Roseville's Rosefest Starts Saturday

Rosefest, Roseville’s annual summer festival, begins its 10-day run Saturday with this year’s extravaganza offering nearly 30 events.

The summer celebration kicks off with a “Run/Roll for the Roses,’’ 5K and10K races for able-bodied runners and wheelchair participants that finish at the Roseville Skating Center. The races typically attract some 300 to 400 participants, according to city Parks and Recreation officials.

The festival concludes on July 4 with a day of games, concessions and entertainment at Central Park at Lexington Avenue. A  fireworks show is set for 10 p.m. over Bennett Lake.

In between those starting and ending days, a myriad of other events are scheduled including a golf tournament, charity police and fire softball game, a blues festival,  food and wine tasting, outdoor movie night and 21rst annual Rose Parade, sponsored this year by Genisys Credit Union. 

“We try to hit on events and activities for everyone, young and old,” said Jill Anfang, Roseville assistant director of parks and recreation. She said the parks department oversees organizing Rosefest but the celebration is also largely a volunteer-driven endeavor.

Some Rosefest highlights:

Saturday: 

7:55 a.m, 5 and 10K races.  Roseville Skating Center.

7 to 9 p.m. Rosefest Campfire at Harriet Alexander Nature Center.

Sunday

4 p.m. Guns & Hoses benefit softball game at Central Park at Lexington.

6:30 p.m. Minnesota Sinfonia at Central Park Frank Rog Amphitheatre.

Monday

6:15 p.m.  Annual Rose Parade, which starts from Roseville High School  and finishes at the Roseville Skating Center.

Tuesday

5:45 to 8:30 p.m.  Blues festival at Central Park Frank Rog Amphitheatre .

Wednesday

7:15 p.m.  Japanese Taiko drumming at Central Park Frank Rog Amphitheatre .

Thursday

5 to 8 p.m.  Taste of Rosefest  at Central Park Muriel Sahlin Arboretum.

Saturday, July 2

7:15 p.m. Roll In Movie double feature at  John Rose Minnesota  OVAL.

Monday, July 4

All day. Games, concessions and entertainment at Central Park. Evening fireworks show concludes the day.

A complete schedule of Rosefest can be found at the city's website.