The event schedule for Two Harbors Heritage Days is bursting with new and returning activities. Organizer Cheryl Sundstrom highlighted some of the new features of this year's celebration July 11-14.

"We have a ventriloquist coming this year; we've never had that before," she said. "We have a performance from a karate group, the Rock Solid Robotics team and a visit from the Zoomobile from Lake Superior Zoo."

Returning to the schedule after a few years' absences are tours of the Edna G tugboat and Marty's Goldenaires, a Michigan-based marching band act, to the Heritage Days parade.

"And of course, the Eveleth Clown Band will be in the parade as well," Sundstrom said. "They're a hit with the crowd."

Sundstrom said despite it being a non-election year, the parade, set to begin at 1 p.m. Saturday, is full of units.

The Two Harbors High School Marching Band makes its way down First Avenue during the Heritage Days Parade. Photo:  News-Chronicle file photo

"Remarkably, it's just as big as it's been in the past with 60 units," she said. "So it'll be a long one again."

Sundstrom reminded residents along Fifth and Sixth avenues near the parade route to move their vehicles prior to Saturday morning.

The parade's grand marshal this year is an unconventional choice: the Northwood's Band. Sundstrom explained that in the past, the committee has typically honored long-time volunteers or an instrumental member of the community. The band was selected for their local charity work; for being long-time community members; their performances as the street dance band for the past three years; and for "the recognition they've brought to Two Harbors," Sundstrom said.

"So they're instrumental in more ways than one," she said of the band. "They recently competed in the Celebration of Music competition in Minneapolis. And they’ll be going to L.A. to perform in October of 2020. So we thought it would be great to honor them."

The Northshore Tractor and Equipment Club brought out many types of equipment for the Two Harbors Heritage Days Parade.  Photo submitted

Volunteers, donations needed

Sundstrom is still looking for volunteers to help with this year's festivities. Although she plans to remain chairman of the event, next year she won't be available during Heritage Days. Her son is getting married during the same weekend. She is looking for anyone interested in learning the ropes to shadow her this year to prepare for next year.

Sundstrom also said donations are needed for the Heritage Days fund. The festival typically costs around $10,000. Monetary donations can be dropped off at City Hall.

For a full listing of Heritage Days events, visit the Heritage Days Facebook page.

Approximately 46 runners took part in the Heritage Days 5K race in 2018. Photo: News-Chronicle file