Summer in Blaine hits high gear this weekend as Blaine Festival rolls back into Aquatore Park with its mix of free, family-friendly fun. For three days the park turns into a mini fairground, with live music, carnival rides, food vendors and a Saturday parade aimed at all ages. From bands on the bandshell to pig races and a medallion hunt, crowds are expected to pack the park from Friday through Sunday.
According to the City of Blaine, festivities start Friday at 5 p.m. with a flag-raising and opening ceremony, and the parade steps off at noon on Saturday. The city’s festival page also lays out the band schedule, with performances running from Friday evening through Sunday afternoon, and notes information and first-aid tents on the grounds. The Parks page’s Facebook post announcing “Blaine Festival week” points readers to the full schedule and vendor details.
What to expect
The program blends free and ticketed attractions, from a vendor village and civic tent to a car show, pig races, and the Fantasy Corral petting zoo, according to Blaine Festival. Clues for the medallion hunt are posted starting Thursday, and many family activities run throughout the day, with some contests and fundraisers carrying small fees. The bandshell lineup lists The Johnny Holm Band, Good for Gary, and Dirty Shorts Brass Band among the weekend performers.
Getting there and logistics
The festival offers free off-site parking with shuttle service from Westwood Middle School, with buses running about every 15 minutes on Friday evening and from noon on Saturday, the City of Blaine notes. The last bus leaves Aquatore Park at about 12:15 a.m. Aquatore Park is at 9191 Lincoln Street NE at the corner of Highways 65 and 10, and volunteers and golf carts are available to assist visitors with mobility needs. Visitors should plan for busy conditions during the parade and vendor hours and pack sunscreen and water for outdoor activities.
Plan ahead
For the full timetable and vendor lists, see the festival website and printed programs available at the information tent on site. The festival’s site includes a detailed map and accessibility notes for those who need extra assistance. Organizers ask attendees to follow staff directions for safety and traffic and to check for last-minute updates before heading out. Expect crowds, consider arriving early for popular bands or the parade and then settle in for Blaine’s big summer weekend in the park.
