The Crow Wing County Republicans are planning to hold a protest and Trump boat parade to coincide with the appearance of Gov. Tim Walz at the 2025 Governor’s Fishing Opener in Crosslake, Minn.
“Calling all boaters in MN. Let’s show up at Tim ‘Elmer Fudd’ Walz fishing opener in Crow Wing County and have a Trump boat parade,” the Facebook event listing reads. Over 200 individuals responded to the event, which is taking place May 10 at 7:30 a.m. The group plans to hold a flag wave at the roundabout near Andy’s Bar and Grill followed by a boat parade that will launch from SW Crosslake Access, according to a Facebook post.
“If you don’t have a boat, come visit and wave your Trump flags in the boat ramp area. Let’s show our Governor that his policies aren’t welcome in rural areas or anywhere in Minnesota,” the event organizers wrote.
Walz, who was a no-show for the Governor’s Fishing Opener in 2021 and 2023, said he was “thrilled” to bring the opener to Crosslake.
The Governor’s Fishing Opener has been a Minnesota tradition since 1948 and draws a large crowd. Minnesota is reportedly fourth in the nation in fishing license sales with license sales up 10% so far this year.
Crosslake Mayor Jackson Purfeerst invited Gov. Walz to participate in a roundtable discussion with eight northern Minnesota mayors while Walz is in town for the opener, and he said Walz agreed to participate.
“Crosslake eagerly anticipates the economic benefits of hosting the Governor’s Fishing Opener. We are excited for the opportunity to showcase our community and highlight why Crosslake is proudly known as ‘The Beauty Spot of Minnesota,’” Purfeerst said in his letter. “As the Mayor of Crosslake, I personally invite you to a roundtable discussion with local mayors from the immediate surrounding area.”
The topics of discussion that Purfeerst listed include the Paid Family Leave Act, budget deficit, employment opportunities, and school funding, among others.
Alpha News reached out to Purfeerst to ask about media or members of the public attending the roundtable and the mayor informed Alpha News that the discussion is not open to the public or members of the media as part of the agreed upon terms. Purfeerst informed Alpha News that the city clerk is not even allowed to be present to take notes during the meeting.
Hayley Feland
Hayley Feland previously worked as a journalist with The Minnesota Sun, The Wisconsin Daily Star, and The College Fix. She is a Minnesota native with a passion for politics and journalism.
