River City Days: Come play, stay a while

The waterfront and city parks fill with people, music, art and fun activities on the first weekend of August each year — River City Days.

The community festival, held since 1983, is organized and run by volunteers. Chairman Joe Dube said there'll be plenty for all ages to enjoy.

Highlights:

Miss Red Wing coronation. The Ambassador Queen is crowned at the culmination of a pageant at Red Wing High School during the week leading up to the festival.

Taste of Red Wing. Local restaurants serve up their summer favorites under a big top tent at Bay Point Park. The beer tent is nearby. Food also will be available in other parks.

Free entertainment. Musicians and other entertainers perform on stage at Bay Point all weekend.

Kids Fun Tent. Games and prizes entertain kids at Bay Point.

Bearing Burners Car Show. On Saturday of the festival dozens of vintage and classic cars are parked for viewing at Bay Point.

Arts and Crafts Fair. Artists and artisans fill Levee Park all day Saturday and Sunday with their tents and their handmade creations, from paintings and pottery to jewelry, wearable art, toys and decorations.

Grand Parade. On Sunday, a parade filled with floats, marching bands, horses, youth groups — and a politician or two — marches through downtown. Check out the pie and ice cream social at Central Park while you watch.

Sheldon Brass Band. A concert of stirring music is performed Saturday evening at the historic Sheldon Theatre.

Duck float. Culminating events on Sunday is the release of a fleet of plastic ducks.

Anyone interested in getting involved or just in getting more information should go online to www.rivercitydays.org.

Tags: community guide, things to do