Dakota County Bygone Bylines

Bygone Bylines: A Summer Scene in 'Lebanon'

Lebanon residents enjoy a festive Fourth of July carnival.

July 11, 1968: The Apple Valley Carnival in Lebanon (now Apple Valley) on July 4 draws a crowd to the patriotic festivities. A photo of the activity makes the front page of the following issue of the Dakota County Tribune. Striped tents, treats and summer wear complement the holiday atmosphere as the Lebanon Fire Department helps out.  You can check out more events, exhibits and archives at the Dakota County Historical Society, 130 Third Ave. N., South St. Paul. Lakeville Patch will feature a local history item each week.

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Pan-O-Prog 2012

PHOTOS: Independence Day, Pan-O-Prog Celebrated in Antlers Park

Holiday goers relaxed by swimming, playing volleyball, football and watching the Boat Parade float on by before fireworks began

It was a fun day in the hot, hot sun at Antlers Park for holiday goers. Friends and families gathered at the park to cool off by Marion Lake.  People played friendly games of volleyball, football, frisbee and the lesser known game of ladder golf, while others participated in the Boat Parade on the lake.  The Boat Parade, which began at 7:30, had boat floats with a patriotic theme, as well as one with an Olympic theme for the upcoming Summer Games. And with its close proximity to the fireworks that took place at Lakeville North High School, it was an ideal location to celebrate the 4th of July. Be sure to follow all Lakeville Patch's 2012 Pan-O-Prog coverage.

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Editor's Notebook

Happy Fourth of July: Patch Presents Independence Day Facts, History

Some knowledge to drop on your family and friends while celebrating the Fourth of July.

First: Happy Fourth of July, or Independence Day—the national holiday in which we celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence which more or less officially created our great country. While most Americans will be celebrating this historic anniversary by feasting and sharing time with family and friends, Patch also thinks it's important for the patriots, the flag-wavers, and the pyromaniacs out there to expand their knowledge of this American holiday with a few little-known facts. Note: Some information provided bywww.usa.gov, and www.pueblo.gsa.gov. 1. July 4 is not technically our day of independence: On the most semantic level, the original colonies legally broke from England’s rule on July 2, 1776 in a closed session of …

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Poll: Should Firecrackers and Bottle Rockets Be Legal In Minnesota?

Aerial fireworks aren't allowed in the state—on the 4th of July and throughout the year. We want to know what you think of the law.

Earlier this year, Gov. Mark Dayton vetoed a bill that would make aerial fireworks legal in Minnesota. At the time, Dayton said fire officials convinced him that some Minnesotans are not responsible enough to light fireworks that explode in the sky. A day before the 4th of July, we want to know what you think of the law. Can you have enough festive fun with sparklers and ground spinners? Or do you feel you should be able to light bottle rockets, firecrackers and aerial spinners? Answer our poll questions and explain how you feel in the comments. (Oh, and have a wonderful Fourth of July, everyone!)

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Bygone Byline From 1952: 'We'll Be Back Next Week'

Dakota County Tribune staffers left their readers some snippets of news to come as they departed the office for the week of July 4, 1952.

July 4, 1952: This one's pretty self explanatory. The Dakota County Tribune staff took a little break for the Fourth of July holiday in 1952, but made sure to leave their readers with some teasers for next week's news. We at Patch won't all be skipping town (or our websites) for a full week in this day and age, so keep coming back for new content. And we hope that, beyond continuing to read our sites, you get to take some time off to celebrate Independence Day. You can check out more events, exhibits and archives at the Dakota County Historical Society, 130 Third Ave. N., South St. Paul. Apple Valley-Rosemount Patch will feature a local history item each week.

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Fire Report

Lakeville Fire Responded to 20 Incidents Last week

Fire department also offers some Fourth of July fireworks safety tips.

FIRE SAFETY TIP Be careful with legal fireworks and be sure to read all instructions before setting them off. The Minnesota Fireworks laws did not change from last year.  Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks. Never try to re-light a “dud” firework (wait 15-20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water). Always have water handy (a garden hose or bucket) in case of a malfunction or fire.  Only light legal fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from the house, dry leaves, and flammable materials.  And remember, no fireworks, even those novelty items considered legal, can be used on public property.  FIRE REPORT From June 11, 2012 to June 17, 2012 the Lakeville Fire Department responded to 20 calls for service including: …

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Behind the Lens

Photos: Pan-O-Prog Starts With a Fourth of July Fireworks Bang

The Fourth of July fireworks celebration at Lakeville North High School marks the unofficial kick-ff to Lakeville's annual summer festival.

Lakeville's 45th annual Pan-O-Prog celebration kicked off with a bang on Monday with the Fourth of July fireworks celebration at Lakeville North High School. Thousands of people packed North's lawn, as well as Lake Marion Elementary School to watch the 30 minute fireworks display by RES Specialty Pyrotechnics. But the evening was more than just a fireworks display. The Minnesota National Guard and Lakeville's Beyond the Yellow Ribbon group had inflatables for all ages, a climbing wall and even a blackhawk helicopter. Kids also had the opportunity to get temporary tattoos. ROBI was also on stage performing Jazz, Rock and Blues, and there were plenty of concessions on hand, including mini donuts, deep fried pickles, and ice cream treats. The…

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