Agate Days celebration a toast to Moose Lake

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The city of Moose Lake survived the ravages of the recent flooding and turned right around and pulled off one of the most festive Fourth of July celebrations ever. This weekend, the ebullient spirit of the city’s residents will shine again as they celebrate their 43rd Annual Agate Days, co-sponsored by the Moose Lake Chamber of Commerce and the Moose Lake Gem and Mineral Club.

“The Agate Days Committee of the Moose Lake Chamber has worked with various partners to assemble an amazing weekend,” said a Chamber spokesperson.

The weekend’s festivities will kick off with a fireworks display (postponed from the July Fourth celebration due to bad weather) at 10 p.m. Friday, July 20.

Saturday, July 21, features open houses at Moose Lake State Park and the Agate Center all day. The Moose Lake Kiwanis will host a Pancake Breakfast in the park from 7:30-11 a.m., and an Art in the Park event will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and include musical entertainment during the evening.

The Carlton County Gem and Mineral Club will once again host its popular Gem and Mineral Show from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Moose Lake School.

“Contrary to what some folks may have heard,” said co-organizer Carol Risdon, “we’re still going to have our event at the school and we hope everyone will come out and enjoy it!”

Admission to the show is free, and there will be a meal concession during the Gem and Mineral Show hosted by the Mission Goal Girls Hockey Club.

A rock slideshow will be featured at the Moose Lake Library from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Learn the stories about how local rocks came to be.

The annual Agate Stampede, always a big draw for participants and observers as well, is slated for 2 p.m. along Elm Avenue. At the sound of the cannon shot, stampeders of all ages will sift through a street full of freshly dumped gravel to discover their share of 400 pounds of agates and $300 in quarters donated by First National Bank, the Star Gazette and Lakes State Federal Credit Union.

For those who want to refuel their energy, the Moose Lake Fire Department will sponsor a Steak Fry from 4-8 p.m. at the Moose Lake Fire Hall, and there will be a beer garden at the Municipal Bar, operated by the Moose Lake Liquor Store.

Shuttles will be provided by Moose Lake Motors between the day’s events from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The open house at Moose Lake State Park and Agate Center will once again go on all day on Sunday, July 22, and the Gem and Mineral Show will continue at the school from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the Mission Goal Girls Hockey Club serving food.

Car buffs are certain to enjoy the Fourth Annual Moose Lake Antique Car Show in the Moose Lake City Park from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lunch will be available for purchase from the Agate Days Committee. Don’t miss trying your hand at the driving simulator!

Shuttle service by Moose Lake Motors will again run between events on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Plan to stick around for the Culpepper & Merriweather Circus on Monday, July 23, providing a good old-fashioned circus experience under the big top tent. Show times are scheduled for 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. on the Moose Lake School grounds.

Tags: carlton county, moose lake, entertainment, outdoors, updates