popBecker is in the midst of its annual celebration called Freedom Days that culminates Saturday night. All week long, events have been arranged to get area residents out into the community for lots of fun and educational entertainment.

 

The week started with “Show us your spirit” selfie challenge. The BCC asked residents to snap a selfie of themselves enjoying all the Freedom Days activities Becker has to offer. The photos are then uploaded to the Becker Community Center and Parks & Recreation pages on Facebook. 

 

Also on Monday, the Great River Regional Library sponsored "Skally Line"  — music provided from 5-6 p.m. at the Community Center. They also asked patrons to take part in their “Find Declan’ contest and use their props to take photos in the summer reading photo booth.

 

Tuesday, Haller Realty held a customer appreciation where they served food and had games and a dunk tank for entertainment. All proceeds went to Becker Beyond the Yellow Ribbon.  Also on Tuesday, an ice cream social was held at the Sherburne History Center as well as a community art fest during regular business hours Tuesday through Friday. Also, the GRRL hosted magician Nathan Stockwell in the BCC gym.

 

Wednesday,  Sherburne State Bank held their  customer appreciation lunch and ice cream social  on the lawn of the bank. Also, Amy Chmielewski of American Family Insurance  held a free windshield chip repair event from in parking lot of her business. The event was open to the public and all free will offerings went to the Becker Area Senior Center (BASC).

 

Thursday, BASC hosted a BBQ chicken lunch with all the fixings at  Becker City Park. Music was provided by Big D's Music, and Cock A Doodle Zoo followed them. The  event was open to the public, and free will offerings were accepted. 

 

Also on Thursday, Pebble Creek Golf Course held a summer patio party for a few hours in the cool,  crisp weather. 

 

Friday,  a kiddie parade was held at the community center for kids aged 0-12.  Also, the Becker farmer’s market was held in the parking lot at Becker Furniture World in the afternoon.  In the evening, the Becker Lions and Legions held live music by the MugWugs at the Legion Hall (Old Fire Hall). The MugWugs plaedy a variety of music including rock and country. Hamburgers, brats and beverages were also for sale as well as raffle tickets for prizes to be raffled off  Saturday. 

 

Saturday — the big day —  features the Freedom Days 5k Fun Run/Walk at the BCC as well as a kids Fun Run/Walk.  Racers are encouraged to wear their most creative gear and enter a contest for a chance to win a "Spirit Award".

 

Also Saturday, the ever-popular parade will kick off at 11 a.m. The Becker Bandits and Becker Buzzards will ressurect their rivalry with a game at 1:30 p.m. at the high school varsity field. Also, the Becker Blast Softball team is hosting thier annual softball tournament at the BAC on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

 

Entertainment at the main stage will be performed by Dean-O-Mite DJ from 11:45 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. The Becker dance team Dazzlers dance campers will perform after the parade at the Hancock stage area. Members of the Becker Starz Dance Studio will perform at the same site from 2-2:30 p.m. The Boathouse Band will perform from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. and Outside Recess plays from 6 to 10 p.m. All culminating with one of the area’s best fireworks show at 10 p.m.

 

A huge shout out to the staff at the BCC, city staff, Becker Police and Reserves,  volunteers and all the 2019 Freedom Days sponsor