by Dennis Dalman
news@thenewsleaders.com
The 20th annual Sartell SummerFest promises to be bigger and better this year, according to Jason Mathiasen, who is the 2012 co-chair of the annual city event and hospitality-services director of Great River Bowl.
Mathiasen gave an update on SummerFest at the May 14 Sartell City Council.
This year the event will take place Friday and Saturday, June 8-9.
Sartell SummerFest actually began 21 years ago, but one summer — about 10 years ago — it had to be cancelled because of lack of volunteers and funding.
Mathiasen told the council fundraising, especially in a sagging economy, has been difficult, but he added that thanks to last year’s perfect weather during the event, attendance was sensational and the event raised enough for carry-over funding for this year. Still, the SummerFest committee noted funding solicitations are currently $10,000 below those of last year, Mathiasen told the council.
Despite funding concerns, however, Mathiasen said the committee was determined to make the 20th anniversary celebration of SummerFest a special one. There will be several large marching bands from the Twin Cities area in the parade; there will be more inflatables for children during the SummerFest Family Carnival, and there will be a lumberjack show.
The street dance will take place again, this time with two popular bands — Slip Twister and Diamondback. There will also be a bigger and better fireworks show, Mathiasen promised.
On Friday evening, once again there will be the Mayor’s 5k race followed by the Kiddie 1k run/walk at Sartell City Hall. Right after those races, there will be a pops concert by the Sartell Community Band in Sartell Lions Community Park.
For more detailed information about SummerFest 2012, see upcoming issues of the Sartell Newsleader.