I first started at the Bemidji (Minn.) Pioneer as an intern in the summer of 1996. That would begin six years as a news reporter, sports reporter and copy editor for a small, six-day-per-week daily newspaper in northern Minnesota. I wrote a large range of stories from multiple beats, to features to sports, my favorite being the coverage of the Red Lake Reservation High School basketball team named the Warriors. Here is a collection of my stories from my time at the Pioneer.
July 5, 1996
By Devlyn Brooks
Staff Writer
The highlight of the Bemidji Jaycee Water Carnival has always been the Grand Day Parade, and this year is not any different, said Jennifer Bardal, parade chairwoman.
The 52nd annual parade starts Sunday at 1 p.m. and will be following its traditional route. Beginning at 15th Street, the parade will follow Minnesota Avenue to Third Street, which it will follow to Beltrami Avenue, then back to 15th on Beltrami.
This year's grand marshal is newly retired Bemidji State University history professor Art Lee. Lee is the author of several books including "University in the Pines," a history of BSU. Water Carnival co-chair Everette Johnson said the Jaycees could not have found a better grand marshal because Lee knows more about Bemidji than most people.
Lee said it was a "pleasant surprise" to be asked to be the marshal. "I always like parades," he said. "Parades and Fourth of Julys go together, along with fireworks and the bands."
He will be riding in his son's white 1966 Mustang convertible in the parade, with his son driving. Lee said it is a nice family connection. "My daughter in Norway said she wishes she could see it," he said.
So far, Bardal said there are more than 85 registered participants for the parade with a variety of entertaining groups.
There will be five marching bands this year: the Bemidji High School Band, the Hibbing High School Band, the Bemidji Area Community Band, a BSU Dixieland Band and Kramer's Krackerjacks. The Krackerjacks are a "humorous five-man drum line from St. Cloud," stated a Jaycees release.
There also will be 60 area baton twirlers from age 4 to teens, who will follow the BHS band. The Headwaters Shriners will once again be back with their famous mini-cars. The Bemidji Fire Department will drive its fire trucks and provide its own clowns for amusement. The Bemidji Youth Hockey League will have a number of rollerbladers showing off their skills.
There are a few royalty who will also ride in the parade. Little Miss Bemidji, Little Miss Cass Lake and the Minnesota Wild Rice Queen will be participating.
Bardal said there are lot of animals in this year's parade, which should be entertaining for children.
And as always, she said, there will be plenty of candy, balloons and ice cream for children of all ages.
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