sunthisweek. com Apple Valley Freedom Days • Friday, June 19, 2026 Page 7
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has played a prominent role in Freedom Days in the past, and 2026 will be no different.
The Legion will be the site of the Dancin’ and Cruisin’ Classic Car Show, Fourth of July Activities, and will have entrants in the Freedom Days Parade.
More than 100 vehicles are expected during Dancin’ and Cruisin’, which kicks off Freedom Days 5-9 p. m. Friday, June 26, at Legion, 14521 Granada Drive.
Cars should arrive between 4 and 5 p. m. Awards will be presented at 8:30 p. m.
Participants should register in advance and pay the car entry fee of $ 20 at https:// www. avfreedomdays. com / car-show-registration /.
Included with each registration is a T-shirt, dash plaque, and first 150 vehicles receive a“ goodie bag.”
Food will be served in the back parking lot by the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary.
Proceeds go toward Dancin’ and Cruisin’ fundraising efforts.
On the Fourth of July, the Legion will host the Red, White & Barbecue event with food, music, and fun.
The barbecue will feature half-chicken meals and St. Louis style ribs. All the meals are served starting at 11 a. m. with sides of macaroni and cheese, cole slaw and corn bread.
Burgers and chips will be served inside the Legion, and there will be beverages for all ages.
In case of bad weather, the event will continue inside the Legion.
Pre-Fireworks Party and more After the parade, the Pre-Fireworks Party rolls from 6-10 p. m., Johnny Cake Ridge Park East.
There will be a carnival, music, dancing, games, and food, or one can stake out a place to plant a lawn chair and wait for the fireworks show at 9:30 p. m.
There is a designated handicap parking area on the east side of Johnny Cake Ridge Road. Look for the signs to direct cars to the location. The parking area will also be open on July 3 for Cub Foods Family Fun Night.
Family Fun Night will include Knockerballs and inflatables for a fee provided by Knockerball of St. Paul.
There will be a petting zoo, pony rides( both cost $ 5 per child), face painting, food trucks, a vendor fair, kids dance, and vehicles from Apple Valley police, fire and public works.
In recent years, the Apple Valley Police Department’ s Casting with the Cops has grown to become a highlight of the summer for may local children.
The event will be 5:30-7:30 p. m. Wednesday, July 1, at the Cobblestone Lake Fishing Pier.
Pre-registration is required at avfreedomdays. com / castingwith-the-cops, where more information is available.
The Apple Valley Freedom Days Committee works hard to make all of the events happen with help from community sponsors and businesses. They are always looking for additional volunteers, sponsors, and people who’ d like to help organize events.
To get in touch with the committee, go online toavfreedomdays. com / contact-us / or call Pat Schesso at 218-879-4507 or Michelle Toavs at 952-201-0017.
More information about Freedom Days is inside this edition and at the Freedom Days website at avfreedomdays. com.