by Dennis Dalman
editor@thenewsleaders.com
For the 25th year in a row, Rice Family Fun Day was a big hit on Aug. 20 with something for every age – games and inflatables for children, a kiddie parade, a big parade, water fights and a street dance for adults featuring two bands.
Rain threatened to put a damper on the day, but shortly after noon the rain stopped, and the festival continued with a volleyball tournament at O’Brien’s Pub and lots of kids’ games and the ever-popular inflatables behind Janski Grocery. Other activities on the large green area included a shooting range for children, a dunk tank and plenty of food vendors that offered such treats as ice cream and pork chops.
A kiddie parade was followed by a grand parade at 3 p.m., with a Mid-Central Pullers’ Tractor and ATV Pull competition slated for right after the parade behind Old Creamery Café.
A firefighter water fight then took place on Main Street, sending mist and sprays of water in every direction as crowds in the street watched and cheered.
The day finished with a raffle drawing and street dancing featuring two bands – Haywire and the Gregory James Band.
Rice Family Fun Day was made possible by sponsorships from more than two dozen businesses, most of them located in Rice or nearby.
Kyler Jackson, 4, of Sauk Rapids, hands the server a five-spot for his mint ice-cream treat at Rice Family Fun Day Aug. 20. Holding Kyler is his father, Dave.
Firefighters from Clearwater blast a ball with water in the Rice Family Fun Day.
Hailey Westring of Little Falls opens a magic box to see if she will win a prize at Rice Family Fun Day Aug. 20. For the 25th year, the downtown festival attracted big crowds on a cool, at times rainy day.
At Rice Family Fun Day Aug. 20, a toddler swooshes down an inflatable.
Children having lots of fun scramble in every direction at Rice Family Fun Day Aug. 20. The inflatables, as always, were a huge hit with the kids.
A crowd watches the Firefighter Water Fights on Main Street in Rice during the 25th annual Rice Family Fun Day Aug. 20.
At Family Fun Day Aug. 20 in Rice, Jayla Turner of Sauk Rapids (left) plays a balloon game with her little friend Jackson, 18 months, of Rice.
Children try to catch slippery tiny minnows to win prizes Aug. 20 at Family Fun Day in Rice. Although it rained sporadically and even turned a bit chilly, the annual event attracted big crowds to the city’s downtown area.
