Awake the Lakes summer event kicks off today with Rib Fest

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The Awake the Lakes annual Memorial Day weekend festival, Alexandria’s kick-off to the summer season, is set to take place this weekend – Friday, May 23 through Monday, May 26.

A wide variety of family-friendly activities are being planned.

All events and activities take place on 2nd Avenue, in Fort Alexandria or at City Park.

Friday’s highlights include the Rib Fest Cook-Off, beer garden, free live entertainment featuring the Big Walter Smith Blues Band and Whiplash, along with a fireworks show at dusk.

Organizers encourage event-goers to kick back and enjoy the free music during Friday’s Rib Fest, which will begin at 5:30 p.m. and run until midnight.

Saturday’s activities start at 8 a.m. in Fort Alexandria with Heritage Fest, which recognizes the cultural past, present and future of our area, and celebrates the cultural diversity that exists and is developing in Douglas County.

Organizers of the Heritage Fest invite everyone to bring their families to enjoy heritage and ethnic foods, artisans and entertainment.

New this year at the Heritage Fest is a Native American Pow Wow, which is set to start at 1 p.m.

Saturday’s events also include a car show that will run from 9 a.m. to noon.

Water activities during this year’s Awake the Lakes are being sponsored by the Douglas County Lakes Association.

Activities will take place on Lake Agnes behind Big Ole and include Kids Fishing Derby, a Casting Clinic, and a Historical Boat Tour of the Lake.

Minnewaska Kayaks will have rentals available by the hour both Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Monday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sunday’s events begin with a community church service at City Park, which will run from 11 a.m. to noon.

Following the church service, which is being presented by First Lutheran Church, will be the Minnesota Lakes Maritime Museum classic boat parade on Lake Agnes.

The 2nd annual Habitat for Humanity Motorcycle Ride, which starts at Big Ole at 1 p.m., will take place on Saturday as well. Registration will take place at the Depot starting at 11:30 a.m.

After the ride, there will be games and music will be provided by ‘57 Chevy.

Events planned for Monday, May 26 include a pancake breakfast at First Congregational Church from 8 a.m. to noon. Prices are $6 for adults, $3 for children and free for those younger than the age of 4.

In addition, the annual Memorial Day parade on Broadway will begin at 10:15 a.m. Participants are encouraged to lineup at 9:30 a.m.

The parade will run from 10th Avenue to Kincaid Cemetery, where Sergeant Tony Loween will be the guest speaker.

For detailed information and a complete schedule of events, visit the Awake the Lakes Web site www.awakethelakes.com.

Tags: rib, fest, awake, the, lakes, events