Prior Lake put on its red, white and blue last Saturday when celebrating the July 4 holiday and 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

The shoreline was filled with spectators, as was Prior Lake. A total of 17 themed crafts were entered in the Prior Lake Association’s annual boat parade that started near Charlie’s on Prior and headed toward Reed’s Island. The parade included everything from a Statue of Liberty, zombies and, yes, even a shark’s fin could be seen rising from the lake as it followed one of the entries.

Adam Proehl, Commodore and board member of the Prior Lake Association, said the organization received many positive comments about this year’s parade.

Cash prizes and trophies were awarded to the best parade entries. Here were the winners:

First place: “Jaws Legacy,” which included an accurate rendition of the “Orca” fishing boat that was featured in the 1970s classic monster film. The winning parade entry also included a water skier who was being followed by a huge shark fin, along with a jet-skier carrying a sign warning swimmers to stay out of the water.

Second place: “America’s 250th Zombie Apocalypse”

Third place: “The Sandlot”

Most Patriotic: “Let Freedom Float”

Laker Pride: “Lakers of Liberty”

Honorable Mentions: “Born on the Bi-Centennial,” “Freedom” and “E-Boat-Ji’s”

No July 4 celebration would be complete without fireworks. Association members were ready to start the big show before nightfall, but Mother Nature failed to cooperate, bringing rain and high winds that evening. The Prior Lake fireworks show, like many in the area, was postponed to the following night.

It was worth the wait.

(Photos by Steve Reinders and Jan Alswager)