The City of Madelia’s annual Park Days celebration is underway! Park Days 2012 kicked off on Thursday, and runs through Sunday. Madelia Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Karla Grev says there are several new events at Park Days this year, including the “Blazin’ Barbeque Blast Cook-Off” today (SAT). The judging for that event will take place at 4pm today. Other highlights of Park Days include a 5K Run/Walk today, the Park Days Grand Parade at 1:30 today, a kids carnival, lots of food, and live music throughout the day, a Kid’s Pedal Pull on Sunday at Noon, a golf tournament, and much more. Check out www.visitmadelia.com for a Park Days schedule! Other festivals taking place around the area this weekend include: Comfrey Community Days, Belle Plaine BBQ Days, and the Gibbon FunFest.