Land of the Loon Festival-48 Years and Running
The first day of summer felt a bit closer to an early fall morning Saturday as the 48th annual Land of the Loon Festival parade kicked off a weekend of music, food, games, and entertainment.
Thousands of people turned out to line the parade route. Children eagerly hold onto plastic bags, knowing that they will soon get the chance to fill them with handfuls of candy tossed from passing floats. Marching bands from Rock Ridge, Mesabi East, Northeast Range, and Hibbing added their unique style to the atmosphere while dancers and gymnasts from area schools showed off their moves.
A truckload of drummers, a golfing turtle, and a visit by the Ghostbusters added a sense of fun to the morning, and the sounds of fire engines announced blocks early that the parade was underway.
Following the early morning parade, the festival picked up from downtown Virginia and shifted gears to Olcott Park, where visitors found more than 100 booths selling everything from handmade jewelry, iron fire pokers, carved wood lawn ornaments, and novelty drink cups mixed in with food booths offering fresh-squeezed lemonade to smoked brisket, cheesy corn dogs, and Korean pancakes.
Entertainment was provided by local and regional singers, local dancers, comedy magic and a percussion line.
The two day festival continues Sunday with the park open from 11:00 to 5:00.
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