No one was heard complaining about the hot, sticky evening as the 2022 St. Anthony VillageFest Parade stepped off Friday evening, August 5. The shade of St. Anthony Parkway helped, as did the energy of the parade units and the eagerness of the paradegoers.
Below: In order of appearance and numbered for ease of use. (Photos by Karen Kraco)
1. The St. Paul Winter Carnival’s Vulcan Rex gave Dean Affeldt, left, and Duane Hodges some advice.
2. The stuffed animals thrown by Happy Tails Rescue were a prime catch.
3. The Patriots Marching Band is made up of students from St. Anthony Village High School and Spring Lake Park High School.
4. The Patriots’ sousaphone line, marched during a break in the music.
5. St. Anthony Village High School’s Huskie mascot greeted a young parade-goer.
6. The TKO Knockout Dance Team, a staple in local parades, always give their all.
7. Ellie, Abby, Dee, Chloe and Grace waited for the parade to start.
8. A creation of the RoboHuskie robotics team rolled along the parade route (under their control).
9. Officer Kiel Rushton waves to paradegoers.
10. A Twin Cities Unicycle Club member wowed toddlers with his skill.
11. The St. Anthony Village Fire Department handed out candy along the route.
12. The pre-parade classic cars at Mike Gondek’s house are a 10-year tradition, and this year’s star of the show was a Talbot Sunbeam, owned by Morrie Wegener, former owner of the Morrie’s Auto Group dealerships.
13. The Nakamuras check out a 1969 VW Beetle.
14. The Frees and furry family member Winston came early to get a seat on the church lawn.
15. Nourish 282 gathered food donations along the route.
16. St. Anthony Community Theater put on Matilda: The Musical this July and August.
17. Calvin Posman found a clever way to hold his candy takings.
18. St. Anthony’s Girls’ U12 team were the state champs this year; the boys’ U10 team were league champs.
19. Mío Tubman is New Brighton´s junior ambassador.
20. The Edison Alumni Marching Band performed in the parade.