A celebration and an event to honor military veterans will be held this weekend.

In Dawson, the annual Riverfest will include a variety of activities and entertainment, with the unveiling of a new gnome statue in honor of a community member. And in Walnut Grove, a Saturday afternoon event is planned to recognize Hmong and Lao veterans.

‘Gnometown’ celebration

in Dawson

Gnome statues have become a traditional part of Dawson’s Riverfest celebration each summer. This year is no different. On Friday evening, a ceremony will be held to honor community member Woody Peet, with a gnome statue inspired by him.

The celebration, at Dawson’s swimming pool park, will include music and a roast beef sandwich meal by the Midwest Cattlemen’s Association.

Riverfest events are going on all weekend, from a free teen dance tonight at the Dawson City Building parking lot, to a vendor fair and live music events on Saturday. There will be three different music performances going on Saturday night, including free live music at the Rusty Duck, the Hilltop Dance featuring Gen X, and Queen tribute performance “The Crown Jewels” at Dawson-Boyd Memorial Auditorium. Tickets for the Crown Jewels are available online at www.dawsonboydartspresents.org or by calling 320-312-2311.

Riverfest culminates on Sunday with events like an antique tractor, car and motorcycle display, an ecumenical church service, and the Riverfest Grand Parade.

Honoring vets in Walnut Grove

A gathering in Walnut Grove on Saturday afternoon will honor Hmong and Lao veterans who served in conflicts in Southeast Asia, like the Vietnam War or the Secret War in Laos. Organizers said the event will include speakers like state legislators Kaohly Vang Her and Tou Xiong, who will talk about recent state legislation affecting rural Minnesota and the Hmong community.

The gathering will also include food and performances by the SW Nkauj Dancers.

The free event will be held from 1:30-4 p.m. at the Walnut Grove city park.

Riverfest schdedule

Today

11 a.m.-3 p.m.: LQP Co-Op Oil Company free root beer floats

5:30 p.m.: Kids obstacle course competition at Dawson-Boyd Community Center (inside high school gym). Cost is free will donation.

6 p.m.: Riverfest Kickball Tourney begins at Prestholdt Fields

8 p.m.: Free teen dance featuring the Stitches Band at Dawson City Building parking lot

Friday

10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Bank Museum open

12:30 p.m.: Greater Community Credit Union 18-hole golf tourney

2 p.m.: Canoe races at walking bridge dock. Canoes provided, life jackets required.

Gnome unveiling ceremony: Meal served 5-7 p.m. Music by Dr. G’s Bowtie Brass starting at 6. Gnome unveiling at 7.

6:30-9 p.m.: Free Rusty Duck live music, featuring Darin Prestholdt

7 p.m.: Co-ed slow pitch softball tournaments at Prestholdt Fields

8 p.m.: Drakes vs Chokio Coyotes baseball game at Nelson Field

Dusk: Free movie at Veteran’s Park.

Saturday

8 a.m.-2 p.m.: Fishing contest at Riverside Park.

8:30 a.m.: JMHS color run starting at City Hall.

9 a.m.-noon: Gnome painting on Main Street

9 a.m.-3 p.m.: Craft, vendor and flea market at Swimming Pool Park

9 a.m.: Softball tournaments continue at Prestholdt Fields

9:30 a.m.: Kids’ pedal pull on Main Street.

10 a.m.: Three-on-three basketball at Swimming Pool Park

10 a.m.-3 p.m.: Dawson-Boyd Band fundraiser at Swimming Pool Park featuring children’s carnival, bingo, bounce houses, silent auction, bake sale and ax-throwing.

11 a.m.-1 p.m.: Passport to Wonder children’s activities at Swimming Pool Park

1 p.m.: DBAA family entertainment featuring “Tuey” the stunt juggler

12:30 p.m.: Gnome Flop belly flop/splash competition at swimming pool

7-10 p.m.: Free Rusty Duck live music featuring Neon Gypsy

7 p.m.: “The Crown Jewels” Queen tribute at DB Memorial Auditorium

9 p.m.-1 a.m.: Hilltop Dance featuring Gen X

Sunday

9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Legion pancake feed at Hilltop Bar & Grill & Event Center

10 a.m.: Softball tournament at Prestholdt Fields

10 a.m.: Antique tractor, car and motorcycle display at Veterans Park

11 a.m.-1 p.m.: Bank Museum open

11 a.m.: Ecumenical church service at Riverside Park.

1 p.m.: Riverfest Grand Parade

3 p.m.: Golf Assoc. 3-person scramble