(Editor’s Note: The following article was submitted to the Patriot by Executive Director Julie Brandt, of the Big Lake Chamber of Commerce.) 

Thanks to the partnering of the Big Lake Chamber of Commerce, Big Lake Community Education and District, the Farmer’s Market, and local businesses and volunteers, the 2025 Big Lake Community Fair was a great success!

Over 1,200 people attended the event again this year with comments including “It was awesome”,  “We never miss it!”  

Many businesses and organizations, at least 58,  were represented plus the Big Lake Farmers Market vendors. Businesses enjoyed visiting with the attendees and with each other throughout the day.

In addition to the business booths and Farmers Market and music, there were many activities to enjoy including face painting from the Big Lake Ambassadors, watching the Big Lake Robotics team demonstrations, Caricatures by Bill Morgan, and KidSight vision screenings by the Big Lake Lions.  This year the Chamber tried to bring in the element of a mini job fair to include a “Now Hiring” table with information on local jobs and to note the businesses that were hiring!

The Big Lake Community Food Shelf received donations of food and cash upon entrance to the event, thanks to AmeriCorps RSVP volunteers helping by the door.  Coborn’s provided a wonderful selection of food samples and the Big Lake High School Musical ran the concession stand for snacks and meal deals to help fund their upcoming musical.

Entertainment was excellent with the Big Lake High School Band starting off the day followed by the Ballet Folklorico Rosa Quetzal & Nuestra Lucha MN Groups showing the guests some wonderful Mexican fashions along with dancing and performances. Starz dancers wrapped up the day with their dancing skills. They are all so fun to watch!!

Thanks to business sponsorships, the Chamber was fortunate to give away over 11 ‘Wheels’ (bikes and scooters) this year for all ages from one year to adult.  Everyone loves to win!!

An abundance of door prizes were donated by Options Inc., Majestic Creations, Kwik Trip, Williams Dingmann Funeral Homes, City of Big Lake, Stacey Stanley Real Broker, El Teca Barbershop, Josh Mandel- Edina Realty, National Bank of Commerce, and Ona Rawson Realty.

The Chamber uses a portion of the proceeds to benefit Big Lake High School seniors. Scholarships are awarded based on their essays on volunteerism and the importance of community involvement.

“Thanks to so many that helped make this day possible and for those that came out for the day,”said Chamber Executive Director Julie Brandt. “Hope to see you again next year.”