Decked-out canoes floated up and down the Red River Sunday in Folkways’ fifth sort-of-annual canoe parade – “sort of” because bad weather has complicated several of the events, which come at the climax of Greater Moorhead Days.

Sunday was overcast with a few sprinkles. But that didn’t stop costumed paddlers from making their way from the Moorhead boat landing near the Hjemkomst Center up to the Oak Grove pedestrian bridge and back. Participating “floats” celebrated a birthday, portrayed a tasty banana split, carried a loon as a figurehead, and other themes.

“Our goal is to create a family-friendly way to get people down to the river,” says organizer Simone Wai of Folkways. “We hope to improve the river’s reputation, showing it in a more positive light instead of its negative connotations with floods and problems.”

(Photo/Russ Hanson)