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SoMINN’S FARIBAULT’S NORTHFIELD’S OWATONNA’S ST. PETER’S

DAILY SPECIALS | CATERING Monday CLOSED, Tuesday 11-9, Wednesday 11-9, Thursday 11-9, Friday 11-10, Saturday 11-10, Sunday 11-9

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YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

COUNTERTOPS

Incredible selection of materials: • Cambria • Porcelain

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who took the time to nominate and vote for your favorites!

NEW MENU • LUNCH • DINNER DAILY SPECIALS • CATERING DAILY SPECIALS CATERING OPEN 7 DAYS•A WEEK

From the classics to made-from-scratch recipes, that create unique dishes found nowhere else in Southern Minnesota, Chef Jeff can cook something for everyone in the family.

Stop in for a charming atmosphere, and experience our award winning dishes!

HOURS

MondayMONDAY - Wednesday: 11AM - 9PM CLOSED Thursday 11-9, & Friday: 11AM - 10PM TUESDAY WEDNESDAY 11-9 Saturday: 11AM - 10PM THURSDAY 11-9, FRIDAY 11-10 Sunday: 11AM 9PM SATURDAY 11-10, SUNDAY 11-9 VISIT FARIBAULT’S ORIGINAL HOMETOWN BAR AND GRILL Often imitated, never duplicated

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HERITAGEPLACE PLACE •• FARIBAULT, MNMN 311 311 HERITAGE FARIBAULT, 507-332-2825 • WWW.FARIBAULTDEPOTBARANDGRILL.COM 507-332-2825 •THEDEPOTBARGRILL.COM

YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

T Y N F U REE FAIR O C E L E E T S

AUGUST 12-17

Wednesday August 13

7 pm in the Grandstand

Thursday August 14 7:30 pm in the Grandstand

with Special Guest

Friday August 15 7 pm in the Grandstand

with Special Guest

tickets at scff.org 507-451-5305 @SteeleCountyFreeFair CHECK OUT THE SCENE CALENDAR ONLINE FOR SOMINN HAPPENINGS!

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Ladies and Gentlemen! Come one, come all! Gather round!

Hey Faribault! Hey Owatonna! Northfield, St. Peter and the SoMinn Region!

All of you, listen up!

Our 2025 Best of Southern Minn contest brought in tens of thousands of votes and a long list of deserving winners.

The contest focuses on our newspaper region, which includes Rice, Steele, Waseca, Le Sueur, Nicollet and Goodhue counties.

But we did allow entries from the larger Southern Minnesota area where appropriate.

Peruse the following pages for our full list of business, venues, organizations, events and people that our readers voted “the best.” In each category, the winner is listed followed by the finalists.

REGIONAL PUBLISHER: KEVIN TRUE

SCENE EDITOR: PHILIP WEYHE

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR: TOM KELLING

ADVERTISING: DEANNA BOLAND, LOGAN DUNSMOOR, KATHLEEN DAVIES, CRYSTAL HOBART, JIM PODRACKY DESIGN: KATE TOWNSEND-NOET All advertising contained herein is the responsibility of the advertisers. This publication is ©2025 by AMM SoMinn and no content can be reproduced without permission.

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YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

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ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT & COMMUNITY ART CENTER/ GALLERY Paradise Center for the Arts, Faribault

Defeat of Jesse James Days

David Allen, Northfield

Nicollet County Fair

BEST CAR ROLL-IN OR SHOW Henderson Classic Car Roll In

Finalist

Owatonna Art Center

The Sundowners Car Club’s Defeat of Jesse James Car Show, Northfield

Northfield Arts Guild

Faribault Car Cruise

Finalist Finalist

ARTIST Jayden Knopik, Owatonna

Finalist Finalist

Smokin in Steele, Owatonna

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Finalist Finalist

BEST FAIR/FESTIVAL Steele County Free Fair

St. Peter Oktoberfest Finalist

BEST LOCAL COMMUNITY EVENT Downtown Thursdays, Owatonna

Owatonna Finalist

Defeat of Jesse James Days

St. Peter

Northfield Winter Walk

EVENT VENUE/ EVENT CENTER The Grand Event Center Northfield

Finalist

BEST KEPT SECRET Daisy Blue Naturals, Owatonna

Vintage Escapes Winery and Vineyard, Kilkenny

Finalist

BOWLING ALLEY Sparetime Entertainment, Owatonna

Finalist

Finalist

Paradise Center for the Arts, Faribault Finalist

Finalist

Gustavus Arboretum, St. Peter

DOWNTOWN Northfield

Flaherty’s, Northfield Finalist

J-Mo’s Bowl, Faribault

Owatonna Country Club Finalist

Finalist

>>>

Best Car Roll-In or Show:

Henderson Classic Car Roll-In

By TOM NELSON

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ince 2009, classic car enthusiasts have been making a weekly pilgrimage on Tuesday evenings in the summer to experience the Henderson Classic Car Roll-In, which takes place on Main Street in this historic town located along the Minnesota River.

