Park dedication, all-school reunion are highlights of Jubilee Days this weekend in Hardwick

“Hometown Heroes” is the parade theme for the Jubilee Days parade Saturday night in Hardwick.
While the theme highlights the volunteer firefighters, rescue squad and American Legion members within the community, there are many heroes helping to keep the small town in northern Rock County vibrant.
A dedication ceremony Friday night at the Milford Remme Memorial Park celebrates the improvements made this spring to the facilities and grounds by a volunteer leadership committee.
The event begins at 6 p.m. with free hot dogs and drinks, with the local dairy association serving ice cream. Music will be provided by Kenny Frey.
The park dedication provides the finishing touch to the $10,000 age-friendly community project completed with a grant Hardwick received through the Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging.
The cruise-in car show Friday evening from 5 to 8 p.m. on Main Street is open to cars, trucks, tractors and motorcycles.
The Hardwick Elementary Wildcats Headquarters opens at 3 p.m. Friday in the community center. Alumni can pick up reunion apparel until 8 p.m. and reminisce about attending classes at the former K-8 school.
The day ends with karaoke at 8:30 p.m. in the Green Lantern.
 
Community meal at 5 p.m., parade at 7 p.m. Saturday
A community meal at the Hardwick Fire Hall will be served Saturday from 5 p.m. until gone. Ice cream is served by the Zion Youth Group, with music by Ron and Jane Cote from 5 to 7 p.m.
Free inflatables are available from 5 to 7 p.m.
The parade begins at 7 p.m. with the Hometown Heroes theme chosen by members of the Hardwick Community Club.
The theme piggybacks on a theme chosen three years ago.
“In 2020 we had planned on having all nurses and health care workers in the Hardwick area as our Hometown Heroes, but our Jubilee Days parade was canceled,” said community club member Lorna Bryan.
“We just want to say ‘thank you’ to our hometown heroes for their services to the Hardwick community — the firefighters, the rescue squad and the veterans of the American Legion.”
A pedal pull for children ages 4 to 11 and a hay bale toss for all ages follow the parade.
Free music will play from 9 p.m. Saturday until 1 a.m. Sunday.
A community worship service at 10:30 a.m. Sunday in the Zion Lutheran Church parking lot rounds out the Jubilee Days celebration. Attendees should bring a lawn chair. Lunch will be available after the service for a freewill offering.