Plan for a full day of fun at this year’s super-sized Stand Still Parade on Saturday, May 18 in Whalan, Minn. Activities will take place from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. The cornerstone of the day is the Stand Still Parade. Grab your walking shoes and walk around the parade as it stands still from 11 a.m. until noon. There will be cars, trucks and tractors, the Lanesboro High School Band, the Whalan Museum and much more! Don’t miss past Stand Still Parade grand marshals who will be in place behind the American Legion Color Guard. A little trivia: Who was the first grand marshal of the Stand Still Parade?
Again this year, there is plenty of entertainment for all ages. From 10-11 a.m., enjoy Sister Luv, four sisters who have been singing together for most of their lives, at the main stage and Wellespring at the gazebo. Following the parade, from noon until 3 p.m., the Vintage Tones (full name—The Vintage Tones of Spielzeiten Und Pausen) will take the main stage performing ‘50s-’60s-’70s favorites. You may be able to discover some new local talent at the Whalan’s Got Talent talent show starting at 3:30 p.m. From 5-7 p.m. the Dixieland Pickup Band will be playing American Dixieland jazz from, you guessed it, the back of a pickup. Then, take off your walking shoes and put on your dancing shoes because the Rutabaga Brothers will be getting everyone on their feet at the street dance.
As always, food is a highlight of the Stand Still Parade. Start your morning off with an Egg McWhalan and a cup of coffee. You might want to head over to the gazebo for Norwegian delicacies, lefse and rommegrot. After the parade, grab a hot dog, hot turkey sandwich or a brat. Don’t worry, we didn’t forget those who have a sweet tooth. Wonderful homemade desserts and ice cream treats will be available along the trail while supplies last. Coming later in the afternoon? Try a BBQ pulled pork or chicken sandwich and chips. You shouldn’t have to go away hungry from this year’s Stand Still Parade.
Take time to stop and visit the vendors along the trail. You can peruse everything from original paintings to lures and even visit with an author. The fun continues from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with train rides for the kids. From 10:30 a.m. until noon check out Balloons by Kevin, a leading Midwest balloon artist. The Kids’ Pedal Tractor Pull will keep everyone entertained starting at 1 p.m. The always popular Pie Eating Contest will take place at 5:30 p.m. near the Aroma Pie Shop. Check out the face painting, Duck Pluck, Petting Zoo, and the Bungee Trampoline. Feeling lucky? Buy one or more $1.00 tickets for the 50/50 Raffle. Fun and entertainment for everyone!
Brand new this year is the street (trail) dance which will take place from 7-9:30 p.m. by the main stage. Dance to the music of the famous Rutabaga Brothers, an R&B combo who will, according to their website, “put taps in your toes and smiles on your faces.” Since you probably won’t be dancing the whole time, be sure to bring a lawn chair so you can kick back and enjoy the music. Beer sales will be available from 6-9 p.m. — be prepared to show your ID.
Let’s end the day with a bang! Literally. Get ready to ooh and ahh because the super-sized Stand Still Parade will conclude with fireworks at approximately 10 p.m. at the Cedar Valley Resort. You will need that lawn chair that you brought to the dance to relax and enjoy the fireworks.
It will truly be a super-sized day in Whalan on May 18! We hope to see you there. (By the way, Adeline Larson was the first Stand Still Parade Grand Marshal in 1996.)