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RUSSELL -- Whether it's music, rodeo, or trying to catch a big walleye, there's plenty to do in the area this weekend. In Russell, organizers are gearing up for the start of the annual Bandwagon Days celebration with attractions like a ranch rodeo, concert, and inflatables for kids.
There will be some added excitement with a new event this year, said Hilary Buchert.
"We do have bull riding this year," Buchert said. The bull riding event will start Saturday evening after a ranch rodeo and small dog races.
"It's exciting, because I know people have missed the rodeo so much," Buchert said. The ranch rodeo made its return at Bandwagon Days last year.
Buchert said Bandwagon Days kicks off tonight with Downtown Sound Entertainment providing music, and lots of good food.
"We have three different local food trucks this year," Buchert said, including the Chicken Connection, the Asian Hut, and Taqueria El Tarasco. On Saturday, visitors can also support the Russell Fire Department by stopping by the department's hog roast for lunch.
On Saturday night, the music continues with a concert by Eclipse, Buchert said.
Summer Fishing Derby returns to Lake Benton
Russell isn't the only community kicking off summer celebrations and events this weekend. On Saturday, anglers will be setting out bright and early to compete in the Lake Benton Sportsman's Club's summer fishing tournament at Norwegian Creek Park. Two-person teams will compete to bring in the biggest walleye and the biggest northern pike.
The tournament will start with boats taking off at 7:00 a.m., and end with fish weigh-ins at 1 p.m. sharp. Registration for the event is available online at https://lakbentonsportsmansclub.com.
Burgers, Bands and Brews in Tracy
Tracy community members are inviting people to spend an evening in the park, with the second annual Burgers, Bands & Brews event at the Central Park band shell. The event brings together a pork burger feed, beer and wine tastings from Brau Brothers Brewing and Painted Prairie Vineyard, and musical performances.
Proceeds from the event will go to benefit the Tracy Area Community Foundation, and improvement projects at Central Park.
The event kicks off at 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Singer and musician Kayla Daniels will perform at 5. The 22nd Row's performance celebrating the music of Elton John will start at 6:30, and Roxbury Band will perform at 9.
Tickets to Burgers, Bands & Brews are $10, and include both the live music and a meal. Tickets can be purchased at www.tracyevents.com.
Russell Bandwagon Days schedule
FRIDAY
5-8 p.m. Kids inflatables on Central Avenue
7 p.m. Beanbag tournament (sign up at 6:30 under the tent)
9-midnight DJ at Russell Bar & Grill
SATURDAY
9-noon Vendor event and Grace First Parish ladies' goodies at Community Center
10-11 a.m. Kiddie tractor pull (sign up 9:30 at Central Avenue)
10-Noon Children's Farm Fun
10 a.m.-7 p.m. Inflatables and games on Central Avenue
11:30 a.m. Hog roast sponsored by Russell Fire Department
Noon Cow Bingo
1-2 p.m. Bingo
1 p.m. Rolle bolle tournament (sign up 12:30 at City Hall parking lot)
1-4 p.m. Ranch Rodeo (entrance off of Highway 23)
2 p.m. Raffle drawing
4-4:30 p.m. Dog races (entrance off of Highway 23)
5-9 p.m. Bull riding (entrance off of Highway 23). Admission $15 adults, $10 youth. Kids 5 and under free.
5-9 p.m. Woody's Axe Throwing on Front Street
8:30-midnight Eclipse performance at the tent
SUNDAY
9:30-11 a.m. Breakfast in the tent
10-noon Car show on Front Street
10-noon Kids' inflatables on Central Avenue
Noon-1 p.m. Parade line-up by Gravley Livestock
1 p.m Parade