Henderson’s Classic Car Roll-In regularly attracts up to 250 classic cars and crowds of nearly 1,500 each week during the event, which runs from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday evenings. This year’s Roll-In’s started on May 27 and the final scheduled Tuesday Classic Car Roll-In this year is slated for Sept.

23.

“It started very, very slow…I remember being part of the Chamber of Commerce, I was president at the time, and someone came in with this idea. We were overwhelmed to hear that they had 25 cars the very first night. Now it has grown substantially and we have created a non-profit from that idea and it’s an entity

unto its own,” said Jeff Steinborn, the Henderson Classic Car Roll-In President. “Now we are experiencing an average of about 250 cars a night.”

Steinborn continued, “Once that first year was over, in the off-season people started asking about it and just like that the numbers started growing…even the fans of classic cars started to attend. Now we are getting a lot of fans and the streets are filled.”

One of the oldest communities in the state of Minnesota, Henderson historic downtown is the perfect setting for a classic car gathering and has helped grow the event along with boosting business in the city.

“You bring in vintage cars and it kind of sets the mood when you have a vintage looking Main Street as well,” Steinborn said.

The event continues to grown in popularity each year and it now features live music, contests and games, door prizes and, of course, classic cars.

As a non-profit group, the event has been

Best Of Southern Minn

able to secure grants and purchase equipment needed to help put the show on each week. In addition, a group of almost 70 volunteers help keep things running smoothly throughout the year.

“Being consistent really helped us in marketing this thing,” Steinborn said about the success of the Roll-In. “We just decided that we are going to do the best we can and we are going to do it every Tuesday.”

Steinborn sees more growth for the event as the County Road 6, a scenic by-way that travels north out of Henderson is being paved this summer.

“When that road opens that will be a beautiful drive for a lot of people that come from the north, so we just know that we are going to get a lot more attention, a lot more people are going to visit,” Steinborn said.

He added, “We try to make this about education as well and that is what our non-profit is based on…an understanding of classic automobiles.”

Admission is free for the Henderson Classic

Car Roll-In and updated information is always available at the event’s Facebook page.

Henderson Classic Car Roll-In address: downtown Henderson Henderson Classic Car Roll-In website: hendersonrollin.com Best Car Roll-In or Show second place: The Sundowners Car Club’s DJJD Car Show, Northfield Best Car Roll-In or Show third place: Car Cruise, Faribault See the full list of 2025 Best of Southern Minn winners at: southerninnscene.com

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FAMILY FUN Steele County Free Fair

Faribault Family Aquatic Center

GOLF COURSE Legacy Golf Course, Faribault & Owatonna Country Club

Cannon Valley Cinema 10, Northfield Finalist

MUSEUM/ HISTORY CENTER Steele County Historical Society

Finalist

Northfield YMCA Finalist

Brook Tree Golf Course, Owatonna

FARMERS MARKET River Walk Market, Northfield

Le Sueur Country Club

Owatonna Farmers Market Finalist

St Peter Farmers Market Finalist

GIRLS NIGHT OUT SPOT Vintage Escapes Winery and Vineyard

10,000 Drops, Faribault Finalist

Grapeful Wine Bar, Owatonna

Finalist

Northfield Historical Society

Finalist

MOVIE THEATER Northwoods Cinema 10, Owatonna

ORCHARD/ BERRY FARM Lorence’s Berry Farm

Finalist

MUSICIAN/BAND Todd Utpadel - Musicians Against Cancer, Owatonna

Reunion, Northfield Finalist

Torey’s, Owatonna

PLACE TO TAKE THE KIDS River Bend Nature Center

Finalist

PLACE FOR LIVE MUSIC Vintage Escapes Winery and Vineyard

Steele County Free Fair Finalist

River Springs Water Park, Owatonna Finalist

Finalist

Mankato RibFest

Finalist

Finalist

Little Hill Berry Farm

Finalist

Little Theatre of Owatonna

Old Country Boys, Owatonna

Trumps Orchard, Faribault

MUSIC FESTIVAL Smokin’ in Steele & Vintage Band Festival

Hidden Falls Nerstrand Big Woods State Park

Finalist

Finalist

Rice County Historical Center

LOCAL ATTRACTION Paradise Center for the Arts

Jivin Ivan and Kings of Swing, Fariabault

Finalist Finalist

PHOTOGRAPHER Beth Clear Photography

Images 4 Life, Owatonna

Paradise Center for the Arts, Faribault Finalist

The Contented Cow, Northfield Finalist

PLACE TO SWIM OR WATERPARK/POOL River Springs Waterpark, Owatonna

Finalist

Lauren Everhard Finalist

PLACE FOR A DATE NIGHT Vintage Escapes Winery and Vineyard

PLACE TO WORK LIFE Fitness, Owatonna

Faribault Family Aquatic Center Finalist

Northfield Memorial Pool Finalist

Vintage Escapes Winery and Vineyard Finalist

Federated Insurance Finalist

RESORT/ CAMPGROUND Kamp Dels, Le Sueur

Beaver Dam Resort Finalist

Riverview Campground, Owatonna Finalist

Finalist

Thank you for voting us

Friday, January 17 at 7:30 PM Member: $20 / Non-Member: Thank you for choosing us$25 as / Student: $15

Best Meat Market!

the Best Theatre and the Best Local Attraction! Your support means the world to us!

