Big doings planned in Osakis

Talk about it

Summer has finally arrived on the doorsteps of Osakis – along with the highly anticipated Osakis Festival.

Each year – for 40 years – Osakis has been celebrating the pleasure of living in such a close-knit community.

This year’s festival theme honors the volunteers who help the town in more ways than one.

Here’s a breakdown of the festival's remaining events:

Saturday, June 28

At this more “family oriented” day, there is much to do.

Here’s the lowdown of the events taking place at Park Osagi on Lake Street, Osakis.

Flea Market, craft sales, and food vendors – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Antique Tractor Show – 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Displaying over 30 tractors. Sponsored by the Pioneer Power Club.

Sand Pile Money Hunt – 10 a.m. About $200 worth of donated quarters are hidden in a big sand pile. Children are let loose in the sand to conduct their own treasure hunt.

Rebel DJ and Karaoke – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Erickson’s Petting Zoo – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy a pony ride for $3 and petting a variety of animals.

Balloons – 3 p.m. until gone

Kiddie Parade – noon. Decorate bicycles, strollers, wagons or simply walk in style. Children can dress up in costumes or anything they imagine for a mini parade through Osagi Park.

Kids Old Fashioned Races – Starts at 1 p.m. for ages 3 to 12. There is also an egg toss event for ages 13 and older.

Baby Photo Contest – 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. The cutest baby photo is back again. Photos were displayed at the First National Bank of Osakis during the month. Winners will be announced.

Fire Departments Water Fights – 6:30 p.m. The Osakis Fire Department shows their fire fighting skill as they face off “hose to hose” versus area fire departments. Cool off by sitting up close in the splash zone.

Liquor Store Street Dance – 8:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Hosted by the Osakis Fire Department, the annual street dance features music by Kryptonite and is held in the Osakis Liquor Store parking lot.

Sunday, June 29

Flea Market, craft sales and food vendors – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Takes place in Park Osagi

Grand Parade – 1 p.m. The annual grand parade starts at Immaculate Conception Church, running east down Oak Street, turning north onto Central Avenue all the way to Lake Street and continues east, ending at Park Osagi.

This year’s grand marshals are Carol Mihalchick and Dave Erickson. Both are active members of the community, devoting countless hours to help make it a great place to live.

Mihalchick, who owns Just Like Grandma’s, is president of the Osakis Chamber of Commerce.

Erickson has volunteered 11 years as parade chairman and serves on the Osakis School Board.

Pinocchio – 3 p.m. at Park Osagi. Enjoy this classic play put on by Theatre L’Homme Dieu Troupe.

Sheltered Reality – 4:30 p.m. Watch as talented musicians of ages 7 to 81 play the snare drum to fun background music

In case of bad weather, both the play and concert will be held at the Osakis High School.

Tags: osakis, festival, 2008