St. Patrick’s Day shenanigans

By Brenda Erdahl

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Maple Lake on Saturday, March 16. This Chamber of Commerce sponsored event is fun for the entire family and includes a craft fair, parade, coronation, 5K run and more.

The day begins with the annual Spring Craft Fair at Maple Lake Elementary School from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. The fair offers a selection of quality items by area crafters including jewelry, clothing, fine arts, housewares, plush items, sweet treats, crafts and more. There is also a bake sale and lunch available. Every year this event fills up with vendors from near and sometimes far away.

Race day registration begins at 8:30 a.m. in the Maple Lake High School for the 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 years past, a two-lap course through the “old town” of Maple Lake. Long-sleeved T-shirts will be given to racers on a first come-first-serve basis. Pre-registered runners are guaranteed a 2024 T-shirt. More information, including pre-registration opportunities can be found at raceberryjam.com.

Put on your most festive, green attire and check out all the characters in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade starting at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, March 16th in Maple Lake.