Despite the COVID-19 pandemic and all of its challenges, the Pequot Lakes Chamber of Commerce announced it will keep two of its longstanding traditional summer events, though in a modified way to meet the Stay Safe Minnesota guidelines.
Some Stars & Stripes Days events will take place during the July 4 weekend, followed by an altered Bean Hole Days on Tuesday and Wednesday, July 14 and 15.
“The decisions we had to make weren’t easy,” a news release from the chamber said. “They were based on the continued uncertainty, the state’s phased reopening guidelines and the time lost to plan two events back to back. We care about the well-being of our business community, residents and visitors. We made the decisions with the best intentions for all.
“We want to bring economic opportunities for our businesses and community while being respectful of our visitors from a safety perspective based on the guidance we have so far,” the news release said. “The chamber believes in our veterans and our independence, and we want to celebrate in every way possible.”
To that end, the annual fireworks show will take place Friday, July 3, where spectators can enjoy fire in the sky from their vehicles. Due to the state’s rules regarding gatherings and crowds, the annual Stars & Stripes Days parade will not take place Saturday, July 4; however, there will be a craft fair featuring various artisans’ vendor booths with ample spacing.
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“We will be supporting our local businesses as visitors don their most festive patriotic attire while enjoying downtown Pequot Lakes,” the news release said, noting the city will have its Bands in the Park event. Rockin’ Bakken will perform a tribute to Sinatra from 3-5 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at the bandshell in Trailside Park.
The chamber is selling Bobber Bracelets for $5 each to help raise funds for the fireworks show.
Bean Hole Days also will look a bit different. There will be no community picnic Tuesday, July 14, when the beans are lowered into the ground to cook overnight. To keep lines shorter and follow social distancing guidelines, reservations will be required to secure a time slot to enjoy a small cup of free beans, a dollar bun and water starting at noon Wednesday, July 15, in Trailside Park.
For those who don’t want to attend the event, there will be to-go packages of beans and Bean Hole Day souvenirs available while supplies last. The chamber will offer a quart of beans for $10. For $20, people can get a mug and a quart of beans. Or for $35, they can receive a quart of beans, a mug and a T-shirt.
There will be no tent, tables, chairs or entertainment in the park as the chamber tries to eliminate those elements that create crowds.
“Again, we are Lakes Proud, and we care about our community and our visitors who come here,” the chamber news release said. “We want to provide a fun and safe experience for all.”
Look for more information regarding how to sign up for a Bean Hole Days time slot on the Pequot Lakes Chamber Facebook page
“We thank everyone for their patience and understanding as we navigate these new ways of doing things. We look forward to seeing you in Pequot,” the news release said.
