By Marilyn Miller
June will be “bustin’ out all over” when the City of Minden celebrates its 190th anniversary in conjunction with the good ole USA sweeping in its 250th birthday next month. The activities are slated for the entire month, with the majority of events taking place from Thursday, June 11 through Saturday, June 13th. Below are the major events that will take place:
GREAT AMERICAN COOKOUT.
THURSDAY, JUNE 11
Bites & Beats will change things up a bit from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 11 at Miller Quarters Park in downtown Minden. In addition to live music, there will be a giant waterslide and a cookout for those attending.
FRIDAY, JUNE 12
MINDEN’S 190TH CELEBRATION. The City of Minden will begin celebrating its 190th anniversary on Friday, June 12 (from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.) Opening Ceremonies will take place at 6 p.m. in front of City Hall. There will be performances by local schools, the Little Grillers’ Competition on Pearl Street, and the Cornhole Tournament in the GBT parking lot. Little Grillers returns June 12th as part of the 250/190 celebration in our Downtown District. If you have a kid between the ages of 6-18 and they love to grill, this is your time to SIGN THEM UP! Click the signup link to learn more! https://app.seemylegacy.com/community/2484/campaign/8598
SAT., JUNE 13
8 a.m. Come to Downtown Minden for the “Run Minden on Main” fun, patriotic 5K Race starting at 8 a.m. It’s a celebration like no other! “Along the course you’ll find water sprinklers to run through, popsicles, music, ice-cold cooling rags, and plenty of cheering spectators to keep you going every mile,” said Minden Main Street Director Sarah Overall. Participants will receive great swag (A high-quality tech tank, drawstring backpack, Bib pins and more). Awards & Extras: Most Patriotically Dressed Male & Female, win 2 tasting wristbands for Grilling on Main; Overall Male & Female Winners, cash prizes; Age Group Awards, Custom running hats donated by the Minden Run Club; First 200 Finishers, Receive a finisher medal; plus a fun “Make Your Medal a Magnet” station and face painting for the kids! With great running, amazing food, music, and fun for the whole family, Run Minden on Main is a race you won’t forget. Sign up at https://bit.ly/RunMindenOnMain.
10 a.m.
Pet Mayor Collaring Ceremony takes place at 10 a.m. The 2026 Elected “Pet” Officials will be announced. Following the incredible success of the inaugural Pet Mayor Election in 2024, which raised over $21,000 for the construction of the City’s new animal control facility, the Pet Mayor Election is back for another year of friendly competition, community involvement, and support for a great cause. Local pets are officially campaigning for the titles of Pet Mayor, Chief of Pawlice, Fur Chief, and Pet Council Members — and every vote counts. Cast your vote by making a donation in support of your favorite candidate. Every dollar raised goes directly toward animal welfare efforts and improvements to the City’s animal services.Browse the candidates, vote for your favorites, and help make a difference in the lives of animals in the community.
11 a.m.
GRILLING ON MAIN. This is a non-sanctioned BBQ competition.
Teams may begin setup at 7:00 AM on Friday, June 12th.
Competition spaces are first come, first served and assigned upon arrival by event staff.
Water and limited electricity will be available on-site.
RV electric hookups are not available.
A mandatory competitor meeting will take place on Friday, June 12th at 5:30 PM. At least one team member must attend to compete.
Competition meats will be inspected and distributed during the meeting.
Teams must compete in all three provided-meat categories and the People’s Choice category.
All meats and dishes must be prepared and smoked on location.
Any heat source is allowed.
Garnish is not allowed in competition boxes.
Turn-in times must be followed exactly. No grace period will be allowed.
People’s Choice dishes must be meat-based and prepared on-site.
Teams must prepare approximately 1000 samples for the People’s Choice category.
1 p.m.
AMERICA’S 250TH CELEBRATION. Live music performances. Kids’ Patriotic Parade, Celebrity Watermelon Seed Spitting Contest. MORE…
7 p.m.
GREATER MINDEN CHAMBER DUCK DERBY. The race is on. The 8th Annual Minden Duck Derby Extravaganza presented by The Mosaic Company is back — and this year, it’s part of the huge America 250 / Minden 190 Celebration weekend in Downtown Minden! Join us on Saturday, June 13th at 7PM during Grilling on Main for an evening packed with live music, great food, family fun, patriotic celebration, fireworks, and one of the most anticipated moments of the weekend — the Duck Derby race! Contact the Greater Minden Chamber of Commerce to purchase your ducks today!!
9 p.m.
FIREWORKS FINALE!!!!
Music Lineup:
Thursday:
Therah Newman at Bites & Beats at Miller Quarters Park
Friday on the Main Stage:
7 until 8 p.m. — Jimmy Wooten
8 until 9 p.m. — Mojo
Saturday on the Main Stage:
1:30 until 2:30 p.m. — Josh Love
2:30 until 3:30 p.m. — Beaux Atkins
7 until 8 p.m. — The Accountants
8 until 9:30 p.m. — Trini Triggs
There’s going to be something happening from the daytime all the way into Saturday night.
Reserve a stage-side table here: https://app.seemylegacy.com/community/2484/campaign/9139