This 4th of July Parade Near Swanville is One of the Best in MN

Truth be told, I'm not much for parades. I normally try to avoid them but there is one parade that I make sure I attend every year, and that's the Pillsbury Parade just outside of Swanville, Minnesota.

This parade is a special one. I've been attending this one every 4th of July with my family since I was a kid. What makes this one different is how low-key it is. If you want to be in the parade, you just show up. It doesn't matter if you have a float for a business, a decorated golf cart, or you're just going to walk and wave, all are welcome.

People line the street around Little Swan Lake starting in the morning and hang out until the parade starts, chit-chatting with friends and neighbors and usually running into people you only see once a year.

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Once the parade gets going, it's non-stop candy and treats being thrown around. I don't think a year has gone by where I didn't leave with a massive sugar rush. Freeze pops, tootsie rolls, jolly ranchers, and even beer all get handed out off of "floats" that drive by. The best part is the last unit of the parade, which is two oxen that pull a cart. They are a crowd favorite every year.

The parade does a short stroll from Flicker Road, down to County Road 12, just to turn around and head right back to Flicker Road. It is short, sweet, and the perfect way to spend the early afternoon of the 4th. This year's parade is at 2:00 pm with lineup starting around 1:30 pm. Come as you are, all are welcome at the Pillsbury 4th of July Parade!