The Miss Cokato Coronation, and a performance by the energetic trio, the Holy Rocka Rollaz, highlights the 69th annual Cokato Corn Carnival. All carnival festivities take place in Peterson Park, downtown Cokato, from Monday, Aug. 13 through Wednesday, Aug. 15. Each year, enjoyment and entertainment for the entire family can be found at the carnival; 2018 will be no exception.
■ Monday, Aug. 13: Kiddie parade at 6 p.m. Sign up for the Kiddie Parade begins at 5:30 at the intersection of Broadway Ave. and 7th Street E. The main parade will follow immediately after the conclusion of the kiddie parade.
Following the conclusion of the parades, food stands, bingo, and Midway rides in the park will also be open Monday evening. Please note that there will be no free corn-on-the-cob served Monday evening. The Cokato Museum will also be open Monday evening, 5 to 9 with its featured display, Cokato, 1968.
■ Tuesday, Aug. 14: Midway and rides open at noon, weather permitting. Food stands will also be open beginning in the afternoon. Registration for the children’s prize drawings runs from noon to 3 p.m., with drawings at 3 p.m. You must be present to win. Information stands and button sales begin at 12:30. Bingo starts at 1:30. Free corn-on-the-cob is served at the Corn Stand from 4 to 9.
The Cokato Museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Friends of the Cokato Library book sale will be in the Centennial Room of the library/museum building from 2 to 7 p.m. The culmination of the day will be the 71st annual Miss Cokato Coronation ceremony, on the main stage, beginning at 8. Six candidates are vying for the title of Miss Cokato and Princess. Introduction of visiting royalty, awarding of the Commodore Award and Community Service Award, farewells from reigning royalty, and the crowning of the 2018-19 royalty are part of the ceremony.
■ Wednesday, Aug. 15: Activities again start in the afternoon with the children’s prize drawings, button sales, bingo, Midway, and food stands. Registration for the children’s prize drawings runs from noon to 3 p.m. with the drawings at 3:15. Once again you must be present to win. Free corn-on-the-cob runs again from 4 to 9. The Cokato Museum will also be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and the Used Book Sale continues in the Centennial Room from 2 to 7.
Wednesday evening’s entertainment schedule begins with the Mid Minnesota Concert Band at 7. Beginning at 8, the Holy Rocka Rollaz trio returns to bring their high-energy show to the main stage, performing a mix of classic 1950s tunes and original compositions.
Snippets of their shows can be found at their web site, www.holyrockarollaz.com.
The finale of the carnival arrives at 10, with the drawing for the cash prizes – $1,000, $1,500, and $2,500; along with seven $100 alternate prizes – and the separate drawing for 2018 Chevrolet Cruze. Tickets for the car are still available. Those interested in purchasing a ticket should check with Cokato City Hall, Cokato Motor Sales, or members of the Cokato Fire Department