The Goose Festival is the embodiment of the spirit of Middle River. Virtually every community member is involved in some way, shape or form. More people descend on Middle River during the three days of the annual festival each year than at any other time. We have been listed in “Explore Minnesota” in the list of the Top Ten Things to do in Minnesota. While some ask, “What’s that?”, many across the nation have heard of the festival or even been here to participate in its events. From the goose calling contests to the Flea Market, every event guarantees a good time.
Every year the Goose Festival changes some. One thing is for sure, every one is better than the last one, and can bet your bottom dollar that this year will top them all!
The Middle River Community Club takes the most active role in planning the annual Goose Festival. From the selection of the theme and the ordering of the buttons to the final music jam on Sunday, the events are carefully designed to fill very minute for people of all ages. Some of the favorite events are the parade, the kiddie parade, the flea market, the music session, the quarter scramble, the goose calling contest, the Community Theater production, and certainly the food!
Concession stands come from far and wide, with the Oofta Taco stand being the local favorite, evidenced by the long lines of customers waiting their turn for the delicacy that resembles nothing Scandinavian other than half its name. One stand serves buffalo burgers, and then there’s the Spud Wagon and Funnel cakes. It’s as just as good as going to the county fair!
The town swells with visitors, some for the opening of goose hunting season, other just to take in the festival and all its pleasures, many taking advantage of both. The Goose Festival, proudly sponsored by the Middle River Community Club, is an event that must be experienced to be appreciated.
