FOX 21 News, KQDS-DT

TWO HARBORS-Heritage days welcomed about double the population of the city to watch its annual parade on Saturday.

Although started only about 30 years ago, parade coordinator/candidate for Mayor/traffic controller Mary Hendjum Rosati says the celebration reaches back further.

"Oh, we think of the lake. We think of the ore boats. We think of the fishing industry. The Swedes and the Norwegians, and the Finns," Rosati said.

"We all are here for a while," Two Harbors Fire Chief Mark Schlangen said. "And while we're here we have a great opportunity to make some positive impacts on some peoples' lives and seeing all the kids helping out – they helped out with the pancake breakfast, they're helping out with the candy and it's just great to see that excitement."

For young spectators in the crowd, grasping for that candy might be the main point but Mayor Randy Bolen says when they eventually bring their kids there might be deeper understanding.

"You know this is truly what it's about – being around your family. And this is my family, this is truly my family," Bolen said.

And although it's more recent history, Heritage Days performer Kenny King says he brings back the sounds your parents or maybe grandparents grew up with

"I did Neil Diamond last night and tonight we're doing an Elvis show. We're just bringing back memories to people. You can see the look on their faces – it changes. They're going back and music just always takes you back to a memory," King said.

Heritage days continues into Sunday starting with a pancake feed at the Two Harbors Fire Department going from 7 a.m. to Noon.

Then music takes over the heritage days stage starting at 10 a.m. Kenny king has his final performance at 1 p.m.