It’s Monday as I’m writing this, but I’m still carrying a few souvenirs from Two Harbors’ Heritage Days. They’ve lasted only because Dad handed me a jumbo bag of kettle corn on our way out. The mini doughnuts are long gone, but the sweet and salty kettle corn is still keeping me company as I sit down to tell you about the parade that highlighted a weekend packed with activity.
If you saw the posters, the flyers, or the big ol’ ads in this newspaper, you already know Heritage Days was everywhere. The city, Lovin’ Lake County, Co‑op Light & Power, and the Moose Lodge, among many others, sponsored a lineup that stretched from Thursday through Sunday, and they promoted it like the summer blockbuster it is every year.
Thursday kicked things off with the Dairy Queen Medallion Hunt, helicopter rides, balloon twisting, the kiddie parade, and the Two Harbors City Band at the bandshell. Friday kept the momentum going with vendors, kids’ events, tours of the Edna G., and a full afternoon of performers on the Heritage Days stage. And the big draw Friday night was the street dance featuring The Ricky Carl Band, Rafe Carlson, and country great Sammy Kershaw, which brought out a crowd that filled the street from end to end.
But for me, the highlight was Saturday’s parade.
We left the house thinking we had plenty of time to find a parking spot up the block and another for our seats along 1st Avenue, but Heritage Days had other plans. We ended up several blocks away and joined the parade of people heading toward the actual parade.
Shade was gone, claimed, conquered, and defended by early birds, but we found a corner and a curb, and a nice lady assured us we weren’t in her way. Kids were already vibrating with anticipation, clutching bags and buckets like tiny candy prospectors ready to strike gold.
The American Legion Honor Guard Post 109 kicked things off with a literal bang, and we were close enough to get the full blast of their salute. The Two Harbors Trap Team followed with a giant American flag, and just like that, the parade was rolling.
Fire trucks from every era came rumbling through, sirens blaring, horns blasting, candy flying. Mayor Lew Conner tossed out candy too, and right behind him came the Grand Marshal, elementary school principal Shane Johnson, cruising in a very fancy car that looked like it had been detailed just for the occasion.
We left (most of) the candy for the kids, but we did score some can koozies reminding everyone to keep boats clean and stop invasive species. (cleandraindry.org has the details, if you’re curious.)
Floats ranged from giant inflatable bears to towering beer cans, honored alumni class reunions, and I’d have to say that the bands were a highlight for me and my family. There’s something about a marching band or a set of bagpipes and drums that fills a street and thumps right into your chest. It’s impossible not to feel it.
The crowd was full of heat‑proof die‑hards. I told my parents I needed to get up soon, find a drink, and something sweet. I was melting into the sidewalk, but Mom pointed down the street and asked if I wanted to stay long enough to get a pic‑ ture of that “Dough Boy” coming our way.
She meant the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man behind the Twin Ports Ghostbusters’ Ecto vehicle, and yes, I absolutely would sweat it out for the Twin Ports Ghostbusters. I held back the urge to warn them not to cross the streams as they crossed the street to greet an obvious fan wearing the logo.
The Twin Ports Ghostbusters are a Duluth‑based fan group that suits up for community events and raises money for Ronald McDonald House Charities, Upper Midwest. They’re not affiliated with Sony Pictures, but they’ve built a following through parades, car shows, short films, and charity appearances. Their calendar is packed with fundraisers, toy‑themed videos, and Ecto‑vehicle outings supporting families who rely on RMHC.
Pictures snapped, we wandered down from the parade route to the vendor tents, where we browsed local art and handmade goods. One vendor asked if I wanted to try his pickles, and I did. I’m picky when it comes to pickles, but I went home with Kwickle Double Dill Double Garlic Seasoning, which promises pickles in a matter of hours as good as the ones I sampled. His ranch pickle dip, made from the same seasoning, was excellent.
After finding snacks and an ice‑cold Pepsi, we walked back up as the parade wrapped. We crossed the road behind a group of horses, a few of which I’d classify as “of a different color,” like they’d say in Oz.
We managed to save some mini doughnuts for my husband, who missed out on the fun. They were better hot and fresh, but he was lucky we saved any at all.
And while the parade was my favorite part, Heritage Days didn’t stop there. Saturday continued with live music at Thomas Owens Park, carriage rides, a cornhole tournament right after the parade, and tours of the historic movie theater showing classic cartoons all day. Sunday wrapped the weekend with a pancake breakfast, church services, more music, and one last round of vendors before everything wound down.
Thank you to all of the volunteers and businesses who helped put on such a fun weekend, and congratulations on another successful and entertaining Heritage Days.
