The community of Middle River, MN announces its’ 46th Annual Goose Festival, to be held September 25, 26 and 27. This year’s theme is “Can’t Mask Our Pride”.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: CDC Guidelines: Please don’t attend this event if you are feeling ill in any way. CDC Guidelines for COVID-19 will be followed. Please maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet. Wash hands frequently (handwashing stations and hand sanitizer will be available for hand hygiene). Face coverings recommended outdoors when social distancing cannot be maintained. Face coverings required indoors per Minnesota Executive Order 20-81. High touch surfaces will be sanitized frequently.
FRIDAY, September 25
Farmer’s Market is from 1:00-4:00pm at the Main St. Picnic Shelter. Beer Garden & Pork Sandwiches open at 3:00pm in the Sportsmen’s shed downtown. At 4:00, the 46th Annual Goose Festival Opening Ceremony is at the Main Street Stage. From 4:00 – 7:00pm is Watercolor Art Exhibit by Debbie Aune at the “Ol Press Building”. Goose Drop Squares are available (Get your squares at Cenex Co-op and hope the goose “drops” on your square to win big money). Bingo at the American Legion starts at 6:00. Enjoy three live music venues; from 6:00-9:00pm, “Backyard Revival” is playing at the Sportsmen’s Shed, and from 9:00pm-1:00am; “The Bad Campers” play at The Wheel Bar and “Tami Lee & The Northern Lites” perform at the American Legion.
Morning – SATURDAY, September 26
From 8:00am-5:00pm, the Craft and Flea Market is downtown – for more information contact goosefestfleamarket@gmail.com. At 10:00am is Children’s artmaking with the GMR Art Club next to “Ol Press Building”. From 10:00am-6:00pm, Watercolor Art Exhibit by Debbie Aune at the “Ol Press Building”. Beer Garden & Pork Sandwiches opens again at 10:00am at The Sportsmen’s shed. Morning coffee and a noon meal are hosted by Our Savior’s Thief Lake Church, outside the Community Center from 11:00am-2:00pm. Inflatable Kid’s Games open at 11:00 next to the Spruce Valley Community Center.
Afternoon/Evening – SATURDAY, September 26. At 12:30pm the Goose Festival Parade runs through town, to register a parade entry, please contact Tishara at 218-222-3928 or text 218-689-4076 (Line up at 10:30am behind the Legacy Center, judging is from 11:30am-12:00pm PLEASE COME EARLY). After the parade, Color & Face painting with Ashley will be next to the inflatables on Main Street. From 1:00 to 4:00 pm, “Dickie Miller” will be performing at the American Legion. Goose Drop is a 2:30 on Main Street (Get your squares at Cenex Co-op and hope the goose “drops” on your square to win big money). Bean Bag Tournament is at 3:00pm on Main Street (adult division) 2 person teams – entry fee is $10 per team – cash prizes.
Bingo at American Legion begins at 5:00pm. BAJA RACING is at the Legacy Center at 5:30pm. From 8:00-11:00pm, Teen dance at the Legacy Center for grades 7-12, music by Kickin’ Entertainment, Kenny Lubarski – $12 admission – doors close at 9:00. Enjoy live music – “Tami Lee & The Northern Lites” at the American Legion or “Jacked Up” at The Wheel, both venues 9:00pm-1:00am.
SUNDAY, September 27 also provides a big day of activities. From 8:00-11:00am, at the American Legion, Pancake/Ham Breakfast, donations benefit the Thief Lake/Middle River Living at Home Program. The North Country Horseman’s Saddle Club Game Show located at the Ornquist Arena; 1/4 mile west of MN Highway 32 on Marshall County Road 6 – 7:30am registration opens; 8:30am Lead-line & Small Fry divisions. At approximately 11:00, Kittson County Drill Team will perform, followed immediately by all other Game Show Age divisions – for more information contact Shirley at 218-686-4163. At 11:30am Community Church Service at Main St. stage (limited seating, bring lawn chair. If inclement weather, service will be held indoors). At 1:00pm the Daryl Jarshaw Memorial Tractor Pull is at the Farmer’s Coop Grain & Seed Elevator (FREE with Goose Fest button). The American Legion hosts the annual Music Jam at 1:00pm, sponsored by the Legion and the Community Club (FREE with Goose Fest button).
You can purchase your Goose Fest button for $3.00 at any business in Middle River. The commemorative button provides free events and entry for prizes including cash prizes of $100, $200 and $300, and supports the Middle River Community Club, organizers of the festival. Official Goose Fest Clothing is available with all proceeds benefiting local charities and organizations. Also, Middle River Memorabilia is available for purchase at various locations. The Middle River History book is available at Young’s Store. Many food vendors will line downtown Middle River. There will be many crafts, flea markets and rummage sales throughout town. Come join in for all the festivities, contests, and entertainment at Middle River’s 46th Annual Goose Festival, “Can’t Mask Our Pride”.
Last modified: 09/10/2020
