An American flag flies at the Perkins restaurant in North Mankato on Sunday afternoon.
A VISIBLE SPIRIT of American patriotism prevailed in rural southern Minnesota this July Fourth weekend. Like so many other places in this great country of ours.
Along U.S. Highway 14 on the north side of Mankato.
As my husband, son and I journeyed from Faribault to Lamberton for a family gathering, I noticed the red, white and blue everywhere.
Flags line a cemetery entry along U.S. Highway 14 in New Ulm Saturday afternoon.
I love this show of pride in America, in the freedom the stars-and-stripes represents.
Two of my nieces and a nephew, dressed in patriotic attire, were among those gathered in rural Lamberton on the Fourth of July. Photo by Randy Helbling.
How blessed I am to live in this land.
MORE RED, WHITE AND BLUE:
American flags line buildings along U.S. Highway 14 in downtown Sleepy Eye.
Downtown Sleepy Eye.
A patriotic can cooler.
Flags in a window overlooking the patio at my brother and sister-in-law’s home.
This is the old manure spreader, now used to showcase flowers, from the farm where I grew up. My sister-in-law attached the patriotic bunting for the Fourth.
Sunday afternoon in Elysian, a flag flies over a tent on the Trails of History event.
© Copyright 2015 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Love the red, white and blue.
Me, too.
A fitting post for the 4th of July, hope you had a lovely day celebrating with family!
We did. Lovely.
I love the patriotism. And it looks like you had good weather for your celebrations as well. Your images reveal so much of what the day is truly about xx
Thank you, Charlie. Yes, the weather was perfect for outdoor celebrations and gatherings.
I LOVE the sight of the Red, White and Blue too – Great Captures 🙂 Happy Week – Enjoy!
Thank you, Renee.
A great 4th of July blog. Of course I loved the photo of the nieces and nephew. Also the old background of many photos. The best to you and family and sending my love.
I knew you would like that family photo. Check back tomorrow for lots more pix from the family Fourth.
A great post for July 4th! Always love to see the red/white/blue decorations – I think all the smaller towns really know how to celebrate! Hope you and your family had a great day.
I did have a wonderful Fourth. I hope you did, too.
I’m posting tomorrow about a small town weekend celebration.