Some folks do get lost in Whalan and we advise them to STAND STILL and look around. Which leads us to tell you about what is happening on Saturday, May 20. That is when the little town of Whalan (population 63) once again hosts the annual STAND STILL PARADE. Festivities are from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., with music, food and fun activities.
At 10 a.m. the Zumbrota Community Band will be featured at the gazebo. Enjoy the music of Walter Bradley and Steve Arnold as you enter town. Egg McWhalans are ready for you to enjoy. Artists and vendors line the bicycle trail with their wares and demonstrations. Visit with your favorites and meet some new folks.
Beginning at 11 a.m., until 12 p.m. is the official time the parade is up and running, err… we mean, STANDING STILL for you to walk in and about. The Lanesboro High School Band marches in place during the parade. The grand marshalls are Joan and Ernie Johnson, who have worked tirelessly for many years to make the SSP run smoothly. Since they are not going anywhere fast, you can have a leisurely conversation about the history of the SSP.
From 12-3 p.m., the Rutabaga Brothers take the stage. They entertain you with their blues sound…an upbeat and danceable R&B combo (www.rutabagabrothers.com). They are not to be missed.
Purchase tickets for the many food items available, including lefse, brats, turkey sandwiches, floats, fresh fruit and desserts. Tickets are also needed for activities and raffle items.
This year we are including a basket raffle with generous donations by many members of the community. An attendant will assign you a number and will mark your pre-purchased tickets for you to drop into the baskets of your choice. Drawings will occur prior to 3 p.m. and winning numbers will be posted and/or announced so you may take your winnings with you.
A new option included this year is a bungee trampoline experience. Check our website, www.standstillparade.org for the cost; this will be collected separately from the SSP ticket purchases.
Check out the petting zoo, win prizes at the duck pluck, and participate in exciting bed races.
Sponsors and donators we would like to thank include Acentek, MiEnergy, Treasures on the Trail, Commonweal Theatre, Aroma Pie Shop, Merchants Bank, Gator Greens, Cedar Valley Resort, the City of Whalan, and Lanesboro Sales Commission.
Don’t miss a visit to the museum (up the hill ½ block) for an informative visit with local historians.
Join us on May 20 for a few hours in Whalan and lose yourself in fun, community, music and good food. Perhaps we will see you riding through this summer on the bike trail. We all say “welcome.”