Palmer Day, the annual celebration signaling the end of summer for Palmer Township residents will be held Sat., Sept. 12, beginning with the traditional 5K race.

 

Last year, over 70 runners participated in the 5K Fun Run/Walk, which begins this year at 9 a.m. in Palmer Park, event organizers said.

 

The Palmer Day Parade begins at noon at Palmer Township Hall and always includes at least 60 units and lots of candy for the kids along the route. This year, the parade will again feature the Becker High School Marching Band and the St. Cloud Shriners.  New performers in the parade this year include the St. Cloud Fire and Police Pipes & Drums and the Wild Creek Entertainers, who will also perform in the park after the parade.

 

Anyone wishing to participate in the parade can just show up at township hall by 11:30 a.m., organizers said.  Prizes are awarded for best floats in several categories, with last year’s winners being the Jan's Tree Farm float and the Palmer “Redneck Royalty”.

 

However, the real stars of the parade are the Palmer King and Queen, who are chosen from among a field of long-time Palmer residents who have made significant contributions to the community. Their identity is kept secret until the parade begins.

 

After the parade activities in the park include an appearance by DJ Bob Weber who spins tunes all afternoon while people line up for great food by local non-profits, kids' games (including the Coosie Car races), horseshoe and bean bag tournaments, and Bingo.   There will also be the annual raffle, which will feature nearly $10,000 in prizes donated by local businesses.

 

Finally, the Honey Badgers band, with a mix of country and rock music, will play from 7 - 11 p.m. in the park.  And the Clear Lake Lions will be selling beer all day.

 

There is truly not a better small town celebration anywhere, organizers said.