WINSTED, MN – Combining Winsted’s 125th anniversary celebration with the 39th annual Summer Festival can only mean double the fun, Monday to Sunday, Aug. 6 to 12.
Many new events are planned to observe Winsted’s 125th-year milestone, several offering cash prizes.
There will also be a variety of memorabilia which can be purchased beginning July 23 at city hall. Items like mugs, water bottles, and wristbands can be purchased until they are gone. T-shirts, sweatshirts, and polo shirts require preordering.
Some highlights of upcoming events are listed below, while a more detailed schedule will be published in a later issue of the Herald Journal.
Monday, Aug. 6
The week begins with the first clue in the medallion hunt appearing in Herald Journal’s Monday, Aug. 6 newspaper. Then, each day after, until the medallion is found, another clue will be given on Herald Journal’s website, www.heraldjournal.com, or clues can be picked up at Winsted City Hall.
The medallion is solid bronze, valued at $100, and a prize of $100 in cash will go to whoever finds it.
Winsted’s 125th Anniversary co-chair Tom Ollig gave a bit of a hint, saying the medallion will be hidden on public ground.
Beginning Monday, and throughout the rest of the week, a quilt and vintage memorabilia exhibit will be on display in the Schlagel building, located downtown at 1st St. and Main Avenue, under the direction of the Winsted Arts Council.
Tuesday, Aug. 7
Dancing partners are not needed and no experience is necessary to take part in square dancing with caller Abe Meier at the Blue Note Ballroom from 7 to 9 p.m.
Meier has been calling dances since 1976.
Wednesday, Aug. 8
A pie-eating contest at 6:30 p.m. at Mill Reserve Park will be conducted by the Winsted ambassadors, with cash prizes.
Thursday, Aug. 9
There will be a performance by the Winsted Community Choir under the direction of Pastor Mark Loder at 8 p.m. at the Blue Note.
Friday, Aug. 10
The canoe race on Winsted Lake will be shorter this year. Prizes will go to the team with the best decorated canoe and costume. In addition, first-place winners in a number of categories will also receive a prize.
Contact Pastor Thomas Starkjohn if interested at (320) 485-3263.
There will be music by Mike Shaw’s The Scouser Band from 6 to 10 p.m. at Mill Reserve Park.
Saturday, Aug. 11
Another event that is new and requires a little planning ahead is the beard judging contest, which will take place at noon Saturday at the Blue Note.
The three categories will be the longest beard, the most unique, and the best trimmed. Each category winner receives $100 in cash.
Also, for children, at 1:30 p.m. is a program featuring Matt the Magician at Hainlin Park.
The fireworks will take place by the water tower this year at dusk. In the event of inclement weather, the display will be postponed until Sunday.
Music by Jonah and the Whales is planned from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 12
The grand parade is scheduled for 1 p.m. To be part of the parade, register with Dale Maus at (320) 485-3825.
Some new parade specialty units this year include the Phoenix Drumline and a horse unit.
The coronation begins at 4:30 p.m. at Mill Reserve Park. In the event of inclement weather, it will be moved to Holy Trinity High School gym.
Music by the Highliners will be from 3 to 8 p.m. at Hainlin Park.
Volunteers are needed
To lend the committee a hand, contact Dale Maus at (320) 485-3825.
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