Editors Note: This article is the first of two articles that will explore this year’s Freedom Days celebration, which promises to be the biggest and best ever!
Freedom Days version 2024 will be a mix of traditional offerings, as well as several new and exciting opportunities for the greater Becker community to come together and celebrate.
New
Singing enthusiasts, karaoke all-stars and other music lovers will enjoy one of the new events this year called Becker Sings. A division of Minnesota Sings, the contest will be held Wednesday evening, June 12, at Becker High School. It is sponsored by 104.7 KCLD and will offer two categories: ages 13-20and 21-plus. Contestants need not be from Becker and each group will have a winner who will receive a cash prize and a ticket to watch the Minnesota Sings event in October. The public is encouraged to attend and cheer on the singers, and pre-registration is required by May 24.
Another exciting addition to this year’s festivities is the Aliyah’s Army fundraiser and Salute to First Responders to be held on June 13 from 5-7:30 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church.
The event is being co-sponsored by the Becker Robotics Booster Club and the Becker Association of Professional Educators, with proceeds going to the family of Aliyah Szabla, a Becker High School student who was seriously injured in a car accident several months ago.
It will be a patriotic parking lot party, with a picnic dinner (featuring McDonald’s Meats) and silent and live auctions. Don’t forget your lawn chair!
Tom Uecker and friends will be providing the music, while Colonel Ray Henry and IRAY Auctions will mesmerize the crowd with his award-winning chants at the live auction finale. Some amazing prizes will be up for bidding, including a half-a-hog that is being donated by B & B Built.
Over 200 area first responders have also been invited to the event, including personnel from: Becker PD, Sherburne Co. Sheriff’s Office, MN State Patrol, local EMS ambulance services (CentraCare, Mayo and North Air Care) and the Becker, Clear Lake and Clearwater Fire Departments. Hubbard Electric is providing free meals to these heroes and their families, while Guardian Fleet Safety is sponsoring free limousine rides for the group, as former MN Vikings quarterback Tommy Kramer and a fleet of three purple-clad vehicles will be on hand to treat the first responders to stylish rides around town.
A recognition ceremony will honor first responders, and those in attendance will also have the chance to win amazing prizes such as free breakfast for a year from Rebecca’s Cafe, a guided fishing trip courtesy of Toni Knutson - Haller Realty, free pizza for a year from Pizza Depot and many others.
With a huge crowd expected, overflow parking is being hosted at the Sherburne History Center (just 3 blocks away) and Jurek Carrier Services is providing complimentary shuttle rides to and from the event.
Once the festivities are finished, Charlie’s Sports Bar and Grill is hosting the after-party by offering drink specials for the first responders and live music provided by The Rollie Show.
Additional sponsors include the Becker Lions, AMC Foam, TJ Potter Trucking and Wruck Companies, while silent and live auction items are still being collected.
Tried and True
Residents will also enjoy a host of traditional events for this year’s celebration, with the Boy Scouts BBQ Bash kicking things off Sunday evening and the ever-popular Medallion Hunt, sponsored by Wruck Companies, posting the first clue Monday on the Becker Freedom Days Facebook page.
Monday will also feature Magic Bob at the public library, and the Becker Lions’ Bubble Party at the BCC Splash Pad, complete with live music and food trucks.
Once again, the business community is showering the Becker Community with numerous events, including Monday’s party at St. Cloud Financial Credit Union, Tuesday’s Taco in a Bag at Steil Insurance, and a pair of Wednesday offerings - customer appreciation at Sherburne State Bank and windshield chip repair at American Family/Amy Chmielewski agency. The Becker Area Senior Center is also getting in on the Wednesday action with Senior Popcorn Bingo with Liberty at Noon, while Thursday’s annual drive thru lunch at the Becker Professional Building is also back by popular demand.
Next week, The Patriot will feature a story detailing the plans for Friday and Saturday!
