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ABOUT THE
FESTIVAL
A BIT OF HISTORY
Originally known as "West
Minneapolis" - Hopkins was incorporated in 1893. The
community revolves around a unique downtown Mainstreet on which
true hometown, owner operated, service minded businesses
flourish.
The grocery industry has been vital to the
Hopkins community. During the 1980's a state survey found
that
85% of the groceries sold in the Twin Cities were shipped
through Hopkins. Both Rainbow Foods and
Super Valu are currently headquartered here.
For much of its history, Hopkins
economy revolved around agriculture. The area along
Highway 7 was known as Dairy Row for the dairy farms, the hills
to south were covered with Raspberry Fields, and Minneapolis
Moline Farm Implement Co. was the primary employer.
Raspberry farming, in the area, began
around 1891 and was a major part of the economy for more than 50
years. The Hopkins Fruit Package Company was a spin-off
industry making the little berry boxes.
Many Hopkins senior citizens remember
being recruited to pick raspberries. The farms hired young
people from far enough away, that they needed to provide
dormitory housing for them.
Former Senior Queen Lil Lindstrom remembers
the endless fields of raspberries, and she helped pick berries
from her father's three lots, which were then sold at a roadside
stand. She remarked "little did I think when I was
picking those raspberries that I would someday be Queen."
In 1934 the first "Annual Picnic of
Hopkins Civic and Commerce Association" was held. The
following year the event was named "Raspberry Day."
In an effort to help farmers sell some extra product during the
depression, Hopkins invited everyone to the community for
a bowl of free raspberries - and then possibly to purchase them
for the vendors lining the streets.
Today's Festival is 10 days of activities
from Sports to Royal Pageants. The focus remains on
Hopkins charming Mainstreet.
With a strong sense of pride in our unique
community, we invite you to come and enjoy all the Hopkins has
to offer.
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