by Dennis Dalman
Sartell SummerFest 2018 lacked sunshine, but it brimmed with fun for thousands of people, including many-out-of-towners who gathered to enjoy the 28th annual event.
It began with the Liberty Parade and its nearly 80 units, including eight marching bands that wowed the long lines of spectators. The parade also featured a surprise guest – Joyce (Yozamp) McCann, now in her 80s, who was the Sartell Winter Haven Queen of 1951.
During the entire parade, the overcast sky dripped down rain, but it was a slow and sparse dripping – more moist than soggy-wet – and no one seemed to mind. In fact, some said they were happy about the weather, remarking how nice it was to watch the parade without sweating and squinting under a hot sun.
One of the spectators was a young boy, about 3 years old, named Oliver and his parents who sat in folding chairs on Seventh Street N. next to Riverside Plaza. Across the street was a toddler who kept crying loudly, standing next to his older brother who was holding a bag of popcorn.
“That little boy is certainly not happy about something,” said Oliver’s mother.
“I know why he’s crying,” Oliver said. “It’s because he doesn’t have any teeth to eat that popcorn.”
Nearby spectators, overhearing Oliver’s remark, grinned and laughed with delight.
After the parade, there were historical guided trolley rides from city hall and a one-day historical exhibit in the city-hall lobby. There was also a bike-safety rodeo for children, a street dance and fireworks.
For the first time, the family-fun Libertyville party took place on the grounds of the new Sartell Community Center, which made for an ideal location. On part of the parking lot were row after row of picnic tables at which people munched food and socialized. Long lines of people waited to receive free hot dogs, chips and soda pop. About 1,500 hot dogs were served. On the north side of the parking lot were 10 fun booths for children – games like Wheel of Fortune, face-painting, and a man who made balloon animals and gave them to the children.
On the grassy lot next to Lake Francis were the ever popular assemblage of inflatables where giggling children, squealing with delight, climbed the bouncing structures and slid down to their waiting parents.
Throughout the day and night of SummerFest 2018, a good time was had by all.
The Sartell High School Marching Band wows the crowd at SummerFest 2018. The band’s performance combined exciting music with ingeniously choreographed movements.
The Sartell High School Marching Band wows the crowd at SummerFest 2018. The band’s performance combined exciting music with ingeniously choreographed movements.
Alayah Clinton, strapped to her daddy’s back, takes a sweet snooze at the SummerFest Libertyville party June 9 in Sartell. She is the 7-month-old daughter of Arsenio and Betsy Clinton of Rice.
Amaya Clinton (left) and her sister Ava prepare to enjoy a hot-dog dinner at SummerFest Libertyville. They are the children of Arsenio and Betsy Clinton of Rice.
Sarah Alexander of St. Cloud enjoys gussying up as Lady Liberty at the Sartell SummerFest Libertyville party June 9 in Sartell.
The Sartell Middle School Band was one of eight marching bands that brought applause and cheers from spectators at the Liberty Parade June 9 in Sartell.
Mike and Melissa Froehling and daughter Alayna eagerly await the first unit of the Liberty Parade.
Joyce (Yozamp) McCann (center), who was the Sartell Winter Haven Queen in 1951, waves to spectators at the SummerFest Liberty Parade June 9.
Popcorn sellers Logan Clark (left) and Matthew Ruder, both members of Sartell Boy Scout Troop 211, push their popcorn wagon along the route of the Liberty Parade June 9 in Sartell.
The flag-bearing Color Guard pauses for dramatic effect during the parade performance by the Sartell High School Band. The stirring performance brought cheers from spectators.
Hot dogs aplenty – 1,500 to be exact – were served up at SummerFest Libertyville party June 9 in Sartell.
Zakaryah Farley of Sartell sports the cool-dude glasses he just won at the Wheel of Fortune game at the Libertyville party June 9 in Sartell.
Bradley Randall of Sauk Rapids rides in style at the Libertyville party in Sartell June 9. He is the son of Gus and Kay Randall.
Inflatables, as always, were a hit with the kids who attended the Libertyville Party in Sartell June 8.
Parents and children start lining up at the fun-and-games booths as the Libertyville party opens at noon June 9, part of the citywide Sartell SummerFest celebration.
Dancers from Ms. Melinda’s Dance Studio dance down the street in the Liberty Parade June 9 in Sartell.
Firetrucks help lead the Sartell SummerFest Liberty Parade.
