Red Rooster Days in Dassel
Each year, thousands of people gather in Dassel over Labor Day weekend to celebrate Red Rooster Days. The festivities all culminate on Labor Day with the largest chicken barbeque in Minnesota.
The 52nd annual Red Rooster Days is scheduled for Friday through Saturday, Sept. 2-5.
The celebration begins Friday with the farmers’ market at Bandstand Park on Atlantic Avenue from 3 to 7 p.m. and a free movie at the Dassel Ballpark starting at 8:15 p.m.
Saturday’s events include a seven-mile Red Rooster Bike and Rollerblade Ride at Breed’s Park, a kickball tournament, a bean bag tournament, water ball at the Dassel Fire Station, and the 26th annual Red Rooster Days parade at 3 p.m.
Another event Saturday is the Red Rooster Fine Arts Show’s opening reception, which takes place at the History Center Community Room at 1 p.m. Folks can enjoy the creations of local artists until 3 p.m. Saturday, 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday.
The ambassadors coronation takes place at 7 p.m. in the Dassel-Cokato Performing Arts Center. Following the coronation is a street dance featuring the Crow River Band on Atlantic Avenue in Dassel, sponsored by Thirsty’s Tavern. Gates open at 8 p.m. and the band begins at 8:30 p.m.
A community worship service at Dassel Covenant Church kicks off the events Sunday morning, followed by a lunch of hotdogs and barbeques. There is also a hymn sing at 7 p.m.
In the afternoon, the all-school reunion will take place at the Dassel-Cokato High School from 2 to 5 p.m., and the Sew Friendly Quilt Guild will display quilts at the Covenant Church from 3 to 7 p.m.
Sunday will also feature the Minn-e-Rod tractor pull on Atlantic Ave., and fireworks at dusk in Spring Lake County Park.
The festivities continue Monday morning with a five-mile run and a one-mile run/walk and plenty of fun, family-friendly entertainment and activities at the Dassel Ballpark.
And, one cannot forget, the famous barbeque chicken dinner is served Monday from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., rain or shine.
For more information about concessions, contact Red Rooster Days secretary Amy Wilde at (320) 275-3684.
For information about the barbecue, contact Paul Holm at (320) 275-4562. Parade questions can be directed to Wayne Medcraft at (320) 275-9200. For all other Red Rooster Days questions, call Connie Walters at (320) 275-3173 or (320) 275-2751.
