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Small-City Community Events, Parades & Fly-Ins in 2026

At Bollig Engineering, we love summer, especially the season of small-town parades, community festivals, and the volunteers who make them happen. These hometown celebrations bring people together, showcase local pride, and remind us why rural communities matter. From parade routes and pancake breakfasts to community fairs and fly-ins, there is something special about the way small cities celebrate.

As a firm that works alongside small cities, public works departments, and airports across Minnesota, we are proud of the communities we serve and their summer event. Here are some of the small-city parades and airport fly-ins on our radar in 2026.

June

Felton Field Days - Bollig Engineering - Megan Kunkel Bollig hard hat

Russell Bandwagon Days

Sunday, June 7, 2026 | 1 p.m.

The season kicks off in Russell with a hometown celebration.

Bird Island Island Days Regatta Parade

Tuesday, June 16, 2026 | 6:30 p.m.

Bird Island celebrates with the Regatta parade and a week full of community spirit.

More information: [Bird Island Island Days official page]

Felton Field Days

Saturday, June 20, 2026 | 12 p.m.

Felton Field Days is a great way to keep the summer momentum going, and we are glad to be part of it.

More information: [Felton Field Days Community News page]

July

Okabena July 4th Celebration

Saturday, July 4, 2026 | 1 p.m.

There is nothing quite like a small-town Fourth of July, and Okabena is a great place to celebrate.

More information: [Okabena, MN City Page]

Hector Corn Chaff DaysOkabena Fourth of July parade

Saturday, July 11, 2026 | 12 p.m.

Hector Corn Chaff Days is always packed with community energy, so don’t miss a fun stop in Hector.

More information: [Hector Corn Chaff Days official page]

Two Harbors Heritage Days

Saturday, July 11, 2026 | 1 p.m.

We always enjoy the energy of Heritage Days and the chance to celebrate with the Two Harbors community, where Bollig Engineering has an office.

More information: [Two Harbors Heritage Days official page]

Brooten Bonanza Valley Days

Sunday, July 12, 2026 | 1:30 p.m.

From food and music to parade day excitement, Bonanza Valley Days is a summer favorite.  We also highly recommend the Kiddie Parade!

More information: [Brooten Bonanza Valley Days official page]

Sacred Heart Summerfest

Friday, July 17, 2026 | 6 p.m.

Sacred Heart Summerfest is one of those celebrations that really shows what community pride looks like!

More information: [Sacred Heart Summerfest official page]

Gilman Days

Saturday, July 25, 2026 | 12:30 p.m.

Gilman Days brings a full weekend of activity to town, with a great lineup again this year.Felton Field Days parade - Bollig Engineering

More information: [Gilman Days official page]

August

Lake Lillian Fun Days

Saturday, August 1, 2026 | 4 p.m.

Lake Lillian Fun Days is always a good time, and its a great way to kick off August!

More information: [Lake Lillian Fun Days official page]

Elbow Lake Flekkefest

Saturday, August 8, 2026 | 5 p.m.

Elbow Lake Flekkefest is one of a kind (in Minnesota at least!). Don’t miss it!

More information: [Elbow Lake Flekkefest official page]

Upsala Heritage Day

Saturday, August 8, 2026 | 5 p.m.

Heritage Day is a celebration of community, tradition, and the small-town spirit that makes Upsala such a special place to call home.
Bird Island Days - Island Regatta - Bollig Engineering

More information: [Upsala City Page]

Orr Airb’orr’ne Fly-in

Sunday, August 9, 2026 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

 The Airb’orr’ne Fly-in is a great community event that brings together aviation supporters and the community.

More information: [Orr Municipal Airport]

Raymond Harvest Festival

Saturday, August 22, 2026 | 1:30 p.m.

Raymond Harvest Festival is always a fun way to celebrate late summer!

More information: [Raymond Harvest Festival official page]

Wood Lake Community Fair

Wednesday, August 26, 2026 | 6 p.m.

What better way to spend a Wednesday evening in August than celebrating strong local tradition in Wood Lake?

More information: [Wood Lake Community Fair official page]

September

DeGraff Labor Day Celebration

Sunday, September 6, 2026 | 1 p.m.

DeGraff is a great place to celebrate Labor Day weekend with a true small-town atmosphere.

Tracy Boxcar Days & Tracy Airport Fly-In

Monday, September 7, 2026 | Fly-In 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., Parade 1 p.m.

Tracy Boxcar Days is always a Labor Day weekend highlight, and the fly-in and parade on Labor Day make it even more special.

More information: [Tracy official City page]

Amboy Days

Saturday, September 12, 2026 | Time TBD

Amboy Days is a great way to wrap up the summer festival season. More info is coming!

More information: [Amboy Days official page]

Appleton Applefest

Saturday, September 19, 2026 | 12 p.m.

Applefest is a longtime community tradition, and we are glad to round out the season in Appleton.

Hector Airport – Lion’s Breakfast Fly-In

Sunday, September 20, 2026 | 7:30am-12:30pm

This Fly-In in at the Hector is talked about all over the state! You won’t want to miss the Lions Club Breakfast for a great cause.

More information: [Hector Airport]

These parades, festivals, and fly-ins are a true reflection of what makes small-town Minnesota so meaningful: community spirit, local traditions, and volunteers who make it all happen. Whether you are watching from the curb, helping organize the day, or walking in the parade, there is no better way to enjoy the season than by supporting hometown events. We hope to see you out there this summer.

 

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