Experience the magic of the World Famous Fish House Parade
November 29th, 2024
You might be wondering, “What is the Fish House Parade?” It’s a unique celebration where locals and businesses creatively adorn their ice fishing shacks to compete for the title of best float in this whimsical parade.The Aitkin Fish House Parade has been a community tradition in Aitkin, Minnesota since 1991:
How it started: The parade was created to celebrate the start of the holiday season and to welcome guests to the community.
What it features: The parade features creatively decorated ice fishing shacks competing for the title of best float.
How it's celebrated: The parade is a big part of the day, but there are also events for all ages, including crafts, bake sales, and more.
Join over 3,000 visitors from across the U.S. for a day filled with Minnesota spirit! Kick off with the Fishhouse 5K, bring the kids to meet Santa, explore the vintage snowmobile exhibit, shop from delightful local vendors, and enjoy the parade at 1 PM in downtown Aitkin.Don’t forget to bundle up and dress warm!Save the date, and check back for a complete schedule of the day’s exciting events as we get closer!
2024 SPONSORS
Paul Bunyan Communications | Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union | Travel by Destiny | Aitkin Health Services
2024 GRAND MARSHAL
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2024 GRAND MARSHAL •
ST PAUL VULCANS
The Saint Paul Vulcans are a non-profit organization that supports the Saint Paul Winter Carnival and the city of Saint Paul. The Vulcans are involved in many community activities, including parades, schools, hospitals, and senior centers.
The Aitkin Area is home to some of these amazing indviduals and we are extremely excited to announce they will be the Grand Marshal for 2024!
photos courtesy of Mark Persons
Fish house Parade - photo courtesy of MLEC
Cuyuna Lakes Santa -photo courtesy of Kelly Barrett
St Paul Vulcans -photo courtesy of Kelly Barrett
MLEC -photo courtesy of Kelly Barrett
Aitkin County Triad -photo courtesy of Kelly Barrett
American Peat Technology APT -photo courtesy of Kelly Barrett
Aitkin Fire Department -photo courtesy of Kelly Barrett
Future Farmers of America -photo courtesy of Kelly Barrett
Fish House Parade Trophies
Mille Lacs Trails & Aitkin Sno-Drifters Fire -photo courtesy of Aitkin Independent Age
Aitkin All Starz -photo courtesy of Kelly Barrett
Glory Baptist Church -photo courtesy of Kelly Barett
Aitkin Search and Rescue -photo courtesy of Kelly Barrett
Fish House 5k -photo courtesy of Aitkin Independent Age
Fish House Parade Judges -photo courtesy of Aitkin Independent Age
Northern Air Heating and Plumbing -photo courtesy of Aitkin Independent Age
PARADE FLOAT WINNERS
Fantastic Fish House
(most creative fish house)
Rocked the Float
(most energetic performance. music encouraged)
Coolest Kids In Town
(best youth participation float)
Raffle Winning Numbers
Selling Team: North Star Bassanados
$1 for every ticket sold goes back to their team!
516
554
288
422
516
554
70
276
641
222
35
650
229
34
DAC MART
Ginger Marie’s
Toby’s Thrift
Aitkin Moose Lodge
The Landing
Aitkin Historical Society
Pal & Co
Beartooth ACE Hardware
My Crafts ‘N Things
Guidepoint Pharmacy
Jaques Art Center
Smokey Jakes
Rosallini’s
Uptown Energy
All Through The House
The Beanery
The Office Shop
Locker Room
In an effort to include more of our businesses in Aitkin and promote supporting local we introduced the Ice Hole Hop.
PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES
What is it?
Bundle up and get ready for—the Aitkin Ice Hole Hop! This winter, we invite you to explore our charming local businesses, connect with neighbors, and embrace the festive spirit while collecting signatures from participating stores. Each signature brings you one step closer to winning amazing prizes!
How It Works:
Pick Up Your Hop Card: Start your journey at any participating business.
Visit Local Businesses: Stop by each location, say hi, and collect your signature.
Complete Your Card: Once you've filled your card with signatures, drop it off at any participating business and winners will be announced Monday 12/2 via phone & Social Media.
Why Participate?
Support Local: Every visit supports our beloved local businesses.
Great Prizes: Complete your card and you’ll be entered to win fantastic prizes donated by our generous local merchants.
Community Fun: Share laughter, make memories, and celebrate the heart of Aitkin.
Curio North
Sampaguita
Pine Insurance Agency
Fortunato Art Studio
Aitkin Municipal Liquor
The Joint Tavern
Big Tom’s Diner
Rasley Oil
Aitkin Flowers & Gifts
Block North
The Forty Club Restaurant
Hyytinen Hardware Hank
Paulbecks’s County Market
Rialto Theater
The Ripple Center Craft Market
Atwater GM
Hello Gorgeous
Adventure North
PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES
Some of the prizes from our amazing businesses!
Fortunado Art Studio $200 value Watercolor Lesson & Supplies
Winner: Wade & Vicki Burlel
Fortunado Art Studio $25 value Children’s Christmas Workshop
Winner: Andrea Chase
Rosallini’s Pizza $25
Winner: Mary Swanson
Rosallini’s Pizza $25
Winner: Lori Lee
Aitkin Flower Shop $25
Winner: Jody Hackenmueller
The Beanery $20
Winner: Belle Smith
Hello Gorgeous Eskimo Fishing Caddy, sign, & iBobber
Winner: Krista Kommer
All Through The House $25
Winner: Elizabeth Accola
Did you love Santa?
Cuyuna Lakes Santa (yes, that is really him in the photos)
