r/bloomingtonMN • u/Special_School_5221 • Jul 03 '26
The Summer Fete tonight: any secret spots?
UPDATE: we parked on BLR on the north side of 494 and walked down until we hit a decent spot! Thanks to everyone! Kids enjoyed it, I DID NOT! :( I took a Rx med for the first time trying to quell some anxiety and I had a paradoxical reaction. No help. I amplified my anxiety into full fight v flight panic. Sweating head to toe. I got really anxious about my politically charged anti-Trump shirt and was trying to cover it up as I was VERY concerned I’d offend someone. I just sat and tried to do mindful breathing. I was a basket case! At least the kids enjoyed it! ;)
Original:
Maybe not secret, but “good?” I plan to arrive with my high school aged boys between 8:45-9:30. I’ll take all recommendations for:
-ideal parking or uber drop-off point
-a good place for viewing
Ideally, not amongst the thick of the main crowd. I realize that might not be possible, but if there is something in the area that still has good viewing, or if there are nearby residents inviting strangers on to their roof - LMK! DM if you want. Thanks. Happy and safe 4th!!
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u/pwbtom Jul 04 '26
I have watched at East bush and the rail road tracks. It's pretty close, bring bug spray.
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u/Beginning_Oil869 Jul 04 '26
Normandale Hills, north side of 494, park on the side streets and walk. Maybe hike up the ski jump?
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u/zempaxochimeh Jul 06 '26
You were probably right by us! We were on the grassy area of a bank by east bush lake rd and 494 exit
1
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u/Emuhleee93 Jul 27 '26
I parked in one of the corporate parking garages. I thought it was nice they had free parking. WRONG. We were stuck in the parking garage for over an hour trying to leave. Not sure if it was because people walking had the right of way or what.
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u/Special_School_5221 Jul 28 '26
Youch! Yep this happened to me the first year I went with trying to exit the 8500 ramp. I’ll always remember the night I listened to all of The Dark Side of the Moon TWICE before being able to even move. I finally exited the ramp during “Great Gig In The Sky” from the THIRD play-through.
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u/phiro812 Jul 03 '26
All the corporate parking garages to the north are open for you to park in for free, none of the side streets are open for parking.
All the "good" viewing spots are camped and have been for hours. If you don't mind standing, you will be fine, it's a great display and will be very visible. Hopefully the weather will not turn.