Rapids River Days Returns This Week

(KNSI) – The 18th Annual Rapids River Days in Sauk Rapids is back this week with its four signature events in 2021.

Rapids River Days takes place Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

After a one-year hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic, Festival Coordinator Marla Elness says the community is ready to get out for summer fun.

“We just had so much enthusiasm this year telling us we’re so looking forward to this. And we were delighted to hear that. And of course, all of our committee people get very excited. We’re very passionate about what we do for the community.”

Officials say they had about one month to put the event together.

Elness talked about how they made that happen.

“We have a well-oiled machine. And that’s almost every situation we’re in. We have people that have been doing these committees for years upon years. And we really look at this and say, okay, we can do it. And there we are. We’re just making can it happen. I guess that’s our Sauk Rapids spirit.”

Rapids River Days starts on Thursday at 7 p.m. with the Miss Sauk Rapids Pageant at Love of Christ Church, 1971 Pine Cone Road, St. Cloud.

For the first time, the pageant will crown a Queen and two princesses to represent the community. In the past, Miss Sauk Rapids was crowned with two ambassadors.

Friday evening is the Rapids River Days Parade with 65 floats and 11 marching bands going down 6th Avenue.

Elness says she’s expecting a lot of treats along the parade route.

“This year will be a candy parade. Oh my goodness. I had so many of our interns asking how much candy do we bring? So I’m like, wow, this is gonna be amazing. So kids, bring your pillowcases or something because you’ll need some room.”

On Saturday, Tanner’s Team Foundation 5K/1K Run and 2-mile walk will begin with registration at 7:15 at Bob Cross Park in Sauk Rapids.

And the festival ends with the 32nd annual Rapids River Food Fest from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Sauk Rapids Municipal Park on North Benton Drive.

For more on this year’s events, click here.

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