Rondo Days facts for kids
Rondo Days is a special yearly festival in Saint Paul, Minnesota. It happens on the third Saturday in July. This festival remembers the historic Rondo Neighborhood. Rondo was a strong African-American community that was divided by the building of Interstate 94 in the 1960s.
The festival started in 1983, thanks to co-founders Floyd G. Smaller and Marvin R. Anderson. Since then, it has grown a lot. Today, Rondo Days is the largest festival in Minnesota that is supported by the African American community.
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Remembering the Rondo Neighborhood
The Rondo neighborhood was a very important place in Saint Paul. It was the heart of the Black community in the Twin Cities area. In the 1960s, a new highway, Interstate 94, was built right through Saint Paul. This construction sadly destroyed many neighborhoods, including Rondo.
The Rondo Days festival began in 1983 as a way to celebrate this lost community. It brings people together for an annual reunion. It helps everyone remember the history and spirit of Rondo. The festival was not held in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. So, the 37th festival was moved to 2021.
Fun at the Festival
The Rondo Days festival is full of exciting activities for everyone.
The Grande Parade
The festival kicks off with the Rondo Days Grande Parade. It starts exactly at 10 AM on the third Saturday of July. The parade begins at St. Claver Church and finishes near the MLK Rec Center Park. You can see many groups marching and celebrating.
Activities and Entertainment
After the parade, the fun continues with lots of entertainment.
- There is live music from different artists.
- You can enjoy delicious food from various vendors.
- A drill team contest takes place, with teams from all over the region showing off their skills.
- In past years, there have been pony rides, a bike clinic to help with bicycles, and even a petting zoo.
Many groups in the community help make Rondo Days happen. These include local churches, sports teams, schools, and other organizations. They all work together to celebrate the history and future of the Rondo community.
