheel” type toys. No battery-powered e-scooters or e-bikes are allowed.
Families can register for
free by June 28 at https:// secure. rec1. com / MN / apple-valley-mn / catalog and check-in starts at 4:30 p. m. at the Scott Highlands Middle School parking lot.
After the 0.4-mile parade, participants may park their“ ride” in the corral, as they are encouraged to bring a bike lock.
Family Fun Night will include a carnival, food booths, and the Vendor Fair.
Freedom Days offers more ways for people to get involved and be the center of attention for a while.
Registration deadlines are nearing for the Freedom Days Parade, Vendor Fair, Car Show, Casting with the Cops, and Fun Run.
Applications and links for registering for all the events are at avfreedomdays. com.
Fun Run
The Freedom Days Fun Run kicks off at 8 a. m. Saturday, July 4, at Johnny Cake Park West, 14225 Johnny Cake Ridge Road.
The event includes a 2-mile and 5-mile run.
People can register 6:30 – 7:30 a. m. on the day of the event, but they are asked to go online to sign up to save on the registration fee, and no T-shirt will be included as the deadline for that has passed.
Register for $ 15 per person at https:// secure. rec1. com / MN / apple-valley-mn
/ catalog / and search for Freedom Days. The race day fee is $ 30.
Legion events The Apple Valley American Legion 1776, which is one of the state’ s most active organizations for U. S. military veterans and active duty service members, See Fourth, 7
Photo by Tad Johnson
The Apple Valley High School cheerleaders are among the many school groups that participate in the Freedom Days Parade.
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