Raspberry Festival Selects Former Hopkins Librarian For Grand Marshal

David Smith is accustomed to watching the Raspberry Festival’s Grande Day Parade from the curb. The former Hopkins librarian has lived in the community since 1970. His son, now 46, was even a raspberry in the parade. But Smith, himself, has always been happy to watch the festivities with the crowds lining the street.

That’ll change this year, though. Raspberry Festival Co-Executive Director LouJean Gleason announced Tuesday that Smith will be the grand marshal for this year’s festival, a choice that celebrates the .

“I was very surprised because I’ve been here many, many years and I’ve seen local luminaries in the position,” he said. “It’s an interesting thrill.”

Smith was Hopkins librarian from 1963 to 1967, when he helped plan the current library. He left briefly but returned in 1970 to become associate director of the Hennepin County Library System, a position where he supervised the Hopkins Library.

He’s been a consulting librarian since 1985.

To Smith, the Raspberry Festival is Hopkins’ own version of “The Great Minnesota Get-Together.” It reminds him of the county fairs and dairy festivals he knew growing up. It’s a chance to get together again with old friends and neighbors.

“It’s been an activity that encourages reunion,” he said.

But at this year’s get-together, Smith will be front and center, no longer on the sidelines. That’s an honor he’s thrilled to have—even if he’s still a bit taken aback to be the one chosen.

“There’s still a good aspect of, ‘Why me? Why did I get this position in life?’” he said.

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