Star Storm fireworks display to light up Lake Darling in Alexandria on July 4

The Fourth of July is on Sunday this year, and around the lakes area, communities are planning parades, music, food, boat parades and fireworks.

The early forecast from the National Weather Service indicates that Independence Day will be hot and sunny, so remember to wear hats and sunscreens.

One of the biggest Fourth of July events in the area is the Star Storm fireworks display over Lake Darling that will start around 10 pm. on July 4 (weather permitting).

Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center is once again hosting the display that has become a tradition in the Alexandria lakes country. Starting at sundown, the resort will decorate the sky over Lake Darling.

Parking will be different this year as the stable's property belonging to the resort has been sold so parking will be on the road. There is no shuttle service and non-hotel guests will not be allowed to use the Arrowwood entrance. "Arrowwood asks for all to cooperate, be respectful of the resort property and of others," Arrowwood management said in a news release.

Viewers can also tune into KIKV-FM, 100.7 FM, at 9:55 p.m. to hear 25 minutes of patriotic music that will be choreographed with the fireworks display. The fireworks can be seen from multiple places around Lake Darling.

Other fireworks displays:

Here's a rundown of other Fourth of July events taking place around Douglas County.

• 7 p.m. Special Patriotic Concert at the Douglas County Courthouse. This sing-along concert features well-known patriotic songs, and is sponsored by the Douglas County Sheriff's Federation. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on, and cash to buy popcorn or water.
• Evansville is where the all-day action will take place, as the final day of its three-day Red, White & Boom Days which are scheduled from Friday-Sunday, July 2-4. Besides all the events scheduled for the first two days, including a Saturday night street dance, on Sunday, there's a pancake and French toast feed at the Fire Hall from 7 a.m.-noon, a 5K color run at 8:30 a.m., church at Calvary Covenant at 10 a.m., a 2:30 p.m. parade, a kid's pedal tractor pull at 3 p.m., kids events and live music with Schjei Country at 3:30 p.m., a pork chop feed from 5-7 p.m., baseball game at 7 p.m. and fireworks at dusk.
• West Union will have a 2 p.m. parade, outdoor refreshments, and a bicycle give-away at 4 p.m.

These traditional water parades invite boaters to decorate their crafts, and some award prizes.

Lake Ida: 10 a.m. starting at Pilgrim's Point North.

Alexandria Chain of Lakes: The parade will start at the Carlos/Darling bridge at 10 a.m. and proceed to Carlos/L'Homme Dieu bridge. No awards.

Lake Victoria: 10:30 a.m. starting at the Lake Victoria public access.

Lake Miltona: Independence Day Boat Parade starts at noon. Register at the Sandy Beach North public access. It will end at the sand bar on the south side. In case of rain, the parade will be Monday, July 5, at noon. Prizes awarded. This lake association requests that no water balloons be thrown.

Chippewa Lake: Boat parade starts at 2 p.m. with first, second and third place prizes awarded.

Lake Osakis: This parade will take place on Saturday, July 3, starting at 12:30 p.m., 21609 Finch Road.