Summerfest parade in Pine River gets 'Back on Track'

Those who braved the heat of the Saturday, July 24, Summerfest parade in Pine River were treated to an abundance of patriotic and railroad themed floats.

Several American Legion clubs and color guards were present with flags galore, including one float by the Crosslake-Fifty Lakes American Legion bedecked front to back with banners that included American flags, Legion post flags and service flags.

Several floats hit this year's parade theme "Back on Track" out of the park. Sherwood Florist towed a line of train-car themed floats behind an "engine" spouting water onto the parched crowd. Wheels and Things LLC had a float of five pedal powered, linked train cars from the engine to the caboose.

Waste Partners' take on the theme was perhaps most comical with a side-by-side pulling five trash cans from biggest to smallest in tow.

After the hiatus of 2020 and various other challenges, the parade served as a sign of the return to the familiar.

Summerfest featured other annual events, including live music, vendors, sidewalk sales, fun run, medallion hunt, book sale, art club exhibit, rhubarb fest, walkin' tacos and The Warehouse Block Party.

Travis Grimler is a staff writer for the Pineandlakes Echo Journal weekly newspaper in Pequot Lakes/Pine River. He may be reached at 218-855-5853 or travis.grimler@pineandlakes.com.

1/5: Very early on in the July 24 Pine River Summerfest Parade small flags were passed to attendees. Travis Grimler / Echo Journal

2/5: Being well aware that growing things need water as well as sunlight, Sherwood Florist was sure to douse the paradegoers at the July 24 Pine River Summerfest parade. Travis Grimler / Echo Journal

3/5: Several floats became crowd favorites at the July 24 Pine River Summerfest by flinging enormous handfuls of candy to everyone present. Travis Grimler / Echo Journal

4/5: Wheels and Things LLC was one of the floats to go all-out on the July 24 Pine River Summerfest Parade theme of "Back on Track" with a train of pedaled "boxcars". Travis Grimler / Echo Journal

5/5: The Pine River Art Club once again set up a colorful display of art pieces by local artists at The Warehouse in Pine River. Travis Grimler / Echo Journal