Just as the hottest weather of the summer hits Carlton County, the hottest festival of the year is about to arrive!
The annual Carlton Daze celebration features three big days literally packed with events from start to finish.
Kicking things off on Friday, July 27, will be the Community Rummage Sales from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Maps are available at local businesses. While making the rounds, stop by the big Sidewalk Sale outside the brand, new location of Brown Gallery & Gifts between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. (and continuing on Saturday) and grab a bite to eat at the B & B Wagon outside Third Base beginning at 3 p.m.
WKLK Radio will host a live, remote broadcast from the Four Seasons Recreation Center from 3-5 p.m. on Friday, and registration for the 5K Run/Walk will take place at Four Seasons between the hours of 3 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. The Carlton High School Drum Corps will stage a performance at the 5K starting line (Highway 210 on the southwest side across from the Four Seasons Complex) beginning at 5:45 p.m., followed by the start of the walk/run at 6 p.m.
Boost those carbs at the Carlton National Honor Society Spaghetti Feed from 4-8 p.m. at Four Seasons, and there will be plenty of sweet corn available at the Corn on the Cob Feed, hosted by the Carlton County R.E.A.C.corn available at the Corn on the Cob Feed, hosted by the Carlton County R.E.A.C.H. program.
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Pick up race packets for the Ultra Marathon at the Cozy Cafe from 5-9 p.m., and then be the first to see the County Seat Theater's Children's Musical Theater production of "Treasures of the Orient" at Carlton High School at 7 p.m.
Friday evening steps up the pace with music by "El Roostars" (featuring Carlton alumni Andy Brown and Eric Whorton) at Third Base and "Don't Panic" at the Carlton VFW beginning at 8 p.m. Live music by "Double Dose," featuring Jason and "the Fish," caps the evening off at Spirits from 9 p.m. to midnight, as the Carlton Daze Weekend All-Class Mixer brings old friends together.
Early risers can start Saturday, July 28, off with a bang at the pancake breakfast at the Carlton VFW from 5:30-10:30 a.m. Registration for the Ultra Marathon 50-mile race gets under way at 6 a.m. at Carlton High School, with the racers set to leave the finish line at 7 a.m.
Saturday's also the day for softball tournaments at the fields at South Terrace and the Four Seasons Rec Center in Carlton and Pinehurst Park in Cloquet beginning at 8 a.m. Volleyball tournament games take to the outdoor courts at McFarland Park beginning at 9 a.m., and the golf tournament at Pine Hill tees off at the same time.
Shine up your classic car and head down to register for the Car Show on Main Street from 8-11 a.m., and browse through a wide variety of craft, business, food and game vendors.
Once again, the B & B Wagon will be on hand outside Third Base on Saturday with its food concession, and an outdoor food concession will be available at the VFW as well.
Treat the kids to a romp in the Moon Walk Castle at Four Seasons from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., have fun with the Marble Search outside at 11 a.m. or enjoy the Bean Bag Toss Tournament beginning at noon along Main Street.
The R.E.A.C.H. Corn on the Cob Feed continues on Saturday beginning at 11 a.m., and there'll be bingo under the tent at the Carlton VFW starting at 11 a.m. as well.
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The Carlton Area Lions will host their annual auction at Four Seasons at 1 p.m., and while you're there, be sure to head upstairs for the open house at the new Four Seasons Recreational Center, where a Chalk Drawing Contest will be held from 1-2:30 p.m. The cost is $1 to participate, with judging set to take place at 2 p.m.
Pick up a copy of the just-released local history/photographic essay book "Scott House Souvenirs" at Brown Gallery & Gifts between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. and meet the authors, Jim Sheetz and Marlene Wisuri.
Kris Vox, the one-man band, will entertain from 3-7 p.m. Saturday outside the Third Base, and duck races are planned for Otter Creek at 3 p.m., sponsored by the Carlton High School volleyball team.
Rev up those tastebuds and come on down to the Eating Contest for all ages beginning at 4 p.m. Your choice - watermelon or pudding!
Polish that off with steak and all the fixings at the Carlton VFW Steak Fry from 4:30-8:30 p.m., and take time out to enjoy the CHS Drum Corps performance at the Four Seasons Rec Center at 7:15 p.m.
The big teen dance will be held from 8-11:30 p.m., with a freestyle dance contest at 8:30 p.m. for all ages. Adults are invited to enjoy the music of "El Roostars" from 8 p.m. until close at Third Base and "Don't Panic" at the Carlton VFW.
Softball action heads into its final day on Sunday, July 29, beginning at 8 a.m., and volleyball action resumes at 9 a.m. A Polka Worship is set for Bethesda Lutheran Church at 9 a.m., with the public invited to attend and enjoy.
Food concessions and craft vendors open back up at 9 a.m., and a book signing with local author Larry Luukkonen and his new release, "Between the Waters," will be held at Brown Gallery & Gifts from 9 a.m. until close. The Carlton VFW will host bingo under the tent from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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The line-up for the big Carlton Daze parade is slated to start at noon on School Avenue at Carlton High School. The parade will begin at 1 p.m., rain or shine.
Immediately following the parade, there will be a tractor pull for kids ages four to 11 sponsored by Scott Nordman of Welcome Home Realty and B & B Market. Registration is free. Stop by the open house at the Carlton Fire Department and the Carlton Fire Department will host a K-9 Unit Dog Demonstration at 3 p.m.
Stop by the Spirit Bike Rally at Spirits Restaurant and Bar, featuring live music by "Double Dose," or enjoy the entertainment of one man band Kris Vox, who will once again perform live outside the Third Base at 3 p.m.
"Double Dose" once again takes the stage at Spirits from 5-8 p.m. to close out the action-packed weekend of fun.
