Independence Day!

I think this was my first Independence Day celebration outside of Utah. While there were a lot of similarities to how we celebrate things here, there were also a few distinctions:

1) Everyone throughout the entire state seem to gather in one small town.
2) Parades in Minnesota are spread out and sectioned. There's the fire truck section, the tractor section, the re-election campaign section, and the section of business owners sucking beer from a beer hat while driving down the parade route full of children section.
3) It is okay for scantally clad models to be in the parade, so long as you are patriotic.
4) Fireworks are much hotter and closer to your face when they are shot off 1/2 over the lake, and 1/2 over your blanket. Note for next time: be sure to wear sunglasses to keep the ashes out of the eyes.
5) Minnesotans do not care much for large families that make lots of noise and are somewhat unruley. Apparently this is an uncommon sight?

Here are the two photos Alan took at the parade. For some reason, he seemed completely distracted after that.