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Community Corner

Fourth of July Celebration Duals with Annual Bike Criterium in Northfield

Celebrate Independence Day in Northfield and take in the rush of adrenalin as cyclists speedily maneuver through the streets of town to compete in the popular Fourth of July Bike Criterium held in Northfield each year.

Celebrate Independence Day in Northfield and take in the rush of adrenaline as cyclists speedily maneuver through the streets of town to compete in the popular Fourth of July Bike Criterium held in Northfield each year. Racing begins at 9:00 a.m. with the final race of the day starting at 4:30 p.m. A kids’ parade follows with a carnival offering fun games, face paintings, and prizes for children. A firework show will be held at the grounds starting at night's fall. 

In its 13th year, the Bike Criterium has built momentum as Northfield offers a challenging course.

Ben Witt, organizer of the event, says this criterium “draws some of the best amateur bicyclists from the state and beyond.”

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It is a great spectator sport and attracts even some top contenders that are considered semi-professional racers to downtown Northfield.

Northfield’s Bike Criterium consists of timed events ranging in length from 15 to 70 minutes using a series of laps. Whoever is in the lead when the times run out is the winner. Races are divided by age, gender, ability levels and different combinations thereof.

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“The layout of the town and the course makes it exciting,” said Witt. The hills can be quite steep in places and it’s a challenging course to ride around well. It is regarded as one of the better criteriums in the state for that reason.” Plus Northfield is a nice place to visit “a pretty town.” There are good restaurants, area attractions, and things to do for travelers.

For more complete information, check the following websites:


The Convention and Visitors Bureau is a division of the Northfield Area Chamber of Commerce. Find “Visiting Northfield, MN” on Facebook and follow “NorthfieldCVB” on Twitter.

Fourth of July Lineup:

  • Bike Races: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in downtown Northfield
  • Carnival: 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. by the downtown / Sesquicentennial Legacy Plaza
    (sponsored by )
  • Kiddie Parade: 6:00 p.m. (line up by , leads to carnival)
  • Fireworks Show (in between the Middle School and ) approx. 10:00 p.m.
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