Photo: Lindsay Miller
The Fourth of July boat parade is an annual tradition.
What started as an effort to bring the community together after COVID-19 has transformed into an annual tradition that unites people around White Bear Lake.
In spring 2020, Mahtomedi’s Lindsay Miller was approached by her neighbor, Angie Churchill, with an idea for a Memorial Day boat parade to connect neighbors in a safe, distanced way during the pandemic. Meanwhile, Jon Chase of White Bear Lake had organized a parade on the other side of the lake for Independence Day. In 2022, they combined their networks and launched a new Fourth of July Boat Parade to include residents from all shores of the lake.
Participation has steadily increased each year, reaching around 75 boats in 2025. And the audience has grown too. The docks are filled with people hoping to glimpse the boats decked out in full patriotic display. “It’s not really about the boats,” says Churchill, explaining that the event is about bringing the community together to celebrate lake life and the Fourth of July.
The parade generally begins at 1 p.m. at Mahtomedi Beach and wraps up at Tally’s Dockside and VFW Post 1782, where live music and good company are waiting. Updates can be found on Facebook at White Bear Lake Boat Parade Page.
