Apple Valley July 4th Fireworks, Parade, More: 2018 Guide

APPLE VALLEY, MN — It's almost that time of year again. Skip the traffic and celebrate Independence Day in 2018 at Apple Valley's Freedom Days.

Check out the schedule for some of the main attractions this year:

• Carnival: Open daily, June 29 - July 4
• Music in the Park at Johnny Cake Ridge Park: July 1 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Parade: Starts at 1 p.m. July 4 on Pennlock lane and Fireside Drive
• Fireworks: Start at 10 p.m. July 4 at Johnny Cake Ridge Park East

View the full schedule of events here.

Patch's 2018 guide to July 4 fireworks in the Twin Cities

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If you purchase your own fireworks this year, Minnesota authorities remind you that:

• If it flies or explodes, it's illegal in Minnesota. You could face fines and confiscation of illegal fireworks.
• Use fireworks in an open area away from houses and other structures.
• Don't let children run through the area. They could step on a spent firework that is still hot.
• Use fireworks responsibly, especially around children. Kids mimic your behavior.
• Use a long lighter meant for a gas grill to light fireworks and stay as far from the wick as possible.
• Do not try to re-light a dud. Ever.
• Have a bucket of water nearby; spent sparklers must go into the bucket, not dropped in the grass

Photo by Richard Scinto/Patch