SIDE LAKE—For a little less than 30 years now Mark and Barb Plys have enjoyed the peace and quiet, while also taking an active role in the Side Lake Community.
The couple is being honored as grand marshals for the Side Lake Fourth of July Parade, taking place at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 4.
“We were rather shocked and amazed at the same time,” Mark Plys said in a phone interview. “We had no idea, anything about the nomination or selection process.”
“We’re excited about it—really honored,” Barb added.
“Mark and Barb Plys love Side Lake and it shows through their enthusiasm by volunteering, socializing, or lending a helping hand,” Judy Kelly, a member of the Parade Committee wrote in an email.
“They are helpful neighbors—always ready to lend a hand,” Kelly wrote. “Congratulations to Mark & Barb on being the 2024 Side Lake 4th of July Grand Marshals.”
Barb, nee Rodgers, spent time at her family cabin growing up, Mark of Duluth and then Virginia when younger noted.
“We’ve been here for 28 or 29 years at Side Lake,” he added.
Mark said he and Barb make a point of taking an active role in the Side Lake community, where they’ve met countless friends and acquaintances throughout the years.
“We help out with festivals going on in the summer and fall, and take care of the Side Lake Chapel, Catholic Church, a division of Blessed Sacrament going on 26 years,” Mark said.
Jennifer Buss, Mark and Barb’s daughter, told in her nomination letter how her parents carried on a tradition of caring for the Side Lake Chapel.
“My mom’s father helped build the addition, and I was the first baby to be baptized there,” Jennifer wrote. “My parents Mark and Barb Plys have been cleaning the inside and outside of the chapel, preparing for Sunday services, weddings, baptisms, and mowing the lawn with their own tools and equipment. This is all done by volunteerism and is not a paid position with the church.”
Jennifer said her parents have told her this will be the last year they are taking care of the church—“a story I am certain I have heard the last five years, because no one wants to take over the job.”
In her letter Jennifer told how her dad is always helping anyone in the area “as a true Minnesota man would do.”
“He is always overseeing snowbirds’ properties,” she wrote. “He is typically the first person they call to have him check on their cabins when there is a big storm if they are away, knowing that he will fill them in or send them pictures of their properties. Or he is helping others put in their docks...”
She also mentioned her parents are dedicated volunteers at community events.
“As you can see Side Lake is a second family to my parents,” Jennifer wrote.
Barb said she and Mark enjoy the atmosphere found at Side Lake.
“It’s a whole different situation—they’re friendly and approachable,” Barb said. “At church and the post office, they say hi, and when I’m walking on the road I wave and they wave back—it’s a nice community.”
Pre-registration applications for the parade are available at the Side Lake Store, CC Campground and online at sidelake.org/events. Prizes are awarded for Grand Prize through third place. To volunteer or get more information, contact Alyssa (218-969-8448) or Sharon (218-969-3115) or email to: sidelakeevents@gmail.com.
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