Cook County residents and visitors were treated to gorgeous weather for the annual 4th of July festivities (in photos)

Jul 05, 2024 11:54AM ● By Content Editor

All photos by Laura Durenberger-Grunow

By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - July 5, 2024

The beautiful weather brought hundreds of Cook County residents and visitors outside yesterday to partake in many Fourth of July activities.

The main events during the day took place in Tofte, Minnesota, and started with the 43rd Annual Tofte Trek Run/Walk, sponsored by the Sugarbush Trail Association. The race included a 10 km walk, 10 km run, kid sprint for youth ages 4-12, and a 1-mile youth race.

Results from the Men's 10k run are:

First place: Noah Jahnke, Green Bay WI, Age 19-29, finished in: 39:59.4
Second place: Dave Duede, Eagan, MN, Age 40-49, finished in: 41:06.6
Third place: Tyler Kjorstad, Laramie, WY, Age 30-39, finished in: 41:50.2

Results from the Women's 10k run are:

First place: Sydney Patterson, Duluth, MN, Age 19-29, finished in 49:46.8
Second place: Tara McCoy, Portland, OR, Age 30-39, finished in 56:34.4
Third place: Alyssa Douglas, Appleton, WI, Age 40-49, finished in 57:06.7

Results from the Men's 10k walk are:

First place: Eric Patterson, Duluth, MN, Age 19-29, finished in 1:15:09.8
Second place: Braidy Powers, Grand Marais, MN, Age 60-69, finished in 1:19:00.4
Third place: Andrew Prokop, St. Paul, MN, Age 60-69, finished in 1:27:40.0

Results from the Women's 10k walk are:

First place: Ellen Anderson, Tofte, MN, Age 40-49, finished in 1:18:55.0
Second place: Sonja Helland, Duluth, MN, Age 60-69, finished in 1:28:02.5
Third place: Whitney Schwartz, Lakeville & Lutsen, MN, Age 30-39, finished in 1:34:56.8

To see the full results, visit the race site here.

Logo design by Anna Hess Art - https://alwhessart.com/

Boreal Community Media's Tryg Solberg was at the race to capture the activity. See photos here.

Around the same time, Bluefin Bay Family of Resorts hosted a medallion hunt, providing a variety of clues throughout the day. The medallion was located at the Smores station right by the check-in desk at the resort.

More festivities began at 11 am in Tofte, and included food, drinks, live music, vendors, bouncy houses, "the big dig", and of course, the parade.

Vendors sold a variety of items to attendees of the Fourth of July celebration.

Local band Southpaw entertained the crowd with many foot-tapping and dance-inducing hits.

Food vendors served a variety of items throughout the afternoon.

The Lutsen Fire Department served its traditional fish sandwiches. Proceeds went to support the organization.

The bounce houses were a huge hit amongst the younger attendees. Proceeds from ticket sales went to support the Cook County High School Costa Rica group.

Another popular activity is the "Big Dig". Kids dig in a pile of dirt for a chance to find coins, which they get to keep.

Parade spectators line the street as they wait for the parade to start.

The Honor Guard kicked off the parade as spectators stood and clapped for members.

Many of Cook County's volunteer fire departments and emergency team members participated in the parade.

Local businesses also participated by throwing out candy to excited parade spectators.

The Shriners made an appearance as well, showcasing their fun vehicles.

Local businesses also participated by throwing out candy to excited parade spectators.

Local businesses also participated by throwing out candy to excited parade spectators. Grand Marais State Bank Float.

Grand Marais State Bank brought an eagle and a former president to help celebrate the day.

US Forest Service staff participated in the parade by throwing out candy.

Many of Cook County's volunteer fire departments and emergency team members participated in the parade.

Many enjoyed a chance to see restored classic cars.

Bluefin Bay Family of Resorts staff members dressed up as different characters from Mario Kart. A "shy guy" character drove the main vehicle.

Bluefin Bay Family of Resorts staff members dressed up as different characters from Mario Kart. Toadette followed the main vehicle.

Bluefin Bay Family of Resorts staff members dressed up as different characters from Mario Kart.

Bluefin Bay Family of Resorts staff members dressed up as different characters from Mario Kart. As usual in Mario games, King Bowser had stolen Princess Peach!

Bluefin Bay Family of Resorts staff members dressed up as different characters from Mario Kart. Yoshi and Toad were in last place, but following the others closely!

Local businesses also participated by throwing out candy to excited parade spectators. Superior National.

Local businesses also participated by throwing out candy to excited parade spectators.

Local organizations also participated by throwing out candy to excited parade spectators.

Many ended their day by attending one of the three fireworks shows in Cook County: Grand Portage, Grand Marais, or Tofte.

In Grand Marias, people packed the Harbor, the sidewalks along Highway 61, Artist's Point, and anywhere else there was good viewing for a chance to see the show.