Marigold Days Saturday, Sunday in Mantorville
The 59th Marigold Days celebration is this weekend, Sept. 7 and 8 in Mantorville. In the years since that first event, it has grown to be one of southeast Minnesota’s best known and attended festivals.
The weekend starts off with a vendor reception at the Welcome Center on Main Street from 4 to 7 p.m. From 4 to 9 p.m. there will be Flower Show registration at the Greek Revival house.
A BBQ and Mexican Supper is scheduled for 5 to 7 p.m. at Stonebridge Church, 515 West St. and a Beer Tent will be open at the Greek Revival House from 5 to 8 p.m. Mantorville Saloon will be the location for a Street Dance from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
Saturday will see a full day of events.
Stop by the Fire Hall between 6:30 and 10:30 a.m. for a pancake breakfast. There will be a free will donation, and gluten free options will be available.
The Flea market opens at 8 a.m. at Riverside Park and continues until 5 p.m.
The kid’s fishing contest at Goat Island will get the morning going with registration at 8 a.m. and the contest from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Specialists from Appraisal Specialists Midwest of Minneapolis will be at the Opera House from 9 to 11 a.m. Bring your attic treasures, you Auntie’s prize vase and your auction and flea market finds for appraisals. There will be a $5 charge for each item appraised.
The flower show also opens at the Greek Revival house at 9 a.m. and continues to 5 p.m.
If big trucks are you interest, head to the Dodge County Fairgrounds in Kasson for the Big Iron Classic Truck Show from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
There are a variety of fun activities during the afternoon including a Bean Bag Tournament from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Mantorville Saloon (sign-up at 10 a.m. at the Saloon); Family Bingo 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. behind the Greek Revival House; Rookie the Clown on the Greek Revival House lawn from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; a Pie and Ice Cream Social at the Senior Center from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and a Beer Garden at the Fire Hall from noon to 8 p.m. Both the Restoration House and the Log House will be open for tours from noon to 4 p.m.
The annual Field of Flags dedication, honoring those who have or are serving in the armed forces or public safety will be in the open area at 8th Street and Highway 57 at 1 p.m. by the Dodge County Government Center.
The big trucks will roll through town at 3 p.m. for the Big Iron Truck Parade down Highway 57.
Designer Purse Bingo is scheduled for 4 to 7 p.m. behind the Greek Revival House
Back at the fairgrounds, the Big Iron Truck Pull starts at 6 p.m.
Miss Mantorville will be crowned and a number of awards announced at 7 p.m. at the Music Stage.
Stay for the fireworks at 8:30 p.m. at Goat Island. Rain date is Sunday.
A busy Saturday concludes with the Fire & Rescue Department dance from 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. at the Fire Hall.
The fun continues on Sunday. The Flea Market opens at 8 a.m., continuing until 4 p.m.
From 8 to 9:30 a.m. there will be registration for the car show. The Jack Ruport Memorial Car Show is from 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon at 5th and Clay Streets.
The Stone Bridge Church worship service will be at 9 a.m. at the Music Stage.
The flower show continues from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Rookie the Clown will be at the at Greek Revival House beginning at 11 a.m. as well as being in the parade. The Pie & Ice Cream Social will again be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Senior Center.
Football fans can catch the Viking’s opening game at the Mantorville Saloon beginning at noon. The Grande Parade begins at 1:30 p.m. The Firemen’s Water Fight will be held after the parade at 5th and Main Street.
The weekend concludes at 7 p.m. with the Duck Raffle at Riverside Park near the dam.
See full story in this week’s print edition or subscribe online. Please subscribe here or current subscribers can login here.