The annual Kabetogama Lady Slipper Festival, celebrating Minnesota’s state flower, is expected to bring in new nature activities this year.
Set for Saturday and Sunday, the festival traditionally celebrates one of the areas known as the gateway to Voyageurs National Park. The festival takes place outside the Kabetogama Community Hall, located near the corner of County Road 122 and U.S. Highway 53.
“It lets people see what Kabetogama and Ash River is all about,” said organizer Jill Kiner. “A lot of people don’t get out here — some people don’t even know we’re here.”
New this year to the two-day festival are nature programs by Voyageurs National Park rangers and a park naturalist. A boater safety workshop will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday. A presentation titled “Beavers: Agents of Change,” is set for 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday. Other activities include interpretive nature programs and children’s events throughout the festival.
Returning this year is the second annual Lady Slipper/Mingo’s Miles 5K Fun Run on Saturday. Registration is $20 in advance for adults, $15 for children 13 and younger. Medals and ribbons will be awarded in every age group, Kiner said, and organizers are hoping for good weather. Last year, rain began falling at the start of the run.
“We had a great turnout last year and we’re hoping for more,” Kiner said, adding with a laugh that the run will take place rain or shine. “Just come out and have fun; and if it rains, you’ve got to run anyway,” she said.
Registration begins at 8 a.m.; the run is scheduled to start at 9 a.m.
“The run will go along an area with beautiful scenery,” Kiner said. “The road goes through the pines.”
Daily music and entertainment over the weekend will feature three bands. The Flyers perform at 11 a.m. Saturday with an interactive concert with catchy songs, dry humor and colorful props. The group from Orr performed at last year’s festival. Kiner said children will especially enjoy that performance.
A rhythm and blues band performing a variety music will feature Sharon Rowbottem and Dan Boyer playing guitar and singing from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.
Cowboy Angel Blue, a country band returning from last year is set to perform guitar and vocals from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday.
The Big Boys Toys Show of classic cars, motorcycles, boats and motors is set for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.
Children’s activities throughout the weekend include minnow racing, hair painting, tattoos, face painting and more.
An outdoor juried arts and crafts show is expected to include jewelry and pins, wood designs, knit goods, wildlife and nature photography, native bead work, log furniture and cabin decor, knives and bear grease products.
Last year the festival made a comeback after a hiatus resulting from lack of vendors able to participate in the event. Organizers plan to continue the event annually.
“Hopefully it’s just a lot of fun for everybody,” Kiner said.
