Coon Rapids is kicking off an extended weekend of celebrating our nation’s independence tomorrow (Friday), with activities continuing through the Fourth of July holiday. Residents are invited to a community luncheon on Friday at Iowa Savings Bank near the intersection of Park Street and 5th Avenue from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Families will then head to the Coon Rapids Aquatic Center for a penny dive with the kids at 3 p.m., also hosted by Iowa Savings Bank. On Saturday, Coon Rapids will welcome riders from around the country for the 2023 Iowa Gravel Classic at Whiterock Conservancy. The celebrations pick up on Monday, July 3, as the Coon Rapids Fire and Ambulance Departments will be hosting a barbeque at City Park from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., with all proceeds benefiting the agencies. The beer garden also opens at 5 p.m., with live music from Studio 72B at 5:30 and the Anthony Koester Band taking the stage at 8 p.m. The annual Coon Rapids Independence Day parade is slated to begin at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 4. Organizers will close the holiday weekend with fireworks starting at dusk in the Aquatic Center Park.
