The town of Dawson will be very busy this weekend with the Riverfest running Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

One of the most important events is the All School Reunion set from 2-4 p.m. Saturday.

"It's a means to get classes from different decades together and renew acquaintances," said Sharilyn Bates, co-chair with Deb Breberg.

The community dinner will follow from 5-7 p.m. at Veterans Park, with pork loin sandwiches served picnic-style, said Bates.

Bates was expecting former track coach Phil Gulstad to be present to start the 5K Fun Run, which is set for 6 p.m. Friday along with the 2-Mile Trail Walk.

One of the things that sets the Riverfest celebration apart is the unveiling of the Gnome at the Riverfest Opening Ceremony at 7 p.m. Friday. This year's Gnome will honor the founders of Dawson Mills (AGP).

Following will be a "Celebration Dawson!" musical show with local people performing band, choir and orchestra music from the turn of century until present day. "That is pretty special," Bates said.

"The fireworks on Friday is a big thing," Bates said, adding that the softball field has the "best viewing."

The Johnson Memorial Health Services Open House is set from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday. "They just got done remodeling so there's something to see," Bates said. The Johnson Memorial Auxiliary will serve a noon luncheon, proceeds will help raise money to buy new equipment for the hospital.

Tabletop settings will be on display from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the city building. "I understand they're gorgeous," Bates said. "It's a fundraiser for the Johnson Memorial Foundation."

Route 66 is back. The ones who brought "Ole and Lena's Wedding" to life last year will be playing music from the 1950s and 60s at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Memorial Auditorium. "Supposed to be pretty good," Bates said. Tickets are reserved and "there may or may not be any at the door," Bates cautioned.

For tickets, call 320-769-2955, ext. 246 in the mornings when the box office is open.

SCHEDULE

Friday

Fishing Contest: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Lac qui Parle River. Divisions: 12 and under, 13 & over.

Dawson Co-op Credit Union Golf Tourney: 1 p.m. tee off, 3-draw scramble, 18 holes. $25 each. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. lunch. Must register. Call Josh at 769-2908.

Men's and Women's Slowpitch Softball: tournaments, 6 p.m., Prestholdt Fields.

Cure Rendezvous: 1-3 p.m. at Riverside Park.

5K Fun Run and 2 Mile Trail Walk: 6 p.m., starting from the DB Memorial Auditorium. Registration begins at 4:30 p.m. Cost is $5, with T-shirt $20. Contact Jon or Kristi Kvaal at 320-769-2949.

Scout Feed: 5-7 p.m., outside Memorial Auditorium.

Riverfest Opening Ceremony: 7 p.m. at Memorial Auditorium. Admission $5 or Riverfest Button. Unveiling of 2009 Gnome. Beard Contest winners announced.

"Celebrate Dawson!" show follows the unveiling.

Gnome Donuts and Coffee: 9-10 p.m., sold by Gnome Committee at City Park.

Fireworks at dusk at RB Clay Fields.

Saturday

Visiting Masons Breakfast: 7-9 a.m. at CjMikes (Masons and wives invited).

Slowpitch Softball Tournaments: 8 a.m. through the day at Prestholdt Fields.

Men's Fastpitch begins at 5 p.m.

Riverfest Crafts, Flea Market and Demonstrations: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Veterans Park (note change of place).

15th Annual Tim Lee 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament: for boys and girls, grades 3&4, 5&6, 7&8, 9-12, and adults. Registration 9:30 a.m. at DB Community Center. Games start at 10 a.m. Contact Lee Motors, Dan or John Lee at 320-769-2365.

DB School tours: 9-10:30 a.m. at Community Center Lobby.

Water Fights: 2:30 p.m. at Veterans Park. Competition with visiting fire departments.

View Community Table Settings: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., fundraiser for JM Foundation, $5 admission, at Dawson City Building.

JMHS New Construction Open House: 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Noon Luncheon: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at JM Care Center Activity Room, $6 by JM Auxiliary.

Riverfest Fitness Runs: 4:30 p.m. at Clay Fields. Free. Kids fun runs and more.

Boat Parade: 3 p.m. Anything that floats is eligible. Meet at the dock by the walking bridge. Life jacket required.

All School Reunion: 2-4 p.m. at Veterans Park, $5 fee. Cash bar.

Community Dinner: 5-7 p.m. under the big tent at Veterans Park. Reservations required.

"Route 66": 7:30 p.m. at Memorial Auditorium. Reserved seating, $12 adults, $6 students. Call 769-2955, ext. 246, to purchase tickets or go online at dawsonriverfest.com.

Social Time: under the big tent, available after dinner.

Firemen's Dance: 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Jeppe's Sandtrap. Music by "Cadence", featuring Darin Prestholdt.

Sunday

Men's Fastpitch Softball Tournament: 9 a.m. through all day at Prestholdt Fields.

Antique Tractor, Car and Motorcycle Display: 10 a.m. at Veterans Park. Exhibitors welcome. Contact Paul Strand at 769-4410.

Church in the Park: 11 a.m. at Veterans Park, under the tent. Agape Singers leading the worship. Offering goes to the Agape Singer's ministry.

Dad's Belgian Waffle Fee: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Veterans Park. Served from the shelter. Advance tickets $6.50, same day $7; children under 5 free.

Parade: 2 p.m. Units line up at Jeppe's Sandtrap parking lot. Parade units welcome.