Uncle Sam's heart might be a little heavy this year, as many (if not most) of our Independence Day celebrations have been thwarted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Minneapolis' "Red, White and Boom" fireworks show — as well as patriotic events in Richfield, Roseville, Eagan, St. Paul, Coon Rapids and beyond — have been canceled.
This year, families and friends might have to settle for small, home-based barbecues with the less-than-thrilling fireworks legally allowed for purchase at Minnesota retailers. Or they could grab their laptops. Some municipalities will be sponsoring patriotic content online.
Those bound and determined to raise their heads and flags high may have to travel beyond the Twin Cities metro area for a glimpse of pomp and circumstance.
But before you pile the gang into the SUV, take heed. Even if you drive a couple of hours from the city to see fireworks, you might be required to watch the show from the comfort of your car. And some of the smaller venues aren't set up to handle city-sized crowds.
Madden's on Gull Lake in Brainerd, Minn., is one of the few that are.
The 1,000-acre resort includes three beaches and outdoor areas where guests can see the show.
"With social distancing, we had to get creative to give our guests a great experience and sense of normalcy," said resort owner Ben Thuringer.
