(At Lollipopolis.com, we love the earth. That’s why 75% of this post comes from recycled content.)

Okay, you guys. I really wanted to come up with something cool for the 4th of July. Something sort of obscure or quaint involving sparklers and that cake you make with the strawberries and blueberries that looks like the American Flag. I mean, I love my country as much as the next guy. But try as I did, I came up empty. I blew it. Guess you could say, I red, white and blue it. So, I give you the same thing I gave you last year: The Minneapolis Red White and Boom. (If anyone knows of something great happening on the 4th of July, please post it in the Comments.) For a more complete listing of goings-on, go here. (At least SOMEBODY has their act together (and probably a staff of writers).)

TUESDAY, JULY 3
Hot Dam 5K Fun Run
6:30 p.m.
Father Hennepin Bluffs Park
420 Main Street SE
Minneapolis, MN 55414
Race-Day Registration: $30
(Registration begins at 5:30 p.m.)

Music and a Movie
7-9 p.m. Romantica
9:00 Captain America
Nicollet Island Pavillion
(Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Arrive early to guarantee a spot.)

WEDNESDAY, JULY 4
TC Half Marathon
6:30 a.m.

Free Family Activities & Entertainment
(by Minneapolis Institute of Arts, MN Sea Life and Radio Disney)
6-9 p.m.
Father Hennepin Bluffs Park

Four Stages Chock-full of Live Music
5 pm – 8:30 pm

Fireworks
10 p.m.
Nicollet Island
Check here for the best viewing locations

Have fun. Be safe. And as my grandma used to say, “Don’t drive [your boat or car] like an idiot!”