SAVE THE DATE!
2026 Rum River Festival
June 4-7
Rewind. Replay.
Rum River Festival Days 2026!
We're throwin' it back to the days of old and taking a look back at Princeton Festivals of the past!
1961: Princeton's first festival - The Flower Festival
This 2-day event featured a Kiddie Parade, a free lunch served by they Lions Club and a flower show at the high school auditorium. Much of the excitement was built around the Miss Princeton Pageant. Miss Minnesota crowned the new Mis Princeton and then a "Parade of Queens" was held that ended at the Princeton Speedway. In 1962, the Princeton Lions added a new tradition - the annual Airport Brunch.
cont.
1969: Princeton's Polka Festival Begins
In 1969, the Flower Festival became the Polka Festival, and as part of the celebration, streets were closed and polka bands played along the streets in downtown Princeton. This was the year the medallion hunt began, and parade had now grown to more than 80 units! There was a tug of war that occurred over the Rum River between the Princeton Fire Department and other groups and there was a big softball tournament held at Mark Park.
1974: Princeton's Festival became known as the Rum River Festival
For more than 50 years, our city's festival has been known as the Rum River Festival. And in 2026, we'll be celebrating it all - flowers, polkas, rubber ducks and more!
Check back often for event additions and updates
Thurs., June 4
The Medallion Hunt begins today with a clue released on the Chamber Facebook page each day until it is found.
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The City-Wide Garage Sale will be happening today too!
It's also the day of the Rum River Festival Parade!
Saturday, June 6
Start your day off at the Rum River Festival 5K Run/Walk, then head over to the Old National Bank parking lot for the Farmers Market. While you're there, visit the vendors and food trucks, located across the street. Stay for the bouncy houses, Elite Auto Foam Party and more!
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Princeton High School Alumni! Head over the Princeton Ice Arena tonight as we celebrate at the All Class Reunion!
Food Trucks at the Festival - Coming Soon!
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
Rum River Festival Committee:
Parade: Todd Frederick (City of Princeton), Bob Gerald (City of Princeton), Mary Patnode (Innovative Communication Strategies/ERX Motor Park), Dylan Donner (Princeton Wine & Spirits), Tracy Carlson (Edward Jones), Kaylee Fetters (Pizza Barn), Brian Julson (Princeton Community Education), Bopha Sar (Bopha Sar), Alisha Coons (Marv's True Value), Lindsey Barnes (Beyond Benefits), Jim Oliver (Oliver's Corner), Kim Young (PACCT)
Lucky Ducks: Bopha Sar (Bopha Sar), Kelsy Ham (Plastic Products Co, Inc.), Dylan Donner (Princeton Wine & Spirits), Kimberly Walizer (Minnco Credit Union), Kim Young (PACCT)
Medallion Hunt: Art Skarohlid, Randy Hatch (American Legion Post #216), Barry Schreiber (Mille Lacs County Historical Society), Kim Young (PACCT)
5K: Jami Schuster (Northern Nutrition), Kelsy Ham (Plastic Products), Lindsey Barnes (Beyond Benefits), Michael Puffer (TABI Oasis, Inc.) Kim Young (PACCT)