Kaposia Days celebrates historic milestone

Kaposia Days celebrates historic milestone
By Jake Spitzack | Staff Writer | June 2025

In honor of its 50th anniversary, new events are being added to this year’s Kaposia Days celebration, held June 26-29. The summertime tradition has been held since 1976 and its name honors the area’s earliest known residents: the Kaposia band of the Mdewakanton Dakotah. Here’s an insider’s tip: get your lawn chairs set up along the parade route at least one day before the parade because everyone else does! Most events are free, but some have an admission charge. Purchase a button to take advantage of discounts. They’re $3 and available at Central Square Community Center, 100 7th Ave. N., and several local businesses. All information was accurate as of press time but is subject to change. For more information, visit kaposiadays.org.

Medallion hunt – A medallion will be hidden on South St. Paul’s public lands and whoever finds it gets $400. Two clues will be released each day – one at 9 a.m. and one at 5 p.m. – on the Kaposia Days Facebook page, beginning Sunday, June 22. The final clue will be released at noon, Friday, June 27. If you find the medallion, take a photo of where you found it and call the number with it to return it for your prize. Finders have the opportunity to be honored in the Grande Parade on Friday evening.

Kaposia Days kick-off celebration – Get the festivities rolling a day early by celebrating 5-7 p.m., Thursday, June 26, at the Croatian Hall, 445 2nd Ave. S. The free event features Kaposia Days memorabilia, a special performance by Imnizaska Drum Group, and the opportunity to meet this year’s celebration honorees and board members. A festive luau dance party at Northview Pool is also held at the same time; admission is free with a Kaposia Days button or $5 without.

Grande Parade & Street Dance – As a nod to its 50th anniversary, the annual parade has been moved this year and will travel down 5th Avenue rather than 7th. Starting at 6:30 p.m., Friday, June 27, it begins at the intersection of 12th Ave. N. and 3rd St. N., and travels south on 12th Ave. N., then east on Southview Boulevard, and then south on 5th Ave. S. The final block of the parade between 7th and 8th streets will be a designated ‘Quiet Zone’ (no horns, sirens, music or lights). This year’s grand marshals leading the parade are South St. Paul Police Sgt. Michael Dahl and officer Aaron Schmidt, and the legacy honoree is Jean Kandt. Live cable coverage by Town Square Television will be aired on Channel 14. Additionally, a Friday night street dance will be held 7-10 p.m. at Concord Lanes, 265 Concord Exchange N., following the parade. Austin Healy Band will perform. Admission is $7.

Bingo & disco bingo
Test your luck at bingo 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, June 28, and noon-5 p.m., Sunday, June 29, at the intersection of 6th Avenue North and 2nd Street North. Games cost 50 cents each and proceeds support Kaposia Days and local charities. Refreshments will be available for purchase. Disco bingo will be held 7-9 p.m. on Saturday. It features a “back to the 70s” costume contest, trivia and prizes. Cost is $5 per person.

Classic car show
Vintage automobiles will be on full display 10 a.m.-4 p.m., June 28, at the South St. Paul Secondary School parking lot, 700 2nd St. N. Registration for exhibitors is the day of the event only.

Beanbag tourney
A doubles cornhole tournament begins at 10 a.m., June 28, at the Lions Pavilion at Kaposia Landing, 800 Bryant Ave. Participants must be 18 or older unless accompanied by an adult. Registration is 9-9:45 a.m. the day of the event. Cost is $50 per team, cash only.

Craft fair & expo
Shop from dozens of artisan vendors and learn about local businesses 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, June 28, on 6th Ave. N. and around Central Square, 100 7th Ave. N. Register for a booth for $40 by visiting kaposiadays.org or contact Julie at drjulie@sspfamily.com.

Kiddie parade
The South St. Paul Mayor’s Youth Task Force is hosting the annual Kaposia Days Kiddie Parade on June 28. This year’s theme is “50 years of fun!” The parade departs at 10 a.m. from Central Square and travels a few blocks to the Touch a Truck event. Participants should arrive by 9:30 a.m. to register.

Kids fishing clinic
Learn how to tie knots, bait a hook, identify fish and more at the fishing clinic, held 9 a.m.-noon, Saturday, June 28 at Simley Pond near 80th Street and Cahill Avenue in Inver Grove Heights. Poles and bait will be provided.

Softball tourney
Teams will hit the softball diamonds at Kaposia Landing Fields, 800 Bryant Ave., June 28-29, for the state’s second largest softball tournament. Pre-registration required and all players must be age 18 or older. $200 per team. To register, contact Rich at 651-455-1725 or rrakness@comcast.net.

Touch a truck
Kids can explore fire trucks, police trucks and other large vehicles 10 a.m.-noon, June 28, on 6th Avenue N. near the high school parking lot. Gift certificates will be available for free ice cream. Free.

Pro Wrestling Demo
Members of the Northern Lights Wrestling team will compete at 2 p.m., June 28 outside of Concord Lanes, 365 Concord Exchange N.

Pancake breakfast
Enjoy a stack of pancakes and sausage 9 a.m.-noon, Sunday, June 29, at Fury Motors, 1000 Concord St. S. The meal is free with a Kaposia Days button.

Open skate
The South St. Paul girls’ hockey team will host an open skate 1-3 p.m., Sunday, June 29, at Doug Woog Arena, 141 6th St. S. Skate rentals are $2. Admission is free with a Kaposia Days button or $5 without. No sticks or pucks allowed.

Puzzle contest
New this year is a puzzle contest, held noon-2:30 p.m., June 29, at Angelo’s Pizza, 1203 Southview Blvd. Teams of up to four people will race to complete a 350-piece puzzle (provided). Prizes are awarded to the top three teams. $10 entry fee per person includes pizza and pop. An easier puzzle competition is also available
for ages nine and under, and a Community Puzzle Swap will take place. Registration is limited and closes June 20. Visit kaposiadays.org.

Kite fly
Colorful kites will fill the sky noon-3 p.m., June 29 at Roosevelt Field, near 5th Avenue South and 5th Street South. If it’s raining, the event will be canceled and won’t be rescheduled. Kites and assistance will be available. Guests are encouraged to bring a chair and an umbrella for shade. Free.

Inver Hills Band
Local musicians will perform 4-5 p.m., June 29, at the Central Square Amphitheater. Free.

Fireworks
The Kaposia Days closing ceremony is 8-10:15 p.m., June 29, at Ettinger Field, 700 2nd St. N. It will feature food, live music, and a dazzling fireworks show.

Swag
Kaposia Days swag, such as t-shirts, hats and bags, is available. Place your order early to be received in time for the big weekend. For more information, visit kaposiadays.org.

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