Summer and winter festivals
Winsted offers family fun in every season
Winsted Summer Festival
People in Winsted and surrounding communities look forward to the second weekend in August , because that ’ s when it ’ s time for the Winsted Summer Festival .
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic , the festival did not take place in 2020 . Organizers and community members are looking forward to having the annual event in 2021 .
The 2019 event included fi reworks , live music , a fun run , a parade , beanbag tournaments , a canoe race , pedal pull , raffl e , and much more .
The 31st annual Bratbusters took place the fi rst day of the festival . This event is an opportunity to connect with friends and neighbors while enjoying food and beverages at Mill Reserve Park by Winsted Lake . Activities for children include a fun run , treasure hunt , face painting , fun bounces , and a youth bean bag tournament .
Saturday morning of the festival always starts with the Winsted Run Around the Lake ( about 4.2 miles ). In 2019 , there were 77 participants .
A children ’ s pedal pull also takes place during the Summer Festival . Participants work hard during the competition as family and friends cheer them on .
Each year , Winsted royalty are crowned the last day of the celebration . The 2019-20 Winsted Ambassadors are Emma Weege , Alexis Johnson , and Katelyn Waataja . There was no royalty program in 2020 , due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
The grand parade also takes place the fi nal day of the festival , with area residents honored as grand marshals to lead the parade .
The Winsted Summer Festival committee is looking forward to hosting an event in 2021 .
Anyone who would like more information about the upcoming celebration , or is interested in being on the committee , can contact Jeff Campbell at 612-554-7439 or jcampbell @ bhgmn . com .
Winsted Winter Festival
The fi rst weekend of December is a chilly time of year , but in Winsted , there ’ s plenty of warmth and light to go around .
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic , the Winsted Winter Festival did not take place in
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2020 ; however a few events were hosted . Organizers and community members are looking forward to enjoying the Winsted Winter Festival in 2021 .
The holiday light contest did take place in 2020 , and three winners were chosen .
• First place – Mitchell and Leslie Littfi n , Zion Avenue .
• Second place – Anthony and Laura Laxen , 2nd Street North .
• Third place – Bryan and Emily Schaust , Mallard Avenue .
The medallion hunt took place in 2020 , as well . Seventh-graders Jackson Remer and Luke Lachermeier teamed up to fi nd the medallion , and split the $ 100 prize .
In 2019 , Winsted celebrated its 31st annual Winsted Winter Festival ( sponsored by the Winsted Area Chamber of Commerce ), which featured a lighted Christmas parade , caroling , art classes , candy-making , visits from Santa Claus and Winsted ambassadors , and more .
Each year , the festivities begin with a holiday outdoor lighting contest hosted by the Winsted Chamber of Commerce . The festival ends Saturday evening with a lighted Christmas parade .
Mill Reserve Park by Winsted Lake is a popular place for kids of all ages during the
Winsted Summer Festival .