What's in Store for Mendota Days 2011

This weekend marks the annual celebration, scheduled for July 8 and 9.

All events will take place at the Vasatka-Goers WWII VFW Post #6690 on Sibley Memorial Highway.

“It’s kind of a civic thing,” said parade organizer Jerry Smith. “Mendota is actually the oldest city in Minnesota—it was incorporated a few years before the state was. And St. Peter’s was the oldest church in Minnesota. It’s a little city, but I think we should do something to celebrate that every year.”

Friday, the beer garden and concessions open at 5 p.m. Expect classic festival fare including hotdogs, brats, hamburgers, corn dogs, and of course, mini-donuts. The Blues 2-11 band will perform from 7-11 p.m.

Saturday, the parade steps off at noon, starting at Church of St. Peter, and ending at D Street. The Osman Shriners Legion of Honor, the Zhurah Shriners, a gorilla on inline skates playing an accordion and the St. Paul Police Band are all expected to stroll down Highway 13 for spectators.

Another popular parade entry this year is the Twin Cities Unicycle Club. “I don’t know how they come down that hill,” said Don Collier, VFW quartermaster. “They have some (unicycles) as tall as this room.”

They missed the parade last year for a national competition, but they’re back this year with their high-flying tricks and energy.

 “And of course you’ve gotta have the Vulcans,” added Smith.

The beer garden and food concessions will open up shop at noon on Saturday as well. The Dahlgren Bros. Band (country western) takes the stage at 1:30 p.m. and is scheduled to play sets until 5 p.m. For the kids, a petting zoo and inflatable jumpers will be offered from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.

The Mendota Days music finale is a new addition to the lineup. A Hard Days Night Beatles Tribute Band will twist and shout from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.