Celebrate Summer in Pelican Rapids

by Steve Heriot, photos by Scott Backstrom

Art festivals are fun for everyone. For artists, it is a chance to display, sell, and get feedback on their work. For the public, it is a chance to interact with the crowd, meet new artists, and purchase their work. Art festivals have a positive social and cultural impact on the communities that host them. They are beneficial to the local economy, as both artists and attendees book accommodations, eat out, and shop at local businesses.

general, festivals of all types enhance local identity, add to civic pride, and raise the quality of life for many residents. Surveys have shown that a healthy art and cultural scene is high on the list of amenities that people look for in communities they are considering for relocation. Festivals are a win-win for everyone.

Pelican Rapids has been building and hosting a year round line-up of interesting festivals. The Pelican Rapids Friendship Festival is held in June and is a celebration of the diversity of Pelican Rapids through music, dance, and ethnic foods.

There are two other festivals that are held in the summer: Art in the Park and Pelican Fest.

Art in the Park has been held in Sherin Park and Peterson Park in Pelican Rapids for over 30 years. It features over 100 vendors, who bring a wide collection of original art, crafts, home decor, clothing, jewelry, lawn items, metal art, furniture and much more. There is also entertainment, food vendors, and games. Attendees can move from one park to the other by crossing over the Pelican River on a beautiful suspension bridge.

Pelican Fest is held in June or July every year and consists of several days of fun activities for all ages. The schedule of events has included a grand parade, a kiddie parade, street dances, 5K Run/Walk, a vendors market, tractor and implement show, and a used book sale. The variety of activities have included a golf scramble, old-fashioned bingo, kid’s games at the pool, a bean bag tournament, and beer olympics. There’s also plenty to eat and drink at the festival, with culinary venues such as the sausage and pancake breakfast, the steak fry, the turkey bbq, an ice cream social, and the ever-popular beer garden.

Pelican Fest and Art in the Park are both sponsored by the Pelican Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce. For more information on the festivals, call 218-863-1221.