by Dennis Dalman
Food, food and more food ruled the day at the Rapids River Days Food Fest June 27 in Sauk Rapids Municipal Park.
Corn on the cob, shish-kebabs, cheese curds, corn dogs, burgers and brats, kettle corn, turkey legs, pizza . . . well, the list was nearly endless. Thousands of people gathered in perfect early-summer weather to enjoy the family food at Food Fest. Besides the food, there was the music of three bands, inflatable toys for kids and the Strongman/Strongwoman competition.
During the warm but breezy day, from 11 a.m.-8 p.m., people sauntered the park grounds, sampling foods. Many sat in chairs or at picnic tables, enjoying their foods and refreshments like fresh-squeezed lemonade. There was a relaxed ambiance at the event, and many people stood in groups or sat gathered in semicircles to chat and laugh.
It’s the 27th year of the food-fest event, and, by all accounts, one of the most well attended and successful.
The event was the culmination of several in Sauk Rapids last week. There was the Thursday Ambassador Pageant, the Tanner 5k/1k walk/run and the Rapids River Day Parade. (See related stories.)