Block party kicks off Saturday

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The fourth annual Two Harbors Block Party kicks off this Saturday.

Kids get their own turf—the Thomas Owens Park on Waterfront Drive. From 1-5 p.m. there will be kids’ karaoke, a bounce house, a giant inflatable slide, the Zoomobile and face painting. There will also be some skateboarding equipment—a preview of what’s to come at the new skate park-- set up on Waterfront Drive

The grown-up version of the Block Party also starts at 1 p.m. on First Avenue. There will be a classic car show until 5 p.m. and music until 11 p.m. The party is funded mostly by sponsors and grants and the bands play at reduced prices or free of charge to make the event more affordable.

“It’s my obligation to bring this community together as the mayor,” Mayor Randy Bolen said.

Ten bands will entertain at the block party. The Old Timers’ Band kicks off the event at 1 p.m. followed by Stubborn Country, which covers classic country songs. Melvis and Fish, who performed at the Bayfront Blues Fest this year, will follow.

Derrick Hietala, local musician and father of seven who was the local winner of Country Showdown last year, will play at 3 p.m. Guilty Pleasures and Don’t Panic are next, followed by The Accidentals—a band who only performs at the block party, according to Bolen.

“There [are] a lot of people coming home just to see The Accidentals,” he said. The Accidentals were Two Harbors’ first rock and roll band and in addition to playing at the Block Party they will be playing a special 5-song set for the THHS Class of 1962’s 50 year reunion. Four members of the class have been among the Accidentals’ roster over the years. The group’s lead singer is no other than Mayor Bolen’s father –in-law.

Local singer-songwriter Hannah Rey’s set begins at 8 p.m., Minneapolis band Two Harbors plays at 9 p.m. and Cerventes rounds out the offerings at 10 p.m. The Accidentals will play an encore after Cerventes to finish up the night.

Food vendors will also be set up all day.

“It’s an important thing for the community,” he said.

Tags: two harbors, arts and entertainment, community