By Harold Brutlag
It looks like another week of pleasant weather, as high as 60’s giving way to a rain and snow slush day on Thursday. We need the rain so we’re not complaining and it’s predicted to be in the 44 degree range for Maple Lake’s St. Patrick’s Day festival on Saturday, March 16. It’s been warmer in some past years, but it sounds like we’ll be getting by without a storm. There will be 81 parade units in this years festival with lots of variety to keep spectators entertained. A St. Patrick’s Day program and line up was circulated in last week’s Messenger and contained just about everything you need to know about the parade, it’s route and the special attractions that will be taking place on Saturday. It’s great time to visit your friends and neighbors and is Wright County’s first parade of the 2024 year. It will start with a Craft sale at 9 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the Maple Lake Elementary School, followed by the Irish Scamper at 11:00 a.m. with registration at the high school. The Grande Day parade begins at 1:30 p.m. starting at Rose Ave. South continuing west around the Legion Club and disbands at the Community Park. The coronation for Maple Lake’s Royalty will be at the high school at 5:30 p.m. and other dignitaries, including Grand Marshal Marilyn Groth, named by the Maple Lake Chamber, will also be recognized.
There will be food trucks as well as food and beverages available at ML’s restaurants and clubs, and of course plenty of green beer!
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There were two anglers in a boat on Buffalo Lake last week on Thursday and that will be something to tell their grandchildren or other anglers and friends, when the conservation turns to fishing. The DNR is warning anglers that the Walleye opener on May 11 may effect the bite which is normally in shallow water, but because of the mild winter the fish may have already spawned, and they may be in deeper water! Minnesota fishing season for walleye, bass, northern pike and lake trout opens each year on the Saturday two weeks prior to the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend… I imagine the early birds will be getting anxious to install their docks, boat lifts, etc.