Wayzata’s Fourth of July morning will once again bring families to the lakefront for one of the community’s most cheerful holiday traditions: flying pancakes at the Depot, children on decorated bikes, patriotic characters, and a Mini Olympics for kids.
Revolutionary Flying Pancake Breakfast
The 20th Annual “Revolutionary” Flying Pancake Breakfast will be held Saturday, July 4, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Historic Wayzata Depot, 402 Lake Street E. The lakeside breakfast has been held since 2005 and is hosted by the young teen members of The Lake Minnetonka Society of the Children of the American Revolution.
The event is known for its flying pancakes, with guests using their plates to catch pancakes tossed from behind the griddle. Walk-up service is also available. Breakfast includes pancakes, sausage, coffee and cold drinks.
The breakfast is designed as a patriotic service project. Proceeds are granted each year to a veteran service organization, and U.S. veterans and active-duty service members eat free of charge. In 2024, the group donated $5,000 to the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans to support housing for homeless veterans in Minnesota.
Flag Raising and Rifle Salute
A 10 a.m. program will include a flag raising and rifle salute. The 7th Pennsylvania Regiment of Revolutionary actors, the Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard, and the Daughters of the American Revolution are expected to return for the celebration. Period-costumed participants will talk with visitors about uniforms, muskets, Independence Day history and the men and women who helped found the nation.
Children can also take part in a scavenger hunt around the displays, while families gather near the miniature railroad in the Depot Garden and enjoy views of Lake Minnetonka.
Declaration of Independence
And in honor of the founding document that gave rise to all this celebration, pick up a printed edition of Wayzata.com, available in select shops and our newspaper racks this week—it includes the full text of the Declaration of Independence. Take a moment to read the words that still echo across centuries and shorelines.
Wayzata Kiddie Parade
At 10 a.m., the annual Wayzata Kiddie Parade will begin at the corner of Broadway Avenue North and Park Street. The parade will include decorated bikes, free lemonade and popsicles, games, prizes and visits from familiar characters, including Minnie and Mickey Mouse, Uncle Sam, Lady Liberty and Betsy Ross.
Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Battery-powered, electric or motorized vehicles, bikes and scooters are not permitted.
Mini Olympics at Wayzata West
The holiday fun continues at 12:30 p.m., when the Wayzata Fire Department sponsors the annual Mini Olympics for kids at Wayzata West Middle School.
As night falls, many families take the short drive or boat ride to Excelsior for the region’s grand finale: Fireworks over Excelsior Bay, launched from The Commons at approximately 9:50 p.m. Bring a blanket and settle in for a spectacular show reflected in the lake’s dark surface.
Taken together, the Flying Pancake Breakfast, Kiddie Parade and Mini Olympics offer a classic Wayzata Fourth: civic pride, lakefront hospitality, children at the center of the day, and a reminder that Independence Day is both a celebration and a lesson in gratitude.
