Summerfest this 4th of July weekend

HENDRICKS, Minn. – Summerfest 2012 will bring five straight days of entertainment to Hendricks, Minn., beginning this Fourth of July, and everyone is invited to join in the fun.

All events take place in the park and ball field area, unless otherwise noted.

Pancakes in the Park starts things off on July 4. This fundraiser for the Lake Hendricks Improvement Association runs from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. At 10 a.m., a Parade of Flags will go by, and at 11:30 a.m. a Community Spirit Award Ceremony will be held. Finally July 4, the Hendricks Community Foundations will host a free community picnic at noon.

July 5, things kick off with a Country Cookout on West Lincoln Street from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. KCountry and The Ranch radio stations will broadcast live from the free cookout. A parade starts at 1:30 p.m., and a dunk tank will be set up at Cedric’s beginning at 4 p.m.

That night is a teen dance from 8-11 p.m. The dance is for 12- to 18-year-olds, and it will be held at Veterans Memorial Park (or at Hendricks Public School in case of inclement weather). More Cowbell Productions will provide music and concessions will be available. Teens can attend for a $5 admission fee.

On July 6, Fun in the Park runs from 1-4 p.m. Families pay $10 per child 12 and under, for which they’ll get pony rides, use of inflatables, “fun with firemen” and more. Concessions open at 11 a.m. A kiddie tractor pull begins at 2 p.m., an eating contest at 3 p.m., and a Whopper feed at 5 p.m. The whopper feed is a fundraiser for Relay for Life.

At 7:30 p.m., distinguished young women will be honored in the school gymnasium. The Firemen’s Dance begins at 9 p.m.

On Saturday, July 7, the Hendricks Memorial Healthcare Foundation will sponsor its Road Race and Fitness Walk. The event will be held at Hendricks Lake Park beginning at 8 a.m. Walkers and runners can choose a 1 mile, 5K or 10K route. All participants will be entered in a raffle for door prizes donated by area businesses.

At 10 a.m. is a Home Run Derby and a boat parade begins at noon followed by a boat parade at noon; both can be viewed from the beach. Family kickball and a bean bag tournament follow at 2:30 p.m., then the “Hendricks Idol” talent contest at 6:30 p.m. Karaoke begins at 9 p.m. at Cedric’s and a movie at 9:30 p.m.

On July 8, Summerfest wraps up with a community church service at 9 a.m. A brunch from 10 a.m. to noon will benefit the Hendricks PTO, and a volleyball tournament begins at 10:30 a.m. followed by entertainment in the park at 11 a.m.

No ATVs, UTVs or coolers are allowed during the event. People are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.

For more information, visit the Hendricks Summerfest page on Facebook, email hendrickssummerfest@hotmail.com or call 507-275-3192.