32nd annual Buffalo Days set for this weekend

Luverne will kick off summer this weekend with its 32nd annual Buffalo Days celebration.
“This year we have more great things to do on Buffalo Days Weekend than ever,” said Luverne Chamber Director Jane Wildung Lanphere.
“Thanks to local businesses and organizations, the weekend is filled with fun and exciting things to do.
The weekend begins Friday with the annual Buffalo Days Cruise-In on Main Street in downtown Luverne.
All vehicles are welcome to this free event from 6 to 10:30 p.m. when corral parking will be available for over 250 cars, trucks, motorcycles and more. 
A live rock ’n’ roll band, The Starfires, will perform, and food, beverages and a beer garden will be on hand.
New to the cruise-in this year is the ReMax Hot Air Balloon, which will offer rides from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at The Lake (aka Creamery Pond). Proceeds will benefit Children’s Miracle Network 
Saturday events start at 7 a.m. with the Kick the Can Iron Team Triathlon Relay. 
Two to four-person teams will swim for 2.4 miles, bike for 112 miles and run for 26.2 miles.
The wave start is at 7 a.m. at the Luverne Area Aquatics and Fitness Center and will finish at 4 p.m. 
Another opportunity for exercise will be at 8:15 a.m. when the Sanford 5K and 10K Run/Walk starts at Sanford Luverne Rehab.
Meanwhile hungry athletes, spectators and visitors can enjoy Dad’s Belgian Waffle Feed from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the American Legion.
The ever-popular Arts in the Park at the Luverne City Park is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. featuring artists, crafters and unique retail vendors. There will also be international cuisine and local food vendors along with entertainment and fun for children throughout the day.
The annual Buffalo Days Parade on Main Street is at 10 a.m. and Skyway Helicopter Rides from City Park will be from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The day wraps up with Rock County Speedway Races at the Rock County Fairgrounds starting at 7 p.m. There will be five classes:  B-Mods, Pure Stocks, Mini Mods, Micro Sprints & Super Chargers. Doors open at 6 p.m. 
Returning to the Buffalo Days weekend again this year is the fifth annual Tales from the Graves Sunday afternoon at Maplewood Cemetery.
From 1 to 4 p.m. local re-enactors will share stories of the life and death of people in Rock County, and homemade pie and ice cream will be served.
Lanphere said she’s looking forward to another successful Buffalo Days weekend in Luverne.
“Almost all of these events are free for visitors and residents alike. As a business, make your plans to take advantage of all the great things going on,” she said.
“We build community by sharing experiences with others and this is a great weekend to do it.”