The annual Freedom Days celebration in Becker will include a number of new activities and a full menu of old favorites for the week-long celebration of summer that begins next Sunday night.

 

Sun., June 14:  The ACT on Alzheimer’s-Becker group will host a screening of “Glen Campbell: I’ll Be Me”; a film which depicts the singer’s struggle with dementia in recent years and the effect the debilitating disease has had on him and his loved ones. There will be a reception at 6 p.m., followed by the showing of the movie in the Performing Arts Center at Becker High School.  For more information contact Tami Kolbinger at 763.310.6574 or via e-mail TamiKolbinger@gsc-mn.org.  Tickets are complimentary, but space is limited.

 

Mon., June 15 – Fri., June 19:  The Medallion Hunt gets underway, with a continuing series of clues posted at the Becker Community Center, at www.beckercommunitycenter.com., and on the BCC Facebook page.  Clues will be presented daily until the elusive object is located.

 

New “Friends and Family Fun Fit Team Challenge” and “Show Us Your Spirit Selfie Challenge” competitions will be underway. Details for both are available at the BCC.

 

Tues., June 16:  The Sherburne History Center will host the 8th Annual Ice Cream Social at the facility from 6-8 p.m.  As always, the event features free ice cream and live musical entertainment.  Earlier in the day, a Senior Pot-Luck lunch will be held at Kolbinger Park beginning at 11:30 a.m. and also featuring live entertainment.

 

Wed., June 17: The Sherburne State Bank will host its annual Customer Appreciation event under the big white tent on the lawn from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a free luncheon with ice cream served to attendees.

 

Thurs., June 18:  Seniors and others can enjoy a free movie with popcorn at the Becker Area Senior Center in the Becker City Hall beginning at 12:30 p.m.

 

Fri., June 19:  A “Celebration of Freedom Barbeque and Entertainment” will take place on the lawn behind the BCC with free food and beverages available from 4-8 p.m. 

 

 

A “Kiddie Parade” for children aged zero to 12 years old will be held at the BCC beginning at 10 a.m.  No pre-registration is needed for this event, and more information can be hand by calling the BCC at 763.200.4271.

 

Sat., June 20:  The celebration moves into high gear early, with registration for the Freedom Days 5K Fun Run/Walk from 6:30-7:45 a.m.  The Fun Run will step off at 7:30 a.m., and the 5K Fun Run will begin at 8 a.m.  Runners will be professionally “chip timed” in the event, and finish line video and photos will be available from Gopher State Events.  The Kids Freedom Days 1K Fun Run/Walk features pre-registration from 6:30-8:45 a.m., at the BCC.  The 1K event for kids age seven to 12 will begin at 9 a.m., while the two to six year olds will step off at 9:10 a.m.  Pre-registration for all of these events is available on the BCC website at www.beckercommunitycenter.com.

 

The centerpiece of the celebration, the Freedom Days parade, will begin promptly at 11 a.m., with floats and other entries beginning to line up at 10 a.m.  Pre-registration forms are available at the BCC and on-line at www.beckercommunitycenter.com.  Parade entrants are advised that pre-registration is a must to obtain one of the coveted line-up spots on the day.

 

After the parade, the action shifts to Hancock Street and the Becker American Legion building (the old Becker Fire Hall) for a day-long series of performances, games, food and general fun.

 

Events there will include the Memorial Blood Center Blood Drive in the school parking lot off of Hancock St. from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; a craft show at the venue from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; a host of kids games and inflatable bounce playgrounds will be available from noon to 6 p.m.; food and beverage vendors will ply their trades from noon to 10 p.m.; the Hasse Petting Zoo and Pony Rides will be on-site from noon to 3:30 p.m., and bingo and raffle drawings will take place from noon to 3 p.m.

 

The Freedom Days Dazzler Dance Camp performance will take place on the Hancock St. stage immediately after the parade.  Other activities there will include music from Dino-Mite DJ from noon to 2 p.m., and a demonstration by the BHS Robotics Team is set for 2-3 p.m.

 

The older kids will enjoy a live music performance from “Outside Recess” on the Hancock St. stage from 6-10 p.m.  The popular “cover band” will be performing a variety of music from the 70’s through to today during the four-hour gig.

 

Events at other venues include an antique truck and tractor show in Big D’s parking lot off of Bank St. from noon to 4 p.m.

 

For the more sporting celebrants, Pebble Creek Golf Course is offering free access to “Local 9.”  Players are advised that they can “kick it, fling it or golf it” on the Local 9 Saturday, free of charge.  Tee times will be required, however, and can be made by phone at 763.200.4268 or on-line at pebblecreekgolf.com.

 

A 3-on-3 basketball tournament will be held in the BHS field house from 1-4 p.m.  The event is being sponsored by Becker Basketball and Dr. Brent Scheideman.  The Becker Blast Freedom Days Softball Tournament will be played at the BAC Friday, June 19 to Sunday, June 20, and the Freedom Days Tennis Tournament will be held on those same days at the BHS tennis courts.

 

As ever, the Freedom Days celebration will be capped with a fireworks display beginning at 10 p.m.

 

Organizers advise that sponsorship opportunities are still available for the event, ranging in cost from $100 to $1,000.  Local businesses or groups wishing to advertise during Freedom Days should contact Jamie Cassidy at 763.200.4272 (e-mail jcassidy@ci.becker.mn.us) for more information.  Event volunteers are also still being sought for various activities.