Fourth Fest is Popping at Bayfront Park

The 4th of July festivities continued, with local vendors and views of Lake Superior

DULUTH, Minn. — It was another day of music, food, and fun at Bayfront Festival Pak with Fourth Fest kicking off Thursday evening.

Crowds gathered as soon as the gates opened, wandering around the vendors and scouting the best spots for their lawn chairs. Dozens of food trucks offered everything from corn to crepes. One of the popular items was red, white, and blue kettle corn, thanks to Kettle Kravings Kettle Korn. Owner Stacey Karkkainen says this is their 8th Fourth Fest.

“We’ve been offering festive kettle corn since we’ve been coming here,” Karkkainen said. “It’s red, white, and blue because of the 4th of July, the signature colors that represent this holiday.”

“So it’s not just a product that you’re buying, it’s something that represents what this day is. Really it’s about our independence and our flag and what we are all celebrating today.”

Karkkainen says its about more than popping popcorn. She keeps coming back to not only see people enjoy her product, but also enjoy time together.

The Fourth Fest fun continues tonight, with music from Paul Metsa and Friends starting at 8:30 and ‘the upper Midwest’s most spectacular fireworks display’ over the Duluth Harbor at 10.