More Photos from the Sinclair Lewis Days Parade

Sunday, July 28, 2013. I got one photo this week, from the webcam.


One of Sauk Centre's street sweepers, making the rounds. July 25, 2013.

Some midway rides, still folded for transport, arrived this week and are waiting at the Stearns County fairgrounds. The fair starts in a few days. That'll give me some good picture-taking opportunities.
Meanwhile, here's more from Sinclair Lewis Days.


Pink Flamingos: big ones; inflated; two of them. July 20, 2013.


Catching up. I saw quite a few red-and-white caps. This year's parade theme was "Christmas in July." July 20, 2013.


That's the Knights of Columbus float, behind the black truck. July 20, 2013.


I don't remember who these fellows were: but they played a lively rhythm. July 20, 2013.


A flyover: probably not part of the parade. July 20, 2013.


This is one of my favorite floats: the Coborn's grocery cart. July 20, 2013.

I've got a few more photos from the parade, but haven't decided whether to post them later: or go straight to pictures from the Stearns County fair.

A "Million Dollar Rain," Sinclair Lewis Days, and Changes on Main

Sunday, July 14, 2013. Sinclair Lewis Days started today. It's a week-long set of civic events, including a kiddie and pet parade, and Crazy Days downtown: that's when retail stores set up tables on the sidewalk by their storefront, and hope for sunny skies.

Someone called today's weather a "million dollar rain." We had drizzle or light rain most of the day: not good for picnics or outdoor shopping, but great for getting moisture into the soil.

I noticed some changes along Main Street, between the Lake Wobegon Trail bridge and the Interstate.


Hillcrest Motel on South Main. It really is on the crest of a hill. The slope is on the side away from Main. July 12, 2013.


A little north of Hillcrest Motel, on the other side of Main, a new(ish) building has occupants. July 12, 2013.

That building across the street from the Hillcrest Motel, the two-story one with tannish-brownish-gray siding, was under construction for a long time. Last September I'd guessed that it would be an apartment building.


The new building on South Main may be ready by winter: or, not. My guess is that it'll be apartments. or something else. September 8, 2012.

I still think it looks like a multiple-unit housing facility, but it's being used as a professional/office building.


At least two outfits, an insurance office, and "Dentistry for Children," have moved in. July 12, 2013.

Folks coming to town for Sinclair Lewis Days shouldn't have much trouble seeing where the pedestrian crossings are. We've got new paving and paint on some of the major near-downtown streets.


Friday afternoon near downtown Sauk Centre. That's St. Paul's church in the background. July 12, 2011.

I want to check out the parade route for Sinclair Lewis Days. It went by my house for several years: which made getting pictures very easy.

Slightly-related post:

• "Construction and a New(ish) Name on Main Street"
  (September 30, 2012)

Fourth of July Weekend

Sunday, July 7, 2013. Fourth of July/Independence Day weekend is almost over. I didn't hear as many fireworks outside this year as before. Maybe I wasn't listening hard enough.


Flags lined  ("The Original") Main Street and Sinclair Lewis Avenue for Independence Day. July 3, 2013.


We didn't see  quite as big a fireworks stand this year. July 3, 2013.


The 'umbrella fountain' - with new(ish) colors. July 3, 2013.

I don't know when the 'umbrella fountain' got new colors. The green and white are nice: but I liked the yellow and blue, too. The last time I can be sure I saw the older colors was two years back, just after that big storm.


What's remarkable is that the gazebo and the 'umbrella fountain' came through in one piece. And that nobody was hurt or killed. July 11, 2011.

Back to the present, and Sauk Centre's newly-painted water tower.


New paint on the water tower. July 3, 2013.


These folks do a nice job with their yard displays. July 7, 2013.

I'll be back with more pictures next week. That's the plan, anyway.