Visit Thief River Falls has announced the First Annual Fourth of July Boat Parade, taking place on Thursday, July 2, from 6 to 8 p.m. on the Red Lake River.
This free, family-friendly event is open to both residents and visitors and is designed to celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday while showcasing one of Thief River Falls’ greatest natural assets – the river that flows through our community.
Participants are encouraged to decorate their boats and pontoons with patriotic Fourth of July decorations, flags, lights, and red, white, and blue flair as they cruise through town in a festive celebration of America.
Boat docking will take place at Centennial Park beginning at 5 p.m. and continuing until just before the parade begins. For the safety of all participants and spectators, attendees and participants are asked to park across the street at Northland Community and Technical College and not along the main roadway.
After docking, participants should proceed to the Third Street Bridge area while boats are organized and lined up for the parade route. The approximately three-mile route will travel from Centennial Park down the Red Lake River to Finsbury Park and back.
“Visit Thief River Falls is excited to introduce a new tradition that brings our community together while celebrating our country’s history and our beautiful river,” said Visit Thief River Falls Executive Director Elizabeth Wilde. “We hope this event becomes an annual celebration that residents and visitors can look forward to during Fourth of July week for years to come.”
All boats and pontoons participating in the parade must be current on all licensing and registration requirements and must comply with all Minnesota water safety rules and regulations. For the safety of everyone involved, law enforcement including police and sheriff’s deputies, will be present throughout the event.
Visit Thief River Falls will also be announcing a grand marshal for the inaugural parade in the coming weeks.
Community members are encouraged to gather along the river and at various viewing locations to cheer on participants and celebrate this exciting new tradition.
For additional information about the Fourth of July Boat Parade, visit www.VisitTRF.com or search Visit Thief River Falls on Facebook.