(Editors Note: This is the second of two articles that will explore this year’s Freedom Days celebration, which promises to be the biggest and best ever!)

Over the years, the Becker community has a history of celebrating in style with a myriad of different activities.  There was the Strawberry Festival, which celebrated the acres and acres of tasty treats grown in the area.  Many long-time residents will also remember Hospitality Days, a celebration geared towards honoring the business community that helped Becker thrive.

And now there is Freedom Days, which has grown from a one-day celebration with a parade and concert into a full week of events that is sure to offer something for everyone to get out and enjoy chatting with friends and neighbors alike.

Last week, we explored the first five days of the week and here are the plans for the final two days.

Friday

Friday, June 14 will feature a new and expanded Becker Farmer’s Market from 3 until 6 p.m., with more vendors, food trucks, a bounce house and much more.  Residents are invited to come out and support these local entrepreneurs, and join the Farm Friends Barn for another organic kickoff to the weekend!

Friday afternoon will also be the second annual car show, sponsored by Minnesota Rusco.  Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit the fast-growing Becker lacrosse program and remember, it’s more than just a car show!  Come check out the awesome rides, as well as a bunch of fabulous food vendors, including Just North of Memphis BBQ, Brain Freezze ice cream, Mister Lemonade and the Becker DECA program concessions trailer.

The 9-11 Remembrance Fire Truck will also be on display at the event and there will be live music for the kids sponsored by the Great River Regional Library, making it an appealing stop for all ages.

Then, get ready to top the evening off with the Becker Legion Block Party featuring music by SainTrio and delicious food and the always popular Becker Lions beer garden.

Saturday

The big event happens Saturday, with the parade taking place at 2 p.m. and following the same route as a year ago.  Becker native Daisy Kent will serve as Grand Marshal this year and will be treated to a sweet ride from Gilleland Chevrolet, while Daisy a Day Floral will fittingly be distributing flowers.  Dwight Lundeen will also ride at the front of the parade in a special “Becker Proud” role.

Retail Row, featuring vendors from the area, will then help headline the main event, which will be held this year in the parking lot of Becker Furniture World.  Becker’s DECA group will be taking over the game zone, while Starz Dance Studio and the Becker Dance Team summer group will be providing entertainment.

There will also be amazing food options (pork chops, mmmm . . . ), music by NTE Entertainment and live music from Radio Nation before the fireworks kick off at 10 p.m.

There is also reportedly an adorable surprise in store for the crowd that will be announced just before the fireworks.

The Freedom Days committee wants to say a big thank you to BFW for the use of their property throughout the week.

Don’t forget about the Freedom Days Facebook Father’s Day Photo Contest (prizes provided by Dylan’s Hope Foundation), as well as the amazing deals happening all week at G-Will Liquors and Bill’s Family Foods and Superette.

For a complete list of the week’s fun and festivities, check out the Freedom Days website at Beckerfreedomdays.com or give them a follow on Facebook!