Our New Ulm Minnesota River pals upstream are holding "River-Blast," on Aug. 31 and Sept. 1, Friday and Saturday. (For more information, call (507) 233-4300, or visit www.riverblast.org [1].)

The events include a Minnesota River parade/flotilla on Saturday. Photos from previous years show a pretty whacky group of boats and floats.

It sounds like a great idea to bring attention to the Minnesota River – maybe something to consider for an upcoming River City Days.