Three big events will take place in Prior Lake on the Fourth of July, including an annual bike ride named after a local businessman, a fireworks display and a perennial favorite, the Fourth of July boat parade.

The day will begin with the annual Great Scott 50 Frank Wicker Bike Ride at 8 a.m. at Memorial Park in Prior Lake.

The 50-mile ride, named after Prior Lake businessman Frank Wicker, winds through New Prague before heading back to Prior Lake. Refreshments will be served at the halfway point and at the destination in New Prague. Lunch will be served when the ride returns to Prior Lake.

Registration is $12. For more information, call Shelly Schrader at (612) 226-6398.

Another annual favorite, the boat parade sponsored by Wagon Bridge Marina, features a procession of colorful boat “floats” competing for prizes.

The parade starts at 1 p.m. on the water outside Captain Jack’s, 3950 Green Heights Trail. The boats will cruise past the Wagon Bridge [on Eagle Creek Avenue/County Road 21] and the marina on their way to Lakefront Park. Each year, many onlookers gather along the Wagon Bridge to view the boats passing by. Judges will board the Charles Prior pontoon and make their selections as they travel toward Lakefront Park.

There is no entry fee. Participants can sign up until the parade starts. Participants need to follow Department of Natural Resources, Coast Guard and sheriff’s safety procedures.The boat parade has classifications for boats, pontoons, run-about boats, fishing boats and personal water vehicles. All prizes are donated by local businesses and the Wagon Bridge Marina. Every year, the marina invites different people to serve as judges for the parade. The parade was originally started by the Prior Lake Association in the 1960s. Starting in 1996, the Wagon Bridge Marina took over planning for the parade.

For more information on the boat parade, call (952) 447-4300.

The Prior Lake Association and the city will host a Fourth of July fireworks show on Friday, July 4 just after 10 p.m. at Watzl’s Beach in Lakefront Park.

Arrive early to get a good spot. For safety, the beach area and boat slips will be closed beginning at noon, and the Scott County Sheriff’s Department will set up a perimeter from the launch site for boat traffic.

For more information, visit www.priorlakeassociation.org.

– Lori Carlson