Your Complete Guide to Lake Minnetonka's Fourth of July Events

Editor’s note: Information provided by the Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Chamber of Commerce, the City of Wayzata, Cottagewood General Store, Facebook fans and e-mails to the editor.
 
8 a.m.
Flying Pancake Breakfast at The Depot in Wayzata: Guests will "catch 'em if they can" pancakes tossed from the grill. The $6 breakfast includes sausage, pancakes, coffee, a cold drink and a flag. USA veterans eat free. Click here for more.

STEELE Fitness Firecracker 10K Fun Run: Online registration is closed, but sign up at STEELE Fitness in Excelsior, the Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Chamber of Commerce HQ on Water Street. Race day registration available, but expect lines. Shirts for 10k participants.
 
9 a.m. 
Cottagewood 4th of July Family Fun Run/Walk: Bring the whole family, pets too, and take part  the inaugural one-mile run/walk around Cottagewood. Cost: $5 person/$15 family, each kid finisher will receive a commemorative ribbon. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. 
 
Sand Sculpture contest: Kids and kids at heart will have a chance to express their creativity and compete for bragging rights on Excelsior Beach.

10 a.m.
Kiddie Parade in Wayzata: The parade starts at the corner of Broadway and Park. All kids accompanied by an adult can participate, as well as enjoy face painting, balloons, popsicles and more. Price: Free
 
Pledge of Allegiance and Kid's Parade in Cottagewood: This your opportunity to display your patriotic spirit as the Excelsior Fire Department leads participants around the parade route. Whatever your preferred mode of transportation, the young and the young at heart are welcome to participate in this patriotic tradition. So hop on our bike, scooter, roller blades or wagon and join us.  
 
11 a.m.
Water Street Parade and Popsicle Social: Popsicles and parades, life for a kid doesn’t seem to get much better. Parade begins at 11 am at Gary's First Class Car Care, 301 Water Street,  and concludes at Commons Park with a
and concludes at Commons Park with a popsicle social. Gussy up your bikes, scooters, wagons and celebrate our nation's favorite holiday! Click here for Commons layout and parade route
 
Kiddie Carnival and All-American Lunch: Come to Cottagewood for an old-fashioned carnival (starts immediately following the parade) that includes a cupcake walk, dunk tank bounce house and many other classic carnival  games. Cost: $5.00 per child. A BBQ lunch will also be available nearby.
 
11:30 a.m.
Kids Fishing Contest: An annual favorite, the contest is open to kids of all ages. Prizes will be given for biggest fish in each age group. Wet your line just beyond the centerfield fence of the baseball field. Contest will end around 1 p.m.
12:30 p.m.
 
Mini Olympics at Wayzata West Middle School. Children 12 and under are invited to participate in three events during the Mini Olympics.
 
6:15 p.m.
The Wolverines Big Band performs in Excelsior: Celebrating their 40th year, and led by drummer Jendeen Forberg, the Wolverines Big Band continues to perform their matchless repertoire. You won't want to miss this timeless performance!
 
8:15
Lucas Oil Air Show returns featuring Pilot Michael Wiskus and new this year, John Mohr performing with his restored 1943 stock 220 Stearman bi‐plane 

Dusk: Fireworks