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Litchfield Marching Band performed its 1930 Chicago show during the inaugural Parade of Bands in 2019.

Manannah Daze To be announced

The small village of Manannah kicks off their annual summer celebration with a variety of activities, including volleyball and horseshoe tournaments, tractor pulls and a street dance. The parade Saturday is followed by a pageant, where Manannah men dress in drag to compete for the title of Miss Manannah.

Litchfi eld Parade of Bands June 15

Established in 2019 by the Litchfield Visitors Bureau, the Parade of Bands brings high school marching bands from around the state to Litchfi eld for a competitive band festival. Cancelled due to COVID-19 in 2020, the event is back on for 2021, with two more bands — for a total of 13 bands. It will have a slightly different approach this year, with only two awards presented, for People’s Choice and Grand Champion.

Eden Valley’s Valley Daze June 25-27

Eden Valley celebrates every June with a parade, carnival, live music, food stands, a tug-a-war tournament and an annual youth fi shing contest. This year’s event will feature new attractions, which will be announced via its website.

Litchfi eld Watercade July 8-11

Litchfield hosts a weekend of fun, food and festivities. Activities planned each year include a fi reworks display, golf tournament, Grand Day parade, Art in the Park, medallion hunt, 4-mile run, fi shing contest, kiddie parade and a Little Crow water ski show. Watercade’s fi nale is the annual queen coronation and includes the crowning of the new Miss Litchfi eld and princesses.

FILE PHOTO Fireworks erupt over Lake Ripley, lighting up the night sky during the annual Watercade celebration.

Cosmos Space Festival July 16-18

The annual get-together features a Little Miss Universe and a Man in the Moon coronation, softball tournament, meals in the park, a Space Festival parade, fireworks, pancake breakfast, pork chop dinner, church in the park, music entertainment, crafters, pedal tractor pull, volleyball and more.

Meeker County Fair Aug. 5-8

It’s the annual “Fairest Days of Summer” for Meeker County residents. It features traditional county fair activities, such as exhibits and the showing of livestock, carnival rides, live music and demolition derbies.

Watkins’ Kraut ‘N’ Wurst Day First Saturday in August

This event consists of a parade, Little Miss Watkins Pageant, Cow Drop Raffl e and an evening street dance with beverage/food stands located in McCarthy Park.

Darwin Twine Ball Celebration Second Saturday of August

It’s one of Minnesota’s unique landmarks — Darwin’s big ball of twine. Dubbed the World’s Largest Twine Ball Collected by One Person, the spherical collection is celebrated with a parade, mini-rod races, craft fair and pork chop dinner. The offi cial date for 2021 had not been set at press time. Grove City Windmill Days

Grove City celebrates summer with a tractor pull, mud volleyball, horseshoe, trap shooting and softball tournaments, a kiddie parade, talent show and parade. No date had been established for the 2021 celebration at press time. Contact Grove City Windmill Days Committee at 320857-2322. Forest City Thresher Days Aug. 21-22

Thresher Days include displays of antique tractors and other farm equipment, along with threshing and corn shredding demonstrations. A tractor parade also is a favorite annual event.

PHOTO BY JULIANA THILL The beach party at Lake Ripley is one of the highlights of Litchfield’s annual Watercade festival, which is scheduled for July 8-11, 2021.

Forest City Stockade Rendezvous Third weekend in August

Step back in time for the annual Rendezvous. The Forest City Stockade, a replica of a fort built by Forest City residents during the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862, is home to a variety of old fashioned activities, demonstrations and food. No date had been established for the 2021 Rendezvous at press time. Check www.forestcitystockade.org for the most current information.

Dassel Red Rooster Days Sept. 3-6

Labor Day weekend is time to celebrate, with an ambassadors coronation, parade, Minnesota’s Largest Chicken Barbecue, and other activities.

Forest City Pioneer Christmas First Saturday in December

The Forest City Stockade switches gears after its Summer Rendezvous to a winter holiday theme during its annual Pioneer Christmas. Activities include horsedrawn sleigh rides, a visit with Santa, Christmas caroling and oldfashioned ornaments.