Forest Lake’ s Independence Day celebration: a favorite tradition
Forest Lake’ s annual Independence Day celebration is well-known throughout the region as being one of the best. A century-old tradition, the town’ s carnival, parade, and fireworks over Forest Lake mark the days surrounding the Fourth of July, and are all hosted by Forest Lake’ s American Legion Post 225.
The carnival usually lasts the five days surrounding the Fourth of July, including games and rides for people of all ages, and food vendors lined along Broadway Avenue in Forest Lake, with the carnival set up in the Legion’ s parking lot.
Spectators line Broadway Avenue east of the American Legion and Highway 61 between Second Avenue NW and Fourth Avenue SW for the annual parade, held on the morning of July 4 unless the date falls on a Sunday. The event begins with a flyover from historic airplanes, and across from the American Legion Post 225 – which fundraises all year for the annual tradition – is the booth where speakers announce floats and prizes. The parade’ s grand marshal is chosen each year by the Legion, typically honoring a local person who has contributed to the community. Each year, the parade’ s theme is built to honor specific veterans. Floats and entries from all around the region entertain and throw candy, or blast attendees with water on a hot summer morning. Some standard highlights of entries include area school marching bands, the Shriners band, Washington County Dairy Association – which hands out cheese curds – and of course the Legion’ s own float.
In the evening, Lakeside Memorial Park is packed with attendees enjoying live music performances, which are concluded by local pianist and singer Charlie Olmann. The fireworks – accompanied by patriotic music played through speakers at the park’ s gazebo – are shot over the lake. Other attendees take their boat onto Forest Lake to watch the fireworks.
The celebration has been an annual tradition since 1924 by members of Forest Lake’ s American Legion Post 225, and outside of 2020, has only been canceled one other time during World War II.
Many former residents of Forest Lake like returning to the area for the holiday, which holds a special place in the hearts of local residents, but it is also a hotspot for others outside the community looking to celebrate the country’ s Independence Day.
Page 28 Forest Lake Community Guide • February, 2026