Now that warmer days are here, the Blue Earth Area Chamber of Commerce is gearing-up for a fun-filled summer full of activities and events.

Every summer during the month of July, they celebrate the Annual Giant Days celebration. This year Giant Days will be held on July 10, 11 and 12.

The fun part of planning festivals and events is working with many people and organizations to see it come successfully together. This year is no exception.

Thanks to great community spirit and dedication, Blue Earth has a fantastic variety of activities for families to participate in.

Also running throughout the weekend is the ever-popular summer musical. This year’s production of “How to Talk Minnesotan: The Musical” is sure to delight all ages. The play runs Thursday, July 9 through Sunday, July 12. Tickets can be purchased at the Blue Earth Chamber office.

On Friday evening, July 10, celebrate the Grand Opening of the Giant Museum (in the former Blue Earth Fire Station) with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 4 p.m. followed by a free-will donation supper of ‘giant’ cookies, footlong hot dogs and lemonade. The museum features the largest collection of Green Giant memorabilia in the world.

After touring the museum, the action will move to Green Giant Park to continue celebration of the area’s agriculture heritage, with the 30th Anniversary Celebration of the Jolly Green Giant Statue. Bring the family for a night of music and games as the KBEW Dance DJ’s entertain. Watch as 30 helium balloons are released and enjoy popcorn and green ice cream. The music and fun will continue until the annual fireworks display is set off at dusk.

The next morning, July 11, is packed with a variety of activities. Following the start of the KBEW/Nicollet South Bike Ride at 7 a.m., the fairgrounds hosts the annual Street Rod and Classic Car Show. Countless cars will be on display and trophies will be awarded at the event. Also returning is the fourth year for the Giant Days 10K run at 9:30 a.m.

An old-fashioned pie and ice cream social is slated to take place from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the fairgrounds historical building.

Meanwhile, Main Street will be filled with sidewalk and bake sales. The gazebo at Sixth and Main will cater to the children with activities from 9 a.m-3 p.m. While there, stop at the corner of Seventh and Main to play with the animals in Joah’s Arc Petting Zoo.

If you are an avid gardener or just admire those who do have a green thumb, the annual Tour of Gardens is held at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m.

As always, Saturday is capped-off with the ‘Giant’ Parade at 5 p.m. down Main Street followed by ‘Giant’ Bingo at the gazebo and later in the evening enjoy the music of ‘Bad Habits’ at the annual Street Dance and Beer Garden in Double Play’s parking lot.

The celebration winds down on Sunday with the Demolition Derby, sponsored by the Blue Earth Volunteer Fire Department, at 2 p.m. in the grandstand at the fairgrounds.

Also in Blue Earth:

*Art in the Park in downtown Blue Earth is back on Thursday, July 16 and August 13. Enjoy a light summer meal, catered by Juba’s Deli, while listening to local entertainment at Gazebo Park at Sixth and Main. More details will be released as each event approaches.

*Crazy Days on Aug. 15.

In conjunction with the Woodcarvers and Quilt Expo on Saturday, Aug. 15, the Blue Earth merchants are holding ‘Crazy Quilt Days.’ Shop the stores to find great summer bargains and specials.

For more information on all these events call the Blue Earth Area Chamber of Commerce at 507-526-2916.