Neighbors Share Their Favorite Raspberry Festival Memories

The Hopkins Raspberry Festival started way back in 1935 when Hopkins food merchant Art Plankers came up with the idea as a way to boost local business. 2013 marks the festival’s 79th year.

A lot of Raspberry memories have been created during that time. Patch asked you to share some of your best memories. Below are some of the submissions. Do you have a favorite Raspberry Festival memory? Feel free to share it in the comments.

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Connie Hopkins-Johnson

When the tent dances were both weekend and kids could go, It was much more fun!

David Schmid

Finding the golden raspberry medallion!

Marcia Christenson

Searching for the Golden Raspberry with my Dad since I was about 6 years old (1969) and finally finding it in 2000! It would have been even better if Dad had still been alive; but my Mom was excited!!

Orrie Elizabeth Canaday-Nerwcomb

I was very intrigued by your posting on Facebook. It caused me to stop, and I started remembering being at the Raspberry Festival. I got very nostalgic and choked up. The simple feeling of excitement for the parade when I was a young child. Banners blowing, people smiling, and the smell of corn dogs frying. Mostly though, with a warm heart I remember sitting enjoying the parade with loved ones my family has since lost. 

The Hopkins Raspberry Parade, for me was always about one thing. Family. My family every year would come together, sitting next to one another on our chairs and blankets. Peering down the street anticipating for the fire trucks to arrive with their loud horns. 

One memory stands out the most. When we would all stand up and cheer for the Military War Veterans. They would walk by carrying the United States Flag tall and proud. I always felt very proud and secure at these moments. I remember when I was a young girl, looking over at my Mom and aunts as they teared up watching the Vets walk by. As a silly young girl I remember giggling at them with my sisters and cousins. How naive I once was. Every year at the parade as the strong men and women walk by. I too like my Mom and Aunts stand up proud clapping, cheering and shedding a tear for our Vets. I am so proud of them, and I am proud to be at the Hopkins Raspberry Festival.