Those ‘Days’ are here!

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Talk about it

Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Rosanne Bump says this weekend’s 2009 River Falls Days has plenty of familiar attractions but has branched out with some new things to blend with the old.

Bump had this to say about balancing that mix:

“Every year we try to include new activities throughout the festival and continue to build on the River Falls Days ‘staples.’ This year our downtown group has been busy organizing, “Fiesta on Main Street.”

“This will be a great chance for families and kids to come down to Main Street and have a few hours of fun. There will be a little carnival crawl with lots of kids’ games and activities, piñata busting at GLOBAL M.A.D.E., and other activities happening throughout the afternoon.

“And food, of course. People can join the fun by entering their own salsa or Mexican dip creations or by being one of the judges for the people’s choice awards. Other food vendors will be available, too.

“Hopefully people will come out to our bean burrito eating contest. That was new last year but it was a big hit.

“We had a lot of people turn out to watch, and we’ve already got people bragging that they can eat more than 13 burritos in five minutes. It should be a fun contest again this year. “Immediately following the bean burrito eating contest is a free street dance featuring the live music of High Noon.”

On the city’s north end in the old industrial park, the trucks are revving their engines, at least for one more year.

“Our truck and tractor pull will again take place at the same location it has for many years. We have been told that this is the last year we can use that land for our events. We are actively searching for a new location.

“If someone has a few acres within, or very close, to the city limits that might be suitable for the events, we would love to have them contact us.

“We’re confident we can come up with a new location that will work well for the truck and tractor pull. Plus, we’d like to bring back the demo derby too if we can. That was a great family event, and I know people miss having that as part of River Falls Days.”

Where exactly will the carnival be and how far ahead do you arrange for that? Is it the same operators as last year?

“We will again have a carnival this year (same location in the parking lot just west of UW-River Falls’ North Hall) and it will be the same operator as last year. That was a nice, clean carnival that served our event well, and we’re looking forward to having them back again this year.

How has the planning gone for this year’s River Falls Days and is it all worth it?

“It’s always fun to see how the theme plays out in the parade. People really have fun implementing the theme into the parade units, and I’m sure this year will be no exception.

“River Falls Days is a great reason to be out and about in the community, meeting and reconnecting with friends, family and neighbors that maybe you haven’t seen in a while.

“And it is not just local residents that come to River Falls Days. It also draws a lot of people into town to take part in the fun. This is good for our local economy.”

Bump gave the following estimates to show the size and scope of the 2009 River Falls Days: