Rapids River Days Kicks Off with Medallion Hunt, Local Music, and More

(KNSI) – Rapids River Days in Sauk Rapids officially kicks off on Thursday, June 25, with a lineup of returning attractions for residents.

The day starts with the festival’s Medallion Hunt, which is currently in its fourth year as part of Rapids River Days. Clues will be given out on both the festival’s Facebook page and the official Rapids River Days website between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. until the medallion is located. A $500 cash prize will be awarded to the first person to discover it.

Those who uncover the medallion are to turn it in to the Sauk Rapids Government Center during normal business hours, or contact Festival Coordinator Marla Elness at 320-248-8444 if it is retrieved outside regular business hours.

Elness told KNSI News that while pinpointing the medallion’s exact location will be challenging, participants should not worry about it being hidden in an unreachable location or one that would pose a safety risk.

“It’ll never be underground, so you won’t have to dig for it, but it could likely be somewhere on city property. It will not be by the river, or within 50 feet of a body of water, nor near roadways or railroad tracks. It’s a safe opportunity, and it’s something that can be found.”

The Rock the Riverside Concert Series will be back at Clearing Amphitheater, located on River Avenue and overlooking the Mississippi River. Local folk rock singer Seth Doud will take the stage at 5:30 p.m., followed by the headliner, classic rock cover band Mace, hitting the stage at 7:00 p.m.

The Annual Miss Sauk Rapids Pageant will be held at 6:00 p.m. at Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School. The competition, now in its 23rd year, is open to women in their junior year of high school through age 19. To qualify, they must live in either the Sauk Rapids-Rice communities or in School District 47.

Unlike a traditional beauty pageant, Parade Coordinator Marie Popp said the program’s theme is more focused on community and teamwork. Those who are crowned receive scholarship funds from the Sauk Rapids Lions and learn more about how the city functions and the projects they are pursuing. Candidates will also participate in activities that foster personal growth and community involvement.

“They’re really ambassadors for the city of Sauk Rapids,” explained Popp. “They get to share more about their community with others from around the state. It’s a great chance for them to learn leadership, communication, and other valuable skills.”

Those interested in participating in the event can apply on the Pageant page of the Rapids River Days website.

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