Gone Hog Wild this week in Lakefield

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LAKEFIELD — From meat to motorcycles, the appropriately-themed “Gone Hog Wild” Summerfest celebration hits Lakefield this week.

Starting Wednesday and running through Sunday, the annual festival will incorporate the hog in its every form.

A slightly more sophisticated (and swine-free) event will kick off Summerfest, as the Mr. and Mrs. Lakefield Pageant will take place Wednesday night. There won’t be merely two winners, however, with the Minute to Win It debuting after the pageant. This new event will consist of several competitive events, such as emptying a Kleenex box as fast as possible with one hand.

“It’s a good time for people of all ages,” said Kelly Rasche, who is helping coordinate Summerfest. “We stole the idea from the TV show, and people can expect cash prizes.”

Another new aspect to Summerfest scheduled for Thursday is the Community Picnic, coordinated by United Prairie Insurance and Maynard’s Grocery. What isn’t on the Thursday schedule is Rib Fest, a fan favorite.

“Don’t worry; we just simply moved it to Saturday for a bigger turnout,” Rasche said. “Last year was more of a practice. This year will be bigger and better.”

The tent on Main Street begins serving at 4:30 p.m. About 500 people are expected, so arriving early is recommended.

Abiding to Summerfest tradition and the demands of the people, the parade will begin promptly at 2 p.m. following the kiddie parade.

“What can I say? I’m a sap for parades,” Rasche said. “It’s something about the community getting together that really makes it special.”

The grand marshals of this year’s parade are Susan and Mark Pietz — the very head of the pork food chain.

Also part of the Summerfest slate is the Saturday morning Car Show, which also incorporates all kinds of motorcycles. The show starts at 9 a.m. and is followed by the Hog Wild Cycle Run. This event will go on for 50 or 75 miles; donations will go to the Food Shelf and MS.

Summerfest’s Gone Hog Wild theme will settle down Sunday at 2 p.m., with the Jackson County Historical Society presentation on the role of Jackson County residents in the Civil War.

“We always have great turnout,” Rasche concluded. “We hope this year won’t be any different.”

Wednesday

11 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. — Legion Auxiliary Salad Luncheon at Legion Hall 

7 p.m. — Mr/Miss Lakefield Pageant at Tent on Main

8 to 10 p.m. — Minute to Win It at the Tent on Main

Thursday

5 to 7 p.m. — Community Picnic at Tent on Main. Sponsored by United Prairie Insurance and Maynard’s Grocery

5 p.m. — Chalk Art Show at Tent on Main

7 to 8:45 p.m. — Lions Bingo at Tent on Main

9 to 10:30 p.m. — Late Swim at Lakefield Aquatic Center. Sponsored by Lakefield Public Utilities.

Friday

5 p.m. — Steak & Shrimp Feed at VFW

5:30 to 8 p.m. — Family Fun Night at North City Park. Sponsored by Lakefield Business Association

8 to Midnight — Dance at VFW with Entertainment by “MC Express”

8 to Midnight — Dance at The Shed featuring Working Class Hero

Lakefield Rendezvous set up at Jackson County Historical Society.

Saturday

8 a.m. — Kids Against Hunger 5K Walk/Run at North City Park

9 a.m. — Craft, Antique, Flea Market at North City Park

9 a.m. — Car Show at North City Park

9 a.m. — Golf Scramble at Emerald Valley Golf Club — shotgun start 

9 a.m.— Sand Volleyball Tournament

Rendezvous events including: Rope making, tomahawk throw, bead work, fur traders, blacksmithing, flintknapping, pinch pottery making

10 a.m. — Pet Show at North City Park. Sponsored by Girls Scouts

11 a.m. until parade time, then after the parade until gone — American Legion “Real Meal Deal” at Legion Hall

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Walking Tacos, Hot Turkey Sandwich and Dessert at Multi Purpose Center. Sponsored by Methodist and Immanuel Churches

Noon — Hog Wild Cycle Run, Start at The Shed. 50- or 75-mile ride. Fundraiser for Food Shelf and MS

1:15 p.m. — Kiddie Parade, Starts in Bank of the West Parking Lot to Middle School on Main Street

2 p.m. — Parade 

After the parade — All Community Photo, on Main Street near the Lakefield Standard office

After the parade — Watermelon Feed at Lakefield Standard Office on Main Street; Sponsored by Lakefield Standard

After the parade — Cracker Jack Band Performance at North End of Main Street

3:30 p.m. — Bean Bag Tournament at VFW

4:30 p.m.— Rib fest, under the tent on Main Street. Donated proceeds benefit 4-H Horse Project. Sponsored by Bergen Meats, The Butcher Shop, True Value Hardware, Bannister Repair. For details about Rib fest, contact Haylee Goulet at (507) 662-6687

5 p.m. — Historical Society - Rendezvous Dutch oven contest (bring your favorite dish)

6 to 9 p.m. — “Jesse James Band” at VFW

8 p.m. to Midnight — Street Dance featuring “Replay” band at Tent on Main Street

Beer Garden — under the tent on Main Street

 Sunday

9 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Pancake Breakfast at Legion Hall

 9:30 a.m. — Christian Music and Community Church Service at Tent on Main Street 

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Ham Sandwich, Salads and Ice Cream Sundae Bar at Immanuel Activity Center. Sponsored by Immanuel Youth Group

 2 p.m. — Jackson County Historical Society presentation on the role of Jackson County residents in the Civil War

Tags: news, gone, hog, wild, lakefield