Carlton Daze Shirts for Sale

Head over to the Four Seasons on Friday night between 5pm and 8 pm to have your shirt made on the spot! Adult and Youth sizes available for $20. A limited number will be available to purchase at the Lions Big Auction at the VFW on Saturday at 11 am or purchase online at the link below!

Show your hometown spirt and love of Carlton and its original 100 year old fire truck!

The Model T was a used vehicle when Carlton acquired it (year unknown). Our fire hall has a photo of the truck in service at Cloquet. It was the first motorized fire truck for Carlton.

The details on the truck’s ownership and use have periods of lost information.

In 1954, records show that the Carlton Volunteer Fire Department “turned over the old Model T Ford to the Village of Carlton.” Somewhere along the lines, we think in the 70’s, there was a partnership between the City and the Carlton Area Lions Club. Something changed and the truck ended up sitting in a field in Twin Lakes Township. The Orlowski boys joined the Lions Club in 1996 and the members mentioned the truck as one of the club’s assets. They went to check it out.

Per Mike Orlowski, “I could hardly believe it. Here it was, sitting out in the elements, with grass growing up all around it. It was a shame. I remembered growing up and seeing that truck driven by Stuart Beck and how much pride everyone had in that truck.”

Mike, along with his brother Tim worked to restore the truck. With financial support from the club, the City of Carlton, and the Carlton Fire Department and hundreds of hours in labor and research, the Model T took to the streets of Carlton again at Carlton Daze in 1998 and likely hasn’t missed a year since. (It did make an appearance in the 1997 parade, but it was on the back of a flatbed trailer. They guys say that really doesn’t count).

A remanufactured motor was purchased for $250 in 1998 and came out of Massachusetts. They had to ship the core back for $50.

The Lions have committed to financially supporting the repairs and maintenance, Mike and Tim do the work, and the City makes sure it’s securely stored and insured for use at Carlton Daze.”

2025 Carlton Daze Grand Marshal: Cayden Ragsdale

With Co-Grand Marshal: Carrie Rice

Together Through It All: Cayden Ragsdale and Carrie Rice to Lead Carlton Daze

A Mother and Son’s Story of Strength, Hope, and Love

The Carlton Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce Cayden Ragsdale as the 2025 Carlton Daze Grand Marshal, with his mom, Carrie Rice, honored by his side as Co-Grand Marshal.

Cayden, who just turned 16 on July 11th, and will be a junior at Carlton High School this fall, has shown extraordinary strength over the past four years. At just 11 years old, he was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma, a type of brain cancer. After undergoing brain surgery, 30 rounds of radiation, and four rounds of chemotherapy, Cayden entered remission, only to face a relapse in 2023. He bravely endured a second brain surgery, seven additional rounds of high dose chemo, and three stem cell transplants at Mayo Clinic. In June 2024, he completed treatment and is now in remission once again.

Through it all, Cayden has shown what it means to be a true fighter. His strength, determination, and constant smile have touched so many lives. As his mom, Carrie, so beautifully said: “Cayden’s diagnosis will never define him, but his courage and strength will.”

Cayden is more than a survivor. He’s a hometown hero and he’s also a true Carlton kid. He’s grown up here, cheered on by classmates, neighbors, and friends who have wrapped his family in love and support. It’s that kind of community spirit — “it takes a village” — that makes Carlton Daze so special and we’re so excited to celebrate him in this special way.

By Cayden’s side every step of the way has been his mom, Carrie Rice, a fierce advocate and constant source of love, strength, and hope. A kindergarten teacher at South Terrace Elementary, Carrie is known and loved by many in our community. From fighting for his care to holding their family together through unimaginable difficulty, Carrie has been a pillar of perseverance. Her unwavering dedication has not gone unnoticed, and this year, we’re proud to honor her as Co-Grand Marshal, recognizing the powerful bond between mother and son and all they have overcome together.

Please join us on Sunday, July 27th at 1 PM, as we celebrate Cayden Ragsdale and Carrie Rice as they lead the Carlton Daze Parade. Their story is a beautiful reminder of what it means to face hard things with courage, and how love and community can carry us through.

What a difference a year can make!

We’re gearing up for another exciting Carlton Daze 5K Run/Walk on Friday, July 25th and we’ve got some great news to share:

5K Pricing – Includes 5K T-Shirt

(No T-shirt option available for a $10 discount)

• Ages 18+: $35 now through July 21st, then $40 up until 6 PM on Race Day!
• Ages 9–17: $25
• Ages 0–8: Free (T-shirt not included, but youth shirts are available for purchase)

This year’s event is EXTRA SPECIAL as we celebrate Carlton’s first-ever fire truck turning 100 years old! This beloved truck has led the race for decades and will once again kick things off in grand style.

Here’s what’s in store:

• Fire truck leads the race
• Commemorative 5K T-shirts featuring the fire truck (check them out below!)
• Photo op with the truck post-race (wear your new shirt!)
• Cupcakes to celebrate 100 years

As always, the 5K is chip-timed and open to all ages and abilities and don’t forget about our awesome gift card giveaway, medals, and refreshments after the race! 1st Place Men's & Women's Finishers will receive a FREE pair of New Balance shoes from Burger's Shoes! We are also giving away 2 tickets to a Twins game (lower level - pick any remaining home game this season!