Frequently Asked Questions


There are various ways that businesses and organizations can become involved in the Dan Patch Day Celebration!  Sponsorship, business expos, Taste of Savage or as a Volunteer Group… to name a few!  If you would like to learn more about getting your business or organization involved in Dan Patch Days, please contact Lori Anderson, Executive Director, Savage Chamber of Commerce (952) 894-8876 or e-mail lori@savagechamber.com

Dan Patch Days, Inc is an all volunteer organization that is not funded by the city. Most of the money received is used to put on the event each year. Over the past six years, Dan Patch Days has also given back more than $96,000 to community organizations.  In addition, the organization maintains a reserve fund in case of a bad weather year, to ensure the event can continue in the future!

There is NO CHARGE for parking.  There are several lots available around Community Park, but it does fill fast. We suggest that you carpool if possible.  Due to very low demand in the past, there is not a shuttle service offered this year.

Community Park is a public park; however, we get 10,000-15,000 people in attendance.  If you do choose to bring your pet, we ask that you keep them on a tight leash and clean up after your pet.

Friday Night coolers are NOT allowed, but Saturday you are able to bring your own cooler.

All items at Dan Patch Days require tickets. We have 2 large ticket booths at the park. Tickets are sold in $ .50 increments. There are NO CASH MACHINES AT THE PARK.

Although event organizers hope for sunny skies, there is always a chance of rain or a summer storm. In the event of inclement weather, visit the Dan Patch Days Web site at www.danpatchdays.org <file:///\\www.danpatchdays.org>  for the most up-to-date information on the status of events, including closings or postponements.

Yes, we have all different types of events and music that will appeal to all age groups.  Please see the schedule of events for more information.

Thursday Night is definitely an Adult Night. No one under the age of 21 will be allowed in the Wine Tasting, even if they are accompanied by an adult. Friday night is open to everyone; however there is a charge of $8.00 for anyone age 5 and older.  Friday night consists of Music and Dinner in the Park - there are no children activities on Friday night.

The cost to attend Dan Patch Days depends on what day/night you attend.

Thursday Night: Wine Tasting ~$20 per ticket

Friday Night: Music in the Park ~ $8.00 at the gate ($6.00 presale ticket)

Saturday & Night:  FREE (to get into Community Park and listen to the band!) Please see DPD Website or DPD Event Guide for various pricing on events.

Sunday: Pancake Breakfast and Hog Roast do have a cost; please see those particular events for details. 
 
NOTE: The Dan Patch Day Parade, normally a FREE event to attend on Sunday, will not be held in 2010 due to various road constructions in and around downtown Savage.

Dan Patch Days is held at Community Park in Savage, right along County Rd. 27 (between County Road 42 and McColl Drive). For a map click here.

Dan Patch was the “Greatest harness horse in the history of the two-wheel sulky”. Dan Patch was born April 29, 1896 in Oxford Indiana, but was purchased in 1902 by Minneapolis businessman Marion W. Savage for the then fabulous price of $60,000. Dan then lived in the stables in Savage, MN. On September 8, 1906 in a race against time on the Minnesota State Fair race track. Here Dan Patch electrified the turf world with his record of 1:55 for the mile to set a new world mark for pacers, and had some 93,000 people gathered that day at the MN State Fair grounds to witness the event. Read more about Dan Patch at www.danpatch.com.