Editorial: River City Days are best days of summer again

Whether the weather provides perfect conditions for River City Days or not this week, residents can expect a tasty, fun and extremely local celebration this year.

The revitalized River City Days along the banks of the Mississippi River will have something for everyone.

Bay Point and Levee parks will feature activities from arts and crafts to food and drink to live music and other performances.

The food promises to be a cut above the usual fare sold at summer festivals, because the vendors are local restaurateurs. Check out what Fiesta Mexicana, Sub House, Randy’s, Marie’s and Liberty’s have to offer this weekend.

They will extend their operations for the festival, and their Taste of Red Wing menus often reflect a few signature items served in their restaurants.

The revitalization began last year when Joe Dube stepped in to lead the festival effort. He committed to making this a local, local, local event, and that has come to fruition.

In just 15 short months, his group of committed volunteers has brought new interest and vitality to the city’s signature summer event.

The celebration kicks off tonight with the Miss Red Wing Pageant. Like River City Days, the pageant has new vitality. The number of contestants is up. Sponsorship for this scholarship program is solid as well.

River City Days should attract thousands of people. While many of them will be residents, some will be visitors and neighbors. This is an opportunity for the community to shine.

With that in mind, we say, “Welcome, everyone, to Red Wing.”

And congratulations to all the familiar, dedicated volunteers who have worked to make the next few days a success.

Tags: ri er, opinion, city, days