2022 lineup for Willmar Fests full of celebration

062419.N.WCT.WillmarFests.0801.jpg — The color guard of the Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg Marching Saints perform alongside the marching band during the Willmar Fests Grande Day Parade of June 2019 in downtown Willmar. Erica Dischino / West Central Tribune file photo

By Shelby Lindrud

June 11, 2022 07:11 PM

Celebrating its 75th year, Willmar Fests will be held June 22 through June 26.

A four-day city festival filled with fun for all ages, Willmar Fests was formed from four past celebrations – International Fest, Aqua Fest, Frameries Fest and Kaffee Fest.

The community celebration includes a block party, royalty and ambassador coronations, story hour, tennis tournament, Stingers baseball, pancake feed, two parades and a kids carnival.

The schedule is subject to change, and might also have to be updated due to pandemic restrictions. Up-to-date information will be available at willmarfests.com and on the festival’s Facebook page.

Wednesday, June 22

9 a.m. — Coffee with the Candidates at The Goodness Coffee Shop

2 p.m. — Senior Ambassador Coronation at Willmar Community Center

3:30 p.m. — Queen’s Splash at Dorothy Olson Aquatic Center

4:30 p.m. — Royalty Ride with BikeWillmar and Wilmar Bikes

6 p.m. — Pie & Ice Cream Social at Robbins Island

7:30 p.m. — Prairie Winds Summer Band and West Central Connections Chorus Concert at Rice Park

Erica Dischino / Tribune Kevin Lundberg holds his two granddaughters Olivia Lundberg, 2, left, and Adline Lundberg, 3, while they wait for candy to be thrown from the floats during the Willmar Fests Grande Day Parade Saturday in downtown Willmar. — Kevin Lundberg holds his two granddaughters Olivia Lundberg, 2, left, and Adline Lundberg, 3, while they wait for candy to be thrown from the floats during the Willmar Fests Grande Day Parade Saturday in downtown Willmar.

Thursday, June 23

10 a.m. — Royal Storytime at Miller Park

4:30 p.m. — Willmar Fests Block Party Kickoff at 5th & Becker Ave

Food trucks, various vendors, activities and more

Kick Off with Q102
Meet the Willmar Fests Queen Candidates
Crowning of the Willmar Fests Junior Royalty

5:30 p.m. — Willmar Fests Kids Fun Run

6 p.m. — Willmar Fests Kiddie Parade

6 p.m. — Willmar Smash Season 3 #6 SMASHFEST at Spurs

6:30 p.m. — Fireman’s Challenge

7 p.m. — Battle of the Business Bean Bag Tournament, Dam Jammers on the Block Party Stage

062421.N.WCT.QueensSplash.0095.jpg — Willmar Fests royalty candidate Jen Harasyn, left, plays tic-tac-toe with Parker Nye, 8, Wednesday, June 23, 2021 during the Queen's Splash to kick off the start of Willmar Fests at the Dorothy Olson Aquatic Center in Willmar.

Friday, June 24

7:30 a.m. — Willmar Fests Chamber Connection at Heritage Bank

1 p.m. — Appreciation Day Dance at the Willmar Community Center

7:05 p.m. — Willmar Stingers Baseball Baker Field at Bill Taunton Stadium

Saturday, June 25

7 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Willmar Fire Department Pancake Feed at the Willmar Fire Station

10:30 a.m. — Grande Day Parade in downtown

3 to 5 p.m. — Willmar Fests Ambassador Coronation at WEAC

7:30 p.m. — The Little Crow Ski Show at Robbins Island

10 p.m. — Q102 Lakeland Broadcasting’s “Works Over Water” fireworks show

By Shelby Lindrud

Shelby Lindrud is a reporter with the West Central Tribune of Willmar. Her focus areas are arts and entertainment, agriculture, features writing and the Kandiyohi County Board.

She can be reached via email slindrud@wctrib.com or direct 320-214-4373.