There are arguably two places to be in Wright County while celebrating Independence Day: Lake Cornelia and the community of Belmond. With loads of fun and tradition, these two communities make honoring America special for the whole family.
Residents of Lake Cornelia and the Lake Cornelia Improvement Association held their annual 4th of July celebration, observed this year on Saturday, July 2, 2022. The fun kicked off at 8:00 a.m. with the pancake breakfast, followed by daytime activities at 12:00 noon. The boat parade, which began at 7:00 p.m., featured a cartoon character theme. At right around 10:00 p.m. the pyrotechnic barges let loose a spectacular 15 minute display of color, sparkle, and big booms to the applause and approving shouts of a lake filled with delighted residents and visitors.
Belmond's 4th of July Celebration, which includes a full weekend of activities, kicked off on Sunday, July 3rd with an omelet brunch at the fire station, and continued with a community church service, car and motorcycle show on Main Street, and a rubber duck race. The evening's festivities included live music from the Kris Karr Band (in the first of two performances by the band in Belmond over the weekend), food trucks, vendors, the Firecracker Classic 5K, and karaoke. The parade on Monday, July 4th, was delayed one hour by thunderstorms, but took place at 11:30 a.m. with the pork chop dinner at the fire station following. Games and activities continued throughout the day. The Kris Karr Band rocked the crowd into the main event, the legendary Giant Fireworks Show, by playing live music at 6:30 p.m. at the football field. The fireworks began around 10:00 p.m. at the football field and, as always, continued their tradition of being arguably some of the best in the state.
