North Morristown 4th Celebrating Since 1892

North Morristown has a 4th of July celebration that does have something for everyone in the family to enjoy.

Andrew and Megan Wagner were guests on today's KDHL AM Minnesota program and filled us in on what is happening this year.

The event has been basically the same as long as anybody can remember with great music, incredible food, a parade and patriotic program.

The patriotic program is what sets it apart in my opinion.

There are scores of parades, baseball games, food choices in a lot of places but not many celebrations take time to have a patriotic program.

A couple of patriotic songs will be sung with the crowd included and there will be a patriotic speech presented.

I have not kept track of how many years I have attended the event.  I started working at KDHL in 1987.  I believe we started broadcasting the patriotic program for those who could not attend in the early to mid 1990's.

Some speakers read famous speeches of Abraham Lincoln and others.  Many did craft their own messages.

My personal favorite was Brian Danielson, Kenyon native, who had recovered his father's (Ben) remains after many years being listed as MIA in Vietnam.

Ben Danielson was a 1961 Kenyon High School graduate who was in the Air Force and died when the plane he was in crashed over Laos in 1969.

Brian joined the Navy in 1992.

In the spring of 2006 after years of searching and digging it was confirmed remains he found at a crash site in Laos were Ben's.

In June of 2007 Ben was repatriated in Gol Lutheran Cemetery in Kenyon.

I had the privilege of covering Brian's football games at St. Olaf College with the late Mike Morrissey so it was pretty cool to follow his efforts.

His Mother, Mary Danielson-Gates taught for many years in the Faribault Public School District.

This year a former military chaplain will be the keynote speaker in North Morristown.

Proceeds from the event go to Trinity Lutheran School just across the street from the festivities.

There is no admission or charge for parking, but it is greatly appreciated if people buy a $2 celebration button to help pay for all the great entertainment on the grounds including Minnesota Music Hall of Fame members Monroe Crossing.

The favorite of many have been at the event for a number of years and members have told me over that time how much they enjoy the North Morristown event.

Grand Marshals for this year's parade are Chuck and Nancy Larsen.

Chuck was Head Coach for football and wrestling for the Morristown Comets when I first arrived in the area.  He is also known for his many acting roles in local and area theatre productions.

The food is so good because it's made fresh right there.  Homemade pies are brought in, with most baked just hours before the event.

You name the variety it is there.  Blueberry, Strawberry, Peach, Rhubarb, Sour Cream Raisin, Apple, etc.

Stands open at 9:00 a.m. with flaig raising at 9:45 a.m.

Parade is 10:00 a.m.

Patriotic Program follows at 11:00 a.m. (Typically, less than an hour)

There are games for kids and adults alike with Bingo for adults and Bingo for children.

Entertainment on the Main Stage includes:

• Potluck String Band   12:30-1:30 p.m.
• Monroe Crossing         1:30 -2:30 p.m.
• Potluck String Band     3:00-4:00 p.m.
• Monroe Crossing         4:00-5:00 p.m.
• Steve & "Kim Wetzel" Wolff   5:30- 7:00 p.m.

Beer Garden Entertainment includes:

• Jolly Huntsmen Band      11:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.
• Will Bauermeister              4:00- 6:00 p.m.
• Buffalo Alice                      7:30-11:30 p.m.

Fireworks just after Dusk.

From Waterville take Highway 60 East to Morristown turn left (North) onto County Road 16 and follow the signage.

From Faribault I go west on Highway 60 to County Road 12 which turns into 210th Street and takes you to the turnoff to the Trinity Lutheran Church in North Morristown.

I hope to see a lot of people there.  In recent years I have assisted with announcing the parade.

We will be broadcasting on KDHL (920 AM, 97.9 FM, FREE KDHL app) the Patriotic Program thanks to Samerow Dairy, Melchert Farms and Wagner Farms.

Delano has the oldest 4th of July Parade in Minnesota starting in 1857.