If you live in a nearby town, you know there's a festival to be had. Blooming Prairie with its Fourth of July extravaganza, Hayfield with its Hey Days, the list is endless.

Of course, Austin will be jam-packed with festivities of its own during its Heart of America festival over the Independence Day holiday weekend.

We encourage area residents to make plans to attend and support these community treasures. Each town takes great pride in their celebrations and are more than ready to celebrate the fun with others.