Big Lake Spud Fest returns this week with numerous daily events and programs sure to lure in any and all friends of the local community!

Thursday

Starting Thursday, the Big Lake Ambassadors kicked off the four-day celebration with rehearsals  for the coronation set to happen Saturday afternoon.

From 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Thursday the Big Lake Library hosted Spud Fest Family Night at the Library where guests could buy carnival wristbands at advanced prices.

At 4 p.m., the festival and carnival began getting set up.

From 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., the carnival commenced and from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., concessions began at the main food tent, hosted by the Knights of Columbus.

From 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., a talent show was held, hosted by the Big Lake cheerleaders. 

Friday

Friday’s activities begin at 1 p.m. with the carnival opening for the day and running until closing time. From 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., the Big Lake Ambassadors held a rock painting seminar.

Also at 5 p.m., the annual Guns & Hoses softball game kicked off the softball tournament where men and women from the Big Lake fire and police departments vied for the title of best team.

Registration for the 8K Lakes Run started at 6 p.m. with a 7 p.m. start at the Big Lake beach area.

Concessions again opened up from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the main food tent and was again hosted by the local KofC. Bingo went from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. with blackout starting at 9:30 p.m.

From 5:30 p.m. to midnight, beer started pouring at the main stage area with last call being announced at 11:30 p.m. No one was allowed to purchase beer without an ID.

From 8 p.m. to midnight, the Departures played live music at the main stage area and at dusk the fireworks filled the skies, provided by Northern Lights Pyrotechnics.

At midnight, the event closed until the next day.

Saturday

Softball at 8 a.m. kicks off Saturday’s jam-packed event calendar and at 10:30 a.m., the Spud Run Motorcycle Ride revs up their engines at Tootsie’s Bar and goes across town to the Buff.

At 11 a.m., the popular parade starts up and travels through town to the delight of kiddos and parents.

The carnival again opens up at noon and runs all day until closing time. From noon until 9 p.m., concessions are offered at the main food tent - hosted by the local KofC. Also starting at noon and running until midnight, beer drinkers can get their fill at the main stage area as long as one has a valid ID.

From 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., the Middle School will host demonstrations from the SpudINC Robotics team.

Bingo will run from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. with blackout starting at 9:30 p.m.

The Big Lake Women of Today will be holding Kids Fun Crafts over by the tennis courts from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

At 1:30 p.m. and running until 4 p.m., the Big Lake Ambassador Coronation occurs under the main tent.

At 4:15 p.m. , the Dance Caravan of Otsego will be performing on the main stage for one hour.

The music of Sweet Siren will get people on the dance floor from 8 p.m. to midnight on the main stage.

As the band ends their music playing, the festivities will close at midnight and return for the final day Sunday.

Sunday

The softball tournament continues Sunday at 8 a.m. ad runs all day. From 9 a.m. to noon, the Big Lake Lions will host a Potato Pancake breakfast at the main food tent.

From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Spud Daze Marketplace opens up and encourages all to come and shop and support local vendors.

From 10:30 a.m. until whenever, the beer once again begins flowing at the main stage area for people who have a valid ID.

Electric Steel will be playing dance music from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the main stage area.

From noon until 4 p.m., the carnival opens up for the day. At 1 p.m., visitors can come and taste and vote for their favorite potato soup in a contest at the main food tent area.

From 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., the BL Women of Today will once again host a Kids Fun Craft event at the tennis courts.

From 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Bingo is played with a blackout called at 3 p.m.

Registration for the Pedal Pull event begins at 2 p.m. with the start beginning at 2:30 p.m. at the bingo tent area.

Four o’clock announces the end of this year’s Spud Fest. Everyone is encouraged to return in 2022 for Spud Fest’s 50th year celebration!