Becker’s annual Freedom Days celebration begins next week and culminates with the fireworks show late Saturday night, June 17.

 

It all kicks off Monday with the medallion hunt. Clues for the hidden trinket will be available at the Becker Community Center, on the BCC Facebook page and at www.beckercommunitycenter.com. The finder will receive $100.

 

 

Mon., June 11 - Fri. June 15: Medallion Hunt (stated above) as well as the  Show Us Your Spirit “Selfie” Challenge (ends June 16). Information can be found at the BCC.

 

Monday also is Open Streets Becker/Let’s Create at the BCC, BCC green space and the school parking lot along Bradley Avenue from 5-8 p.m. A bike rodeo, bike give-away will be sponsored by the Becker PTSA and there will be a scavenger hunt and more! A “bonus medallion clue” will be made available at Open Streets from 5-8 p.m.

 

The unveiling of the new Pool Mural by Dan Mondloch will occur at 5:45 p.m.

 

The Great River Regional Library (GRRL) will have their summer reading program kickoff Monday and will be hosted by Ralph Covert of Ralph’s World at 6:15 p.m.

 

The Becker Dazzlers Dance Team will perform at 7:45 p.m.

 

Tues., June 12:  The annual Ice Cream Social  and opening of the Becker Area Community Art Festival at the Sherburne County History Center will start at 7 p.m.

 

Wed., June 13: Sherburne State Bank will hold their customer appreciation lunch and ice cream social from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the lawn of Sherburne State Bank.

 

Also on Wednesday, is the 3rd Annual Disc Golf Tournament (for people of all ages and abilities) at  Becker City Park at 6 p.m. Interested parties can register on-site at 5 p.m.

 

The Becker Area Community Art Festival will continue at the Sherburne History Center during regular business hours, June 13-16.

 

Thurs., June 14: BASC will host a BBQ chicken lunch with all the fixings at 11:30 a.m. at Becker City Park. Greta Leen & David will provide music from 12:15 to 2:15 p.m.. This event is open to the public and a free will offering is suggested.

 

Also on Thursday, a Ceremony of Final Tribute will happen at the Old Fire Hall at 6 p.m. The ceremony is conducted to retire worn out flags with dignity and respect.

 

Fri., June 15: A Celebration of Freedom BBQ and Entertainment event (sponsored by the Becker Lions Club and the Becker American Legion) will be held in the grassy area behind the BCC (or indoors if inclement weather). Food and beverages will be for sale and live music provided by Old School — a variety of music from country to rock — from 7-11 p.m. Raffle tickets will be for sale with a drawing occurring Saturday.

 

Also on Friday, will be the Kiddie Parade at the BCC at 10 a.m. for ages 0-12. No pre-registration required, call the BCC for more information at 763-200-4271.

 

Sat., June 16: The Freedom Days 5K Fun Run/Walk happens early on with registration from 7 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. at the BCC. The 5K Fun Walk begins at 7:30 a.m. and the 5K Fun Run begins at 8 a.m. Professional chip timing and finish line video and pictures will be provided by Gopher State events. Stop at the BCC or go to www.beckercommunitycenter.com to pre-register. Awards at 9 a.m. (Don’t forget a food shelf donation!)

 

Also on Saturday, the Kids Freedom Days 1K Fun Run/Walk for ages 12 and under kicks off. Registration is from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the BCC. The 1K Fun Run begins at 9:30 a.m. (ages 2-12 years) at the BCC. Stop at the BCC or go to www.beckercommunitycenter.com to pre-register. Awards at 9 a.m. (Don’t forget a food shelf donation!)

 

The Freedom Days Parade begins at 11 a.m. (line up begins at 10 a.m.). Pre-registration forms are available at the BCC and online at www.beckercommunitycenter.com (must pre-register to get your line up spot).

 

Teen Zone with lawn games, music and concessions for sale. Tickets will be available for purchase on the day of the event. Teen Zone will take place in the backyard of the BCC from noon to 4 p.m.

 

The Becker Bandits will take on the Becker Buzzards in a baseball game at the varsity high school field at 1 p.m. Come watch a great baseball game and support a couple of your local baseball teams during the Freedom Days celebration.

 

 

The Memorial Blood Center Blood Drive will occur at the school parking lot from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Call Tommie at 651-332-7162 to schedule an appointment.

 

The Craft Show will happen from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The games and inflatables go from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Food and beverage vendors go from noon until 10 p.m. The Hasse Petting Zoo and Pony Rides will be open from noon until 3:30 p.m. A Raffle takes place  and costs $20 and $10 for tickets with a drawing at 10 p.m. Prizes include an ATV, cash and other prizes and you need not be present to win. Must be 18 years or older to purchase — see a Legion or Lions member for further details.

 

There will be free access to the Pebble Creek Local 9 for regular golf, FlingGolf or FootGolf. Tee times are required and can be made by calling 763-200-4268 or online at pebblecreekgolf.com. 

 

The Freedom Days Dazzler Dance Camp performance begins immediately following the parade at the Hancock Street staging area. 

 

The Becker Blast Freedom Days Softball Tournament will be held at the BAC from Friday to Sunday with 52 teams participating.

 

For entertainment on June 16, Dean-O-Mite DJ will be providing music and fun from noon until 2 p.m. Freedom Days Dazzler Dance Camp Performance will perform after the parade at the Hancock St. stage area. The Becker Starz Dance Studio dancers will also perform from 2 to 2:30 p.m. at the staging area.

 

Fugitives — one of the Twin Cities’ most popular dance bands specializing in dance music from the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s and 80’s will perform from 2:30 p.m. to 5: 30 p.m.

 

Outside Recess — a rock-and-roll cover band playing a wide variety of high-energy music from the 70s, 80s and 90s — will play from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

 

Finally, the Freedom Days Fireworks Show begins at 10 p.m. to close out the exciting week.

 

Freedom Days sponsors include: American Family Insurance - Amy Chmielewski Agency, Becker PTSA, Becker Township, Charlie’s Sports Bar & Grill, Connexus Energy, Country Lumber Inc., Liberty Paper Inc., McDonald's Meats Inc., Scheideman Chiropractic & Body Shop, Sherburne State Bank, STARCOR Credit Union,  Studio 5 Salon, Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home, Wruck Sewer & Portable Rentals, Darter Plastics, Huse Orthodontics, West Metro Buick GMC, Insight Eye Care, McDonald’s - Becker, Friends of Sherburne NWR, Angell’s Construction/All Purpose Rental, CentraCare Health, Bob’s Towing & Recovery, Structural Buildings and T.J. Potter Trucking.

 

Everyone, come out and enjoy the week-long festivities of Freedom Days and support your local community!