A Summertime Tradition: Kaposia Days returns June 23-25

Jake Spitzack Staff Writer

The annual Kaposia Days celebration takes place June 23-25, featuring a full calendar of events designed to help residents celebrate community pride. For those new to the community, the name honors the area’s earliest known residents: the Kaposia band of the Mdewakanton Dako- tah. Here’s the line-up for the festival, which has been a summertime tradition since 1976. Most events are free, but some have an admission charge. Be sure to purchase a button to take advantage of discounts. Buttons are $3 and available at Central Square Community Center, 100 7th Ave. N., and several local businesses. This year’s button design winner was South St. Paul fifth grader Thomas Laliberte. All information was accurate as of press time but is subject to change.

For more information, visit kaposiadays.org.

Kick-off celebration

Festivities kick off 4:307:30 p.m., Thursday, June 22 with a social gathering and memorabilia display at Croatian Hall, 445 2nd Ave. S. All are welcome.

Luau pool party

Northview Pool, 635 18th Ave. N., is hosting a luau

1-3 p.m., Friday, June 23.

It will feature a dance party with live music and free root beer floats. Admission is $5, or free with a Kaposia Days Button.

Grande Parade

Decorative floats and other vehicles get rolling at 6:30 p.m., Friday, June 23. The route begins at 12th Avenue and travels down 12th Avenue to Southview Boulevard then turns south on 7th Avenue South. The final block of the parade, between 6th and 7th streets, is a “Quiet Zone” (no horns, sirens or lights). This year’s grand marshal is Beth Baumann, former South St. Paul mayor, and the super senior is Dan Swenson, former president of the Kaposia days board of directors. Both Baumann