MARSHALL — Fun, food and fireworks are all in the plans for area communities this week, as they prepare to celebrate Independence Day. In Marshall, the celebrations will include music by area residents, including “The Voice” contestant Joslynn Rose.

“We think it’s a great opportunity to showcase the talent we have locally,” said Marshall Community Education Coordinator Jasmine DeSmet.

The Marshall celebrations will all take place at Independence Park, with food vendors, and performances by the Singing Q’s, the Marshall Municipal Band, and Rose. The annual fireworks display is planned to start at 10:15 in the park.

“That’s always an exciting display,” DeSmet said.

At the same time, DeSmet said organizers are keeping an eye on the weather forecast. There are more chances for rain and thunderstorms on Thursday, according to the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls.

If there need to be any changes to the Independence Day festivities, the city of Marshall will announce it on the city website, on social media, and on the radio, DeSmet said.

Communities celebrate Independence Day

Marshall isn’t the only area community with events planned for the holiday. On Wednesday night, there will be a fireworks display at Prairie’s Edge Casino Resort near Granite Falls. A variety of food trucks will open beginning at 5 p.m., with the fireworks show starting at 10.

Some area cities, like Ruthton, Currie and Morton, are also holding Independence Day festivities.

Currie’s July 4 Celebration Spectacular covers both Wednesday and Thursday. On Wednesday night, there will be a street dance featuring IV Play. On July 4, events include a picnic from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., volleyball and beanbag tournaments, and fireworks at dusk.

Ruthton’s July 4 celebrations start out with a parade beginning at 11 a.m. Thursday. Lunch will be served in the city park following the parade, with a free will donation. The Pipestone County Cattlemen’s Association, the Buffalo Ridge Civic Organization, and the Country Church will all be working to provide the meal.

A variety of events will also be taking place in Ruthton on Thursday afternoon, including a kids’ pedal tractor pull, a cruise-in car show, a beanbag tournament and more.

A flea market, a parade, a kids’ pedal pul and more are all planned in Morton on Thursday. The parade starts at 11 a.m. in Morton, with a pork chop feed and other events continuing through the afternoon. A patriotic sing-along will be held at 7 p.m., followed by fireworks at dusk.

Festivals kick off in Balaton, Hendricks

For a couple of area cities, Independence Day comes right at the start of their annual community festivals. Fun events will be going on this week in both Balaton and Hendricks. Watch for full festival schedules in the Independent.

Balaton’s Fun Fest kicks off on July 4, with events like the Little Miss and Little Mr. Balaton program, which will be held at 6 p.m. at Victory Church. On Friday, events like a golf tournament, community burger feed, kids’ activities and live music will all build up to a fireworks display. Fireworks by Respyro will start at 10 p.m. Friday at Eastbay.

Hendricks’ Summerfest celebration also kicks off on July 4, with a variety of community events. The Lake Hendricks Improvement Association will hold a pancake feed from 8-11 a.m. at Veterans’ Memorial Park. At 5 p.m., the Hendricks Foundation will announce this year’s Community Spirit Award. Following the awards ceremony, a talent show will be held at the Veterans’ Memorial Park bandshell.

Independence Day schedule of events

MARSHALL

Thursday, July 4

5 p.m.: Food vendors open at Independence Park

6: The Singing Q’s

7:30: Marshall Municipal Band

8:45: Joslynn Rose

10:15: Fireworks

BALATON

Thursday, July 4

10 a.m.: Two-person alternate shot nine-hole golf tournament

6 p.m.: Little Miss and Little Mr. Balaton program, Victory Church

Friday, July 5

9 a.m.: Two-person best ball 18-hole golf tournament

2-5 p.m.: The Borchert Challenge at Balaton Bay Golf Course putting green

5-8: Touch the Truck, inflatables, coin dig at Legion-Lion Park

5:30-8:30: Balaton Area Community Foundation burger feed

6:30: Junior beanbag tournament, ages 17 and under

7: Meet Little Miss and Little Mr. Balaton candidates

7:15: “Almost Iowa!” classic rock band at Legion-Lion Park

10: Fireworks by Respyro at Eastbay

CURRIE

Wednesday, July 3

9 p.m.-12:30 a.m.: Street dance featuring IV Play

Thursday, July 4

11 a.m.-1 p.m.: Picnic and Currie Town & Country membership drive

2 p.m.: Duck races at Des Moines river bridge

Inflatable bounce houses for kids

Horseshoe pits available.

Fireworks at dusk

GRANITE FALLS

Wednesday, July 3

10 p.m.: Fireworks display at Prairie’s Edge Casino Resort near Granite Falls.

HENDRICKS

Thursday, July 4

8-11 a.m.: Pancake feed at VMP picnic shelter

4:30 p.m.: Taco in a bag at VMP picnic shelter

5: Community Spirit Award at VMP bandshell

5:15: Talent show at VMP bandshell

MORTON

Thursday, July 4

8:30 a.m.: Firecracker Run registration

10 a.m: Flea market

10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Luncheon at Senior Center

11: Parade

Noon: Volleyball tournament begins

Noon-7: Morton Fire Department pork chop feed

5 p.m: Pedal pull

7 p.m.: Patriotic sing-along

Fireworks at dusk

RUTHTON

Thursday, July 4

10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Cruise-in carshow

11 a.m.: Parade. Lunch in the park following the parade, with a free will donation.

Noon-2: Petting zoo, bingo, balloon art, and Prairie Girl Melody.

12:30 p.m.: Sand money pit

1 p.m.: Kids’ tractor pull

1:30 p.m.: Beanbag tournament