NORTH MORRISTOWN on the Fourth of July is grassroots Americana. It is also Minnesota’s longest running celebration of our nation’s birthday.

In 2015, Mathea, now one, was recognized as the youngest in attendance. Fest planners also honor the eldest in attendance and those who travel the greatest distance. I didn’t stay for that 5 p.m. announcement. My husband noted a sign up sheet showing a 9-day-old baby there as well as visitors from both coasts.
For 124 years, through generations of families, folks have gathered here in the farmland of southwestern Rice County on July 4.
Iolla, in her 70s, remembers coming here as a child, riding some of the same kids’ rides still operating today. Jen, in her 30s, remembers too and now brings her children, including the youngest, only two months old.

A fest-goer left this vintage wooden folding chair sitting behind the ice cream stand. In the background you can see Trinity Lutheran Church and School across the road.
On July Fourth, this spot in the middle of farm fields, edged by several building sites and across the street from Trinity Lutheran Church and School, draws thousands.

A member of Monroe Crossing introduces the winners of the medallion hunt and presents them with a check for $100.
They come for the mid-morning parade, the patriotic program, the medallion hunt, the food, the music, the carnival rides, the bingo, the fireworks and much more. And they come for the reunion with family and friends. Many grew up in the area. But many didn’t. Like me.

This food stand serves tasty BBQ pork and beef sandwiches and other food. The stand was already out of roast beef when I arrived at around 1 p.m. However, several hours later the supply had been replenished.
That matters not. I’ve lived in nearby Faribault for 34 years now, enough to know a lot of people. When my husband and I walked onto the North Morristown festival grounds early Monday afternoon aiming for the food stands, it took us awhile to get our pork sandwich, burger, onion rings and fresh-squeezed lemonade. Not because service was slow. Rather, we ran into a lot of friends.
North Morristown was the place to be this Fourth of July as organizers reported record crowds. I don’t have stats to share, only knowledge that food stands were running out of or low on food. That’s a good problem to have given more people equals more income for Trinity Lutheran School, the beneficiary of this annual fest.
There’s something about this rural celebration that is uniquely charming and appealing in the sort of old-fashioned way that makes you want to return every summer. Nothing really changes much.
The food stands and kids’ rides seem from another era.
Even the bingo cards feature sliders rather than daubers.

By the time I decided I needed a slice of pie, the selection was dwindling. However, I enjoyed a slice of blueberry-peach.
The pies are still homemade. The oily scent of crispy onion rings drifts through the air, drawing crowds to the hamburger stand. Polka bands still play in the beer shed.

Musicians performed throughout the afternoon and into the evening. The names imprinted upon the boards (the stage backdrop) are of past parade grand marshals.
Music blasts a bluegrass beat.
It is an idyllic place to celebrate the Fourth of July, in the heart of rural Minnesota.
FYI: Check back for a second post on North Morristown’s July 4, 2016, celebration.
Ā© Copyright 2016 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
FAAAAAAAAAAAAAAbulous photos, dear.
Hey, I passed your hometown on my way back from meeting Mercy! xx
Thank you, my dear Kim.
Passed by Faribault or my hometown? They are different. My hometown is Vesta in southwestern Minnesota. You must email me and ID Mercy. I need to hear.
Loving your captures – there is nothing better than coming together as a community to gather, eat and have some fun š I am slowly immersing myself into a community again – it has been a long time coming – I took pics of my 4th celebration that I need to create a post to share. Happy Day – Enjoy!
I look forward to seeing how you celebrated in your new home.
Seems like it was a full day of fun, food, friends and “fotos”. No better way to celebrate the 4th of July.
It was all of those.
I love how Superman shows up everywhere. Great photos, Audrey!
Thanks. I got a kick out of this Superman. Just so stinkin cute.
Wonderful slice of Americana. Great photos.
That it is and thank you, Dan.
Love this post, this kind of celebration is just not one you see much of anymore. I especially love all the “old-school” rides for the children. Such great memories for all!
Thank you, Jackie. Those rides are priceless. You would love North Moristown on the Fourth.
I know I would too, some day…