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Phelps Mill Festival returns July 11-12 with sing-off competition and $1,000 grand prize

The Phelps Mill Festival, one of the region’s most beloved arts celebrations, returns to Phelps Mill County Park, 20935 County Highway 45, Underwood, on Saturday, July 11, and Sunday, July 12. This year’s centerpiece is the second annual Phelps Mill Sing-Off, a solo artist vocal competition with a $1,000 grand prize.

The Sing-Off begins at noon Sunday, July 12, on the festival’s main stage. Solo performers from across the region will compete head-to-head for the top prize. Singers who want to compete can find details and apply online. The entry deadline is June 20. Follow the festival’s Facebook page to see the full lineup of competing artists before the big day.

Festival hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

A crowd of people walking through the tents at the Phelps Mill Festival
A vendor at the Phelps Mill Festival poses alongside her booth
A woman painting outdoors at the Phelps Mill Festival
A young man eating a brownie ice cream sandwich at the Phelps Mill Festival
A tractor pulling a trailer full of people at the Phelps Mill Festival
A young boy poses for a picture with the Otter Tail Country Inner Otter mascot at the Phelps Mill Festival
A crowd of people walking through the tents at the Phelps Mill Festival
A vendor at the Phelps Mill Festival poses alongside her booth
A woman painting outdoors at the Phelps Mill Festival
A young man eating a brownie ice cream sandwich at the Phelps Mill Festival
A tractor pulling a trailer full of people at the Phelps Mill Festival
A young boy poses for a picture with the Otter Tail Country Inner Otter mascot at the Phelps Mill Festival

Live stage entertainment

Saturday: The opening ceremony begins at 11:50 a.m., followed by music from Braedon Wallace at noon, Nathanial Fronning at 1:30 p.m. and Blue Red Roses at 3 p.m.

Sunday: A community worship service begins at 10:30 a.m., followed by the Phelps Mill Sing-Off at noon.

Arts and activities

The festival features more than 100 artist booths showcasing work from artists across the region. Free kids’ art activities led by Art of the Lakes and a free “Exploration in Print and Paint” workshop for kids and adults led by Kathrine McDowell run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday. Otter Cove Children’s Museum will lead kids’ activities from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday.

A craft beer and wine tasting event takes place from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday. Area nonprofits will serve food throughout the weekend.

Admission and parking

Admission is $8 for adults, payable by cash or check at the entrance. Children 12 and under are admitted free. Free parking and shuttle service to the festival grounds are available, along with accessible parking and an on-site ATM. Pets are not allowed in the festival area.

The Phelps Mill Festival, established in 1984, is supported in part by a grant from the Lake Region Arts Council through a Minnesota State Legislative appropriation.

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