Gary Days Continues With Main Events June 20

Photo Credit: Kristin Hassel / Mayor Buck Engen participates in Gary Days Parade

(GARY, MN) - The main events of Gary Days were in full swing June 20, starting with the Kiddie Parade at 10:30 a.m. Children dressed in all manner of costumes, and some drove little motorized vehicles for the event as they traveled the designated route past Ultima State Bank Gary. Lions, the Paw Patrol, and many other characters lined the street hoping to win a prize for best costume. In the end, it was Myka and Hope Stene who won the $20 in Booster bucks, usable at any business in the community.

Photo Credit: Kristin Hassel / Kiddie parade 

Next, the adult parade kicked off with the American Legion vehicle leading the way. Mayor Buck Engen was all smiles, representing the City of Gary, riding in a red truck with a Welcome to Gary Days sign on the window. They were followed by EMS, City of Gary Fire Department, various alumni floats, horse riders, vintage vehicles, and more. Businesses and City entities threw candy from their parade vehicles as local kids eagerly snatched it up.

Photo Credit: Kristin Hassel/ Kids grab candy thrown during the adult parade

After the parades, the City of Gary Fire Department served grilled burgers and brats, with chips. The line was so long outside the Fire Hall that people decided to take a look around the Legion at the various local craft vendors set up there. 

Photo Credit: Connie Hamernik / Cornhole tournament in Gary City Park

Multiple teams signed up for the Cornhole tournament that took place in the park, running simultaneously alongside the Volleyball tournament. The winners of the Cornhole tournament were team Joel and Austin (Volleyball winners were not yet available when this article was written).

Photo Credit: Connie Hamernik / Volleyball tournament in Gary City Park

The night finished out with a street dance with live music by Catalyst, led by Gary Alumni Chad Hassel. Kids and adults were welcome outside to dance the night away to a mix of rock and country. The cover charge was $10. Who’s Place provided the venue, band, and drinks (for anyone 21+). Attendees could enjoy burgers, nachos, and chicken kebabs at the Gary Cafe vendor tent run by cafe Manager Christine Dalby

Photo Credit: Kristin Hassel/ Live Music for the street dance provided by Catalyst

To add to or correct any information in this report, please contact me at kristin.h@lead4earth.org.