Area residents are already gearing up for one of the biggest and best “small town celebrations” in Minnesota when Palmer Day 2022 returns on September 10.

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” is how Palmer Twp. Board chair Mike Ganz explains this year’s festivities, which will look mostly familiar to annual attendees.  “This is our little quiet spot in Sherburne County, but people like to have a good time.”

Started in 1999, the event draws huge crowds who come to watch the lively parade and take in good food, drink and music in the incredible “Mayberry-like” setting of Palmer Park.

This year’s event will kick off at 9 a.m. with the Fun Run (registration at 8 a.m.) and the car show leading off the agenda.

The parade lineup will take place at Town Hall, with the cruise down the main drag starting promptly at noon.  

“Palmer Day is a celebration for the whole community,” event co-chair Nancy Lorentz says.  “Since it is an election year, there will be several political units in the parade. All units should be positive and family-friendly.”

There will again be prizes for the best and most unique floats.

Registration forms for the parade and 5K runs can be found at the Briggs Lake Store, McDonald’s Meats and the Palmer House, or on the Palmer Day 2022 website.

Patriotism is sure to be on display at 1:30 p.m., as the kids in attendance will get a chance to star in their own event.  The “We’re All Americans” children’s parade will meet at the playground in Palmer Park after the main parade and kids are encouraged to dress up as their favorite American hero or ancestor. The route will take the costumed youth through the park and past the patrons who are seeking out their favorite Palmer Day foods and beverages.

After the parade, all of the participating children (all ages welcome) will receive a coupon for free ice cream at the Briggs Lake Store.

For fans of live music, the day will not disappoint, with the band Wingin’ It (featuring artists from the former Outside Recess) playing from 1 until 4 p.m., followed by Steel Rail from 7 until 11 p.m.

As always, the amazing volunteers from the Clear Lake Lions will be pouring refreshing, cold beer at their nearly world-famous Beer Garden. Attendees should remember to patronize the Lions and other vendors (burgers from the Briggs Lake Chain Association), as the money raised at Palmer Day is donated back to local non-profit organizations. Koozies are fine, but no coolers please!

Other events will include a raffle starting at 1 p.m. and horseshoe and bean bag tournaments kicking off at 2 p.m.