Sauk Rapids Planning Food Court, Beer Garden During Governor’s Fishing Opener

SAUK RAPIDS - Several Sauk Rapids business owners are planning a fun event on the Saturday of the Governor's Fishing Opener. Roy Dodds is the owner of Urban Lodge Brewery and Restaurant. He says the event on Saturday, May 13 will be from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. in the promenade area of Lions Southside park.

He says they wanted to have the event because a lot of people are expected to be fishing that day along the shoreline of the Mississippi River in Sauk Rapids.

And because Sauk Rapids has the most [fishable] shoreline on the river, Sauk Rapids Sportsmen Association - in conjunction with the city - is organizing shore fishing stations.  So people can explore the river that way. And we thought, as a group of businesses in the community, that it would be fun to showcase our park system.

Dodds says they're planning on having a food court, a beer garden, and some entertainment throughout the day.  He says, with this being one of just two public events during the fishing opener, they're expecting some special guests to drop by.

We believe the Lt. Governor will be stopping at our event, along with our local legislators.  There will be a couple former Vikings there, and some DNR officials.  So there will be some cool people to meet and see.

Besides Urban Lodge, Old Capital Tavern, Manea's Meats, and Mixin' It Up Gluten Free Bakery have all signed on to be a part of the event.

This is one of two public events that will be happening that weekend, the other is the "Opener By George" community picnic on Friday at Lake George in St. Cloud.

The Sauk Rapids City Council is expected to approve the Community Festival permits for the event during their regular meeting Monday night.