The What, Where, and When of the 41st Annual St. Patrick’s Day Fesitval

The annual Craft Fair at Maple Lake Elementary, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., offers a selection of quality items by area crafters. In the past, more than 40 vendors from near and sometimes far have attended this event, coordinated by Betty Gordon.

Race day registration begins at 9 a.m. in the Maple Lake High School Commons for the 41st annual Irish Scamper. The 5K race starts promptly at 11 a.m. at the intersection of Birch Ave. and Division street in downtown Maple lake. The race will follow the same route as last year, a twolap course through the “old town” of Maple Lake. An awards ceremony is set for shortly after the race in the high school commons area. Long-sleeved T-shirts will be given to racers on a first come-first-serve basis. Preregistered runners are guaranteed a 2018 T-shirt. More information, including registration forms, can be found at www.raceberryjam.com/scamper. Or pick up registration forms in person at the Maple Lake High School office.

An estimated 101 units or more will be featured in the fun-filled Grand Day Parade. Line-up begins at 12:30 p.m. and starts on its route at 1:30 p.m. near the community park on Division Street.

Highlight’s for this year include Grand Marshal John Northenscold Sr. and Commodore Paula Schmidt. Pre-parade, Rince Nua Irish Dancers from Maple Grove will put on a show in front of the Judges Stand near the Maple Lake Messenger on Division Street at 12:30 p.m. They will also be in the parade.

Also new this year is the Osman Shrine Clown Unit and the St. Paul Osman Shrine Calliopie. They will join the Osman Shrine Thunderbirds in this year’s parade line-up. The Maple Lake Marching Band will entertain the crowd as usual and royalty from 33 towns will be represented.

Throughout the morning and into the afternoon a petting zoo will be located on Birch Avenue down the street from the food vendors where festival goers will be able to find an assortment of snacks including cheese curds, walking tacos and the famed Silver Creek/Hasty pork chops. The Maple Lake Fire Department will also be serving up its popular hamburgers.

The culmination of the day will be the Coronation of the new Maple Lake Ambassadors taking place at approximately 4:30 p.m. at the Maple Lake High School Gymnasium. The Aquatennial Commodore’s Award and other parade awards will be honored during this event.

Don’t forget to pick up your $2 St. Patrick’s Day button for a chance to win $100 cash. Buttons are being sold at the parade at these local businesses: Irish Blessings Coffeehouse, Lake Region Cenex, The Maple Lake Messenger, Maple Lake Wine & Spirits, Star Bank, Maple Lake BP, H&H and at Maple Lake City Hall.

Tasty food specials and entertainment will be offered at many of the businesses throughout Maple Lake.

To read more info on the Ambassador candidates, subscribe to The Maple Lake Messenger today!

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