Looking for a great road trip this weekend?  In under three hours you can get to Itasca State Park and enjoy a full day of fun activities on Sunday.

July 31 is Itasca State Park’s birthday and you can celebrate that, along with the 125th anniversary of Minnesota State Parks and Trails.  Sunday, the the Minnesota DNR is hosting a summer picnic, old-time lawn games, music and more.

Grilled lunch will be available to purchase, or bring your own goodies.  Everyone is welcome to enjoy a slice of birthday cake provided by the Friends of Itasca State Park (while supplies last). The famous “Itasca sugar cookies” will also be available for purchase on this day only.

Here is the complete schedule of activities and music:

  • Games and music (ongoing 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.)
  • Unpolished (11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.). “Unpolished” performs an eclectic mix of roots, Americana and bluegrass music on bass, guitar, mandolin and banjo complete with rich three-part harmonies. The group covers many styles of folk music including music from the 1800s - Civil War, old cowboy music, railroad songs and bluegrass music.
    Tim Eggebraaten (12:15 – 1 p.m.). Tim, the “one man band,” performs tunes, from popular to classic, with his special twist on the lyrics.
  • Park Rapids Community Band (1 - 2 p.m.). Bring a blanket or lawn chair to listen to a medley of classic and inspiring music during the picnic finale.
  • Retro Picnic Contest. Set-up a picnic scene between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Participants will be judged for a chance to win prizes in one of the classes: best retro picnic, best use of a picnic table, best use of plaid or most creative picnic meal.
  • Egg-on-a-spoon. Grab a big spoon and try not to break an egg before racing across the finish line.
  • Three-legged race. It takes practice to make two legs work as one. Grab a friend and try making it across the finish line without getting all tied up.
  • Giant bubbles. How big can a bubble get? Make a hand-held bubble loop, dip it in the special bubble juice and the breeze will do the rest.
  • Potato sack race. Put both feet in a burlap sack and be the first to cross the finish line.
  • Ice cream in a bag. Learn the easy way to make homemade ice cream in a plastic bag. Perfect for topping a piece of birthday cake (while supplies last).

You do need a vehicle permit to enter a Minnesota state park, which can be purchased online by using the link below.  A one-day permit is $5

 

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