Description

What is Proctor Hoghead? The Proctor Hoghead Festival is Proctor’s annual community festival celebrating the city’s deep railroad heritage. It’s held every August and has been a tradition for 50 years! 

The term “hoghead” is old railroad slang for a locomotive engineer — basically the person running the train. That nickname stuck because Proctor was built around the railroad industry, particularly the large rail yards and operations tied to the Duluth, Missabe & Iron Range and other northern rail systems. Today, the festival is more of a classic small-town summer celebration mixed with railroad pride.

 Events typically include: Parade | Street dance | Fireworks | Pancake breakfasts | Golf tournament | Kids activities | Food vendors and beer gardens | Live music | Sports tournaments and community games!

Please note, the chamber does not coordinate this event, the local business community and resident volunteers put it on.  We will do our best to provide accurate information on this page as it is shared with us.  Any donations or parade registrations captured through this registration will be remitted to the 501(c)3 organization that hosts this event annually less any processing fees.  To make a direct contribution, please contact the Proctor Historical Society.  
(218) 206-7880 or 100 Pionk Drive, Proctor, MN  55810

Thank you.

Join us for the Annual Proctor Hoghead Parade!

2026 Info: Saturday, August 15th, at noon until the last float passes by!  (Typically one hour)

Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

For Float Participants (Businesses & organizations):

Is there a fee to participate?  Yes. Typically a $10 fee.

How can my business/organization participate in the parade?  If you are interested in being part of the parade, please click the "Register" button to the right of your screen.  Businesses, organizations, churches, bands, sports teams, etc.  All are welcome!

When/where do we line up? At the Fairgrounds

Where is the Parade Route?  Along LaVaque

Weather Concerns?  The parade will be held rain or shine- if there's severe weather, we will work with our local safety officials to determine the status.  Bring Sunblock & an umbrella.

Questions about the parade?  Contact Dick at the Powerhouse Bar.

For Spectators:

Spectator Parking / Viewing:  Along LaVaque

Pack list for Spectators:  camp chairs, blanket, sunscreen, umbrella, Ziplock or container for candy and goodies. Bring a small garbage bag to help clean up any debris after the parade.

For more information, visit:

www.hogheadfestival.com or Proctor Hoghead Facebook Page

Thank you to our Proctor Hoghead Committee Orgs: 

With additional support from:  Proctor / Hermantown Community Education | Powerhouse Bar

Mark your calendars:

2027 Hoghead Dates: August 9th - 14th