Big Crowd At Rochesterfest
Thursday saw the biggest crowds yet this year for Rochesterfest at its new Soldiers Field location. Even a brief rain shower around 6:15pm didn't stop people from enjoying the great food, drink and festivities.
The entertainment on the Treasure Island stage was provided by many great local singers competing in the annual Karaoke Extravaganza featuring a $300 top prize and a trip to the 'Minnesota Sings' finals in St. Paul in September.
Thursday night capped off with the beautiful Hot Air Balloon Glow at Soldiers Field at dusk.
Rochesterfest now heads into its final weekend. Free trolley rides from 1st Ave SW to the Fest grounds and back will be provided Friday between 11am and 2pm. And Friday night is the Grand Parade sponsored by Clements Subaru. This year's Grand Marshals are Majors Paulette and James Frye of the Rochester Salvation Army. There's a new parade route this year that starts on 6th Street SW, turns left on 7th Avenue and winds up back on George Gibbs Drive near Soldiers Field Park and the Rochesterfest grounds (see map below). Prior to the parade is the Camp Olson/YMCA Mile-Run along the parade route. Following the parade, the annual Country Night Dance takes place on the Treasure Island stage featuring music from '2 Mile Final'.
For more information about these and other events, please visit the Rochesterfest website.