ABOVE: A few boats pass under the bridge between Hall and Budd Lakes in Fairmont during the Chamber’s inaugural boat parade last year. The event returns next Friday, along with the annual fireworks display in Fairmont. Sentinel file photo.

FAIRMONT– The Fourth of July is less than a week away but people in the Fairmont community can start looking forward to some of the events that will help celebrate the nation’s birthday.

Beginning at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 4, the Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce will hold its second annual boat parade. Chamber President, Kandi Menne, said so far 14 watercraft are signed up for the parade. It’s a number she’s happy with, especially for the second year of the event.

“Any boat, pontoon or jetski can be in the parade, but if they want to be judged then they have to register by July 1 and we’ll email them a number that they need to put on their boat,” Menne said.

Awards will be given to the most patriotic boat, pontoon and jetski.

Those who are participating will gather by the Chain of Lakes Yacht Club on the south side of Hall Lake and then slowly go along the east shores of the three lakes, ending at The Marina Lodge on Lake Sisseton.

“People on the shorelines can get a close look at the boats,” Menne said.

Last year, despite it being the first year and having unfavorable weather conditions, Menne was happy with the turnout. Many people had set up folding chairs along the channel between Hall and Budd Lakes and at Wards Park on Lake Sisseton to watch the boats go by.

“I’m sure we’ll keep it an annual event. It’s something fun for the community. We have the lakes so why not get people around them and enjoy the parks. They can dine and enjoy the water,” Menne said.

Those wanting to register can go to fairmontchamber.com. In the event the parade has to be canceled due to poor weather, it will be announced on the Chamber’s Facebook page.

Later in the day, people can look forward to the annual fireworks display, which will take place over Lake Sisseton beginning at dusk or about 10:15 p.m. on Friday, July 4.

Sam Cress, chairman of the fireworks committee, also known as Light, Noise and Smoke, said the Fairmont Fire Department has been putting on the fireworks display since 1996.

The department has been fundraising and each year spends about $26,000 on fireworks. The last two years, the Fairmont City Council has bumped up its contribution to $10,000 so the department relies heavily on donations for the rest.

“We always spend the same amount dollar-wise. It’s just how much product you get,” Cress explained.

This year he said they have about 610 shells of various sizes that will be shot off and that the show will last about 20 minutes.

“We have a couple business sponsors but are always looking to get more,” Cress said. “We have 10 business donors for this year.”

However, he said they were pretty far short of the $26,000 so they dipped into reserves for this year’s show.

Fundraising for the department and the fireworks show is ongoing. People can donate online at fairmontfireworks.com and there they will also find a countdown to this year’s display.

While Cress and others are excited for the upcoming show, they’re also looking forward to next year because for the 250th birthday of America, Cress said they’d like to double the show.

“Everyone watching this year’s show, imagine if the show was doubled. We can’t make that happen without donations,” Cress said.