Just as mothers ushered their kids off to school this week, Mother Nature ushered in the Autumn season by delivering a gorgeous summer day for the annual Palmer Day community gathering Saturday.

 

The celebration included a car show and a 5k fun run/walk beginning at 9 a.m. at Palmer Park. That was followed by a parade at noon, games, food and activities in the park in the afternoon. Live music by Outside Recess took place from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

 

The parade — one of the grandest in all of Sherburne County — featured floats and mounted patrols from the Sherburne County Sheriff’s Dept., members of the St. Pat’s 4-H, volunteers from the Clear Lake Fire Dept., farmers with their tractors, a stagecoach from Dingmann Funeral Homes and a six-foot chicken from Gold’n Plump.

 

The Knights of Columbus members threw beads, the Stangers from Edina Realty chucked Tootsie Rolls Assorted Midgees. The Becker High School marching band sported Phantom of the Opera t-shirts as they paraded down the street and Larry Eigen of Clearwater towed a trailer that spotlighted a Coca-Cola can tractor and Lyman and Judy Ganz — this year’s Palmer Day royalty all decked out in scarlett sashes, robes and crowns. There was also a float that featured a few past royalty members.

 

WVAL Radio — Minnesota’s Country Legend — had DJ’s give play-by-play descriptions of the floats during the parade at a station they had situated mid-way down the parade route.

 

At the park, numerous food options were made available as well as beverages of all kinds for adults and children. A reptile show was in full demonstration most of the day and kids games were popular and dozens of stuffed animals made it to the arms of those who conquered the contests.  A bouncy castle or two were also centered in the park for kids to expend their early day energy.

 

Mini Donuts, pork chops, hamburgers and hot dogs along with chicken were some of the featured foods on this warm Saturday. The Clear Lake Lions sold gallons of beer and a giant raffle took place from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Also, the ever-famous horseshoe tournament commenced at 1 p.m.

 

Bingo and a bean-bag tournament were also part of the community event and they originated at 2 p.m. At 3 p.m., the Sonflower Puppets were called upon to help entertain the youngsters.

 

Palmer Day is made possible with donations from community businesses and individuals.  Donations are given back to the community.  Past recipients include Palmer Park, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Palmer Youth Softball, Becker Yearbook, Becker Marching Band, Foley Marching Band, St. Pat's 4-H, Becker National Honor Society, Gun Safety Training, Briggs Lake Fireworks, Clear Lake Fire Dept., and Becker Robotics.  

 

Palmer Day has a saying that their event is “the greatest small town celebration around.” 

 

Those who attended were sure to whole-heartedly agree.