A weekend of celebrations

Saddle Horse Holiday, Hat Daze, Juneteenth events all planned in area

MARSHALL -- Another busy weekend is ahead in southwest Minnesota, with community celebrations planned in Lake Benton, Canby and Marshall.

Starting today, events at Lake Benton's annual Saddle Horse Holiday will be kicking into gear, with events including benefit meals, concerts and a fireworks display, said Nikki Anderson, of the Lake Benton Chamber of Commerce. Lake Benton's Citizen of the Year and Business of the Year awards will be presented this morning, during a hot dog feed at the Lake Benton Community Center.

In the evening, the band Red Dirt Road will perform at Homer's Bar, before the fireworks at dusk.

Saturday will be a busy time at the Saddle Horse Holiday, with a variety of events planned in town. For the first time, the annual Dakota-Minnesota Trail Ride and Saddle Horse Holiday parade will both be held Saturday instead of Sunday, Anderson said.

"That's going to be a big change," she said. "They thought it would be fun, and make for more things going on in town on Saturday."

Saturday afternoon will also be when the community dedicates new improvements at the Lake Benton pier. Anderson said the pier, a popular spot on the lake, will have a new concrete walkway, lights and benches.

"That is going to be a big thing," she said.

"A good time" at Canby Hat Daze

There's also plenty for everyone to enjoy in Canby this weekend, at the city's annual Hat Daze festival. This year's schedule includes a pickleball tournament, a parade, and outdoor games for both kids and adults. On Sunday, there will be plenty of thrills in store as the Father's Day free air show returns to the Myers Field airport.

"We're looking forward to another big weekend," said airport manager Matt Wagner. The show has a big addition this year, he said: besides having a full three-act air show, the ATV Big Air Show will also be doing tricks and jumps down on the ground.

"I think it's the perfect combination," Wagner said. The show will be something that can bring together fans of stunt pilots, and people interested in ATVs and dirt bikes, he said.

Wagner encouraged audience members to arrive early and bring lawn chairs and sunscreen. With a pancake breakfast and a burger feed at the airport, visitors can relax and enjoy good food before the show.

"It's a good time," he said.

Freedom Day observed in Marshall

Area events continue on Monday, as Marshall holds Juneteenth celebrations at Independence Park and the Marshall-Lyon County Library.

Juneteenth is a day of celebration for the Black community, and is celebrated like a second Independence Day, said Joyce Tofte, a member of the Marshall/Mustangs Overcoming Racism through Education (MORE) Network.

"Historically, it was also known as Jubilee Day or Freedom Day," Tofte said. Juneteenth is celebrated on June 19, the anniversary of freedom being proclaimed for enslaved people in Galveston, Texas.

In Marshall, Juneteenth celebrations "started very grassroots in 2021," Tofte said. The celebrations have grown over the past couple years. On Monday, a variety of events from a kids' movie event to an evening of food and music at Independence Park will be held.

"There's definitely something for all ages," Tofte said. This year's celebration is being planned through partnerships between the MORE Network, Marshall's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion commission, the Marshall-Lyon County Library and Southwest Minnesota State University.

Tofte said part of Freedom Day celebrations in Marshall include acknowledging how far the country has come, but also reflecting on how far we still need to go. "There's room for both," she said, and she hoped the community could start some good conversations.

Lake Benton Saddle Horse Holiday

Friday

11 a.m.-1 p.m.: First Security Bank hot dog feed

2 p.m.: Kids' party at School Park

5-7 p.m.: American Legion chicken/pork chop/burger fundraiser

7 p.m.: Broadway Meets Lake Benton at the Lake Benton Opera House

8:30 p.m.: Red Dirt Road performance at Homer's Bar

Dusk: Fireworks display

Saturday

9-Noon: Art gallery/studio open house at the corner of Benton and Fremont Streets

9-11 a.m.: Family Fun Day at School Park

10 a.m.: Dakota-Minnesota Trail Ride

11 a.m.-2 p.m.: Car show

11 a.m.-2 p.m.: Lake Benton Area Foundation fundraiser

Noon: Parade

3 p.m.: Pier improvement dedication ceremony at Lake Side Park. Larry Olsen Polka Band from 3-5:30.

9 p.m.: Firemen's dance featuring Hicktown Mafia

Sunday

10 a.m.: Dakota-Minnesota Saddle Horse Events, Kids' Saddle Horse Events at Horse Hill

Canby Hat Daze

Friday

5-7 p.m.: Pork supper

5:30 p.m.: Kiddie parade

6 p.m.: A Touch of Magic entertainment and Mixed Nuts Comedy Show

9 p.m.: DJ Lil' Leg at Heroes Sports Bar & Grill

Saturday

8 a.m.: Pickleball tournament

9 a.m.: Vendor fair

10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Kids' carnival games

11 a.m.: Co-ed volleyball tournament

3 p.m.: Hat Daze Parade

4-6 p.m.: Beef supper

7 p.m.: Adult outdoor games

Sunday

7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Pancake and waffle breakfast at Myers Field

11 a.m.-2 p.m.: St. Peter's burger feed at Myers Field

1 p.m.: Big Air ATV Tour and free air show at Myers Field

Juneteenth Freedom Day in Marshall

(Events at Independence Park unless otherwise specified)

Monday

Noon: Disney & Pixar's "Soul" – movie at Marshall-Lyon County Library community room

3-4:30 p.m.: Titambe West African Dance Ensemble; Mayoral proclamation and SMSU President Jayasuriya

4-7 p.m.: Food and music in the park

5:30-6:30 p.m.: Interactive drum circle with Purpose Artisans

9:30 p.m.: Drive-in movie "Summer of Soul" on Marshall-Lyon County Library lawn