Carlton Daze is here

When Carlton throws a party, expect big things. And there’s nothing bigger than the annual Carlton Daze celebration, which kicks off Friday and runs through Sunday, July 29-31.

Carlton Daze offers something for everyone: a pretty big small-town parade, loads of live music, all kinds of food, a classic car show, sales galore and lots of tournaments, from softball and volleyball, to bean bags, poker and golf. There are gun raffles and meat raffles, community church services, fun at the fire department and a bubble dance party at the bike shelter. Ancillary events such as the Paddlemania races at Jay Cooke Park and the Minnesota Voyageur ultramarathon on Saturday simply add to the fun.

“It’s an opportunity for neighbors and the larger community to celebrate: who we are, what we do, where we come from and to reunite with old and new friends,” said Chamber president Shanna Wolf. “Everyone comes together to make it happen.”

She means that literally. No one group or person really “does” Carlton Daze.

“Everybody kind of knows it happens the last full weekend of July every year, so they all do their part,” she said, adding that the Chamber helps promote the event and organizes the 5K race and parade.

Speaking of the parade, longtime community volunteer Mike Orlowski will be the grand marshal in Sunday’s parade. Wolf said it was an easy choice. “We look for people that we think have the community’s best interest at heart,” Wolf said. “Mike is everywhere, and has so many connections.”

Find the full schedule of events on Pages 12-13.