Ranier, where “kids and dogs can run free,” will host its summer festival Aug. 11.
The annual Ranier Summer Festival features old and new events, said Jeff McHarg, one of the organizers of the festival.
“I hope people will come join us and see what’s new,” he said. “Hopefully people will fall back in love with Ranier and the lake.”
New events include a community yard sale all day; a performance by Ice Box Radio Theater at 2:45 p.m. on the lakeside deck at Woody’s Pub with a presentation by David Driapsa, cultural landscape architect for Voyageurs National Park; and lawn mower drag races at 3 p.m. at the Duluth Street Landing.
A classic car show in the park is also new, which will also be featured in the parade. The dog parade begins at noon and the main parade at 12:30 p.m.
Music by Rainy Lake Orchestra and the Community Band will follow the parade on the boardwalk. Open mic takes place from 4 p.m. to dusk at the deck at Woody’s Pub. The event invites anyone to bring their instruments and play music, McHarg said.
“Bring your guitar and come on out,” he said. “If we have a beautiful day, it should just be a good time.”
King of the Road will perform Friday and Saturday nights from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Ranier Municipal Liquor Store.
Free community sail boat rides on Rainy Lake will have extended hours this year, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The day begins with a pancake breakfast from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Ranier Community Building. The breakfast is a fundraiser for the Ranier Recreation Club.
On Saturday, Voyageurs National Park will offer canoe rides at the Spruce Street Landing from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
All-day events include Finstad Auto-Marine Shop tours, classic boats on the bay, antique boat models, and historic photos. Children’s barrel train rides and “Clown Caper” will also be at the festival. A beer garden and tropical tiki bar will be offered at the Ranier Muni and the deck at Woody’s Pub.
Attendees can also participate in book signings by local authors and artists; face painting; a balloon toss; a farmers’ market; and community yard sales, open to anyone in the public to sell items.
“Everyone should participate in the yard sales — we all have stuff to get rid of,” said Tara Nelson, one of the organizers of the festival. “One man’s junk is another man’s treasure.”
McHarg said the festival is “just in its infancy,” but that if it is a success, it can continue to grow every year.
“Ranier is a jewel,” he said. “The festival will remind people what a beautiful place Ranier is.”
