Summer fun starts now

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It’s time to gear up for summer, which means it’s time for the annual Awake the Lakes celebration this weekend.

This year’s festivities will take place Friday, May 28 through Monday, May 31.

Awake the Lakes – where summer begins and the fun never ends – is the kickoff to summer in the lakes areas, according to Coni McKay, executive director of the Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce.

“From the Friday night Rib Fest to the Monday morning traditional Memorial Day parade and recognition ceremony, Awake the Lakes includes something for everyone,” said McKay. “Local non-profit groups partner on this event, to entertain and raise dollars to support their missions.”

On Friday night, nearly 2,000 pounds of ribs, sponsored by Elden’s Food Fair, will be served up on 2nd Avenue during the annual Rib Fest with 13 rib-cooking teams competing for the title of “The Best Ribs in Douglas County.”

During the festivities, around dusk, there will be fireworks over Lake Agnes to light up the night sky.

Saturday starts off with the Runestone Museum’s popular Breakfast with Big Ole and will also feature the annual Show ‘N’ Shine Car Show.

New this year will be the Habitat for Humanity Motorcycle Ride, which is set to take place at 2 p.m.

Sunday’s activities include a worship service in City Park and Monday will feature a pancake breakfast and the annual Memorial Day parade and service (see special insert).

Schedule of events

Friday, May 28

(All Friday activities on 2nd Avenue except if noted otherwise.)

•All day – Downtown Merchants “Shop Hop” and sidewalk sales in downtown Alexandria.

•2 to 6 p.m – Live music featuring Duke Zecco at Carlos Creek Winery.

•5 p.m. to midnight – Beer garden and food vendors.

•5:30 p.m. until gone – Awake the Lakes Rib Fest Competition. Cost is $2 per bone. Get there early or you won’t get!

•5:30 to 8 p.m. – Reverend Raven and the Chain Smokin’ Altar Boys.

•8:30 p.m. to midnight – Whiplash rock and roll band.

•At dusk – Fireworks by Zambelli Fireworks over Lakes Henry and Agnes.

Saturday, May 29

•8 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Show ‘N’ Shine Classic Car and Motorcycle Show sponsored by Viking Car Club on 2nd Avenue by Big Ole.

•8:30 to 10 a.m. (or until gone) – Breakfast with Big Ole in Fort Alexandria at the Runestone Museum.

•9 a.m. to noon – Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest in downtown Alexandria.

•9 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Minnewaska Kayaks for rent on Lake Agnes by Big Ole Park.

•9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Downtown Merchants Shop Hop and sidewalk sales.

•1 p.m. – Bug-A-Boo Bay volleyball tournament.

•1 to 6 p.m. – Children’s inflatable games by Games Galore by Big Ole Park.

•1:15 to 3 p.m. – Bicycle ride around the Central Lakes Trail. Registration will run from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

•2 to 6 p.m. – Live music featuring Gregory Michael Bruce at Carlos Creek Winery.

•2 to 3:30 p.m. – Fourth annual Motorcycle and Vintage Car Ride for Habitat for Humanity around the Chain of Lakes. Registration will run from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

•3 p.m. – Downtown Merchants Shop Hop prize winner drawn at The Daily Grind.

•3:15 p.m. – Bicycle rodeo at Big Ole Park.

•4:30 to 6:30 p.m. – Shasta Blvd contemporary Christian band on 2nd Avenue by Big Ole Park.

•5:30 p.m. – Viking Speedway races at the Douglas County Fairgrounds (WISSOTA Series).

•9:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. – Kentucky Thunder Band at Fat Daddy’s.

Sunday, May 30

•11 a.m. to noon – First Lutheran all-faith community church service at City Park bandshell.

•2 to 6 p.m. – Live music featuring Jeff James at Carlos Creek Winery.

•5:30 p.m. – Viking Speedway races at the Douglas County Fairgrounds (WISSOTA Series).

Monday, May 31

•8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (or until gone) – First Congregational Church annual pancake breakfast (221 West 7th Avenue).

•10:15 a.m. – Traditional Memorial Day Parade from 10th Avenue to Kinkead Cemetery for service.

•2 to 6 p.m. – Live music featuring Matt Veline at Carlos Creek Winery.

Tags: local news, awake the lakes, news, events