This unique tribute is a joyful, wholehearted celebration of Simon & Garfunkel and Paul Simon favorites. This show is led by a dynamic female duo (yep, that’s the twist!) who capture the well-known tight & intricate harmonies beautifully and is backed by a cracklin’ band of stage & studio musicians. Featuring vocalists Barb Piper & Pauline Jennings.

(507) 332-7372 (507) 332-7372 321 Central Avenue North Faribault, MN MN 321 Central Avenue North Faribault.

For more information & tickets: For more information & tickets: www.paradisecenterforthearts.org www.paradisecenterforthearts.org This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

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Award Winning Meats | Jerky Sausages | Cheeses Salads Wild Game Processing & Much More!

Best Of Southern Minn

Best Orchard/Berry Farm:

Lorence’s Berry Farm

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hen the time is ripe, area berry lovers know exactly where to go for prime picking: Lorence’s Berry Farm, located a few miles north of Northfield.

Voted 2025’s Best Orchard/ Berry Farm in the Best of Southern Minn contest, Lorence’s is a family-run operation that’s been a favorite in the region for decades.

“I give a lot of credit to our employees,” said Shawn Lorence, a second-generation owner. “With their dedication, they make the operation work.

“If you don’t have a good staff, it’s hard to accomplish what you’re trying to do.”

And producing high quality, locally grown

THEATER Paradise Center for the Arts, Faribault

Little Theatre of Owatonna

products—including asparagus each May and June, strawberries during June and July and Everbearing raspberries from August through September—is what Lorence’s does best.

Fifty to 60 seasonal employees—even a dozen or so more during the peak strawberry harvest—make Lorence’s tick, as they pre-pick produce for customers seeking an easier buy, cultivate the fields or guide U-pick patrons to the right—er, ripe—patches in the moment.

“We like taking care of our customers and employees,” assured Lorence, whose wife of 33 years, Gayle, does her part to support the

Owatonna High School Finalist

THEATER TROUPE Little Theatre of Owatonna

Best Orchard/Berry Farm second place: Trump’s Orchard, Faribault Best Orchard/Berry Farm third place: Little Hill Berry Farm, Northfield See the full list of 2025 Best of Southern Minn winners at: southerninnscene.com

Finalist

George’s Vineyard, Northfield

Northfield Arts Guild Theater

ALL AROUND RESTAURANT Root River 102, Lanesboro

Finalist

Joe’s Sports Cafe, Faribault

Finalist

Finalist

• Best Cocktail • Best Wine Selection

Located in the bluffs of Southeastern Minnesota, Root River 102 offers the best wine, beer and whiskey list in the region.

Open Friday - Tuesday • Closed Wednesday & Thursday Hours: 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.

102 Coffee Street West, Lanesboro, Minnesota 55949 507-475-8804 • www.rootriver102.com

Best Of Southern Minn

Lorence’s Berry Farm website: lorencesberryfarm.com

Reunion, Northfield

Come see for yourself why we’re #1!

Root River 102

Lorence’s Berry Farm address: 28625 Foliage Ave., Northfield

EATING & DRINKING

Root River 102 is honored to be voted #1 in Southern Minnesota for….

• Best Patio Dining • Best Beer Selection

The other day, a father with kids walked up to the shed and asked about pick-your-own, and when I told him where to go, he turned around after walking about five feet and said, ‘I’m so excited for this.’

“I think a lot of it has to do with the fact we don’t have much of a summer in Minnesota.”

Another recent customer told Lorence she’d been coming to their berry farm for over three decades.

Lorence and his family are gratified to be named Best Orchard/Berry Farm of Southern Minnesota.

“That’s great,” he said. “I’m really grateful for all of the people who’ve been loyal to us for all these years.”

Paradise Community Theatre, Faribault

Finalist

• Best All Around Restaurant • Best Appetizers

operation.

What’s one of the biggest berry farm challenges? Keeping up with the 24/7 activity and demands—and weathering the weather roller coaster—from May through September.

“We’re always trying to pace ourselves,” laughed Lorence. “I married a city girl and she thinks it’s all a bit dysfunctional.”

Twenty acres of strawberries make the ruby red gems Lorence’s biggest product, but their eight acres of asparagus are popular plants, too, with some stems sold at area co-ops and farmer’s markets.

And 2.5 acres of Everbearing raspberries keep Lorence’s hopping all the way to the end of September.

Despite its Northfield address, Lorence’s regularly draws customers from 30 minutes to an hour away, with many coming from the south metro suburbs. Sometimes, the rural agricultural setting is as much an attraction as the produce itself.

“They enjoy the brief ag experience,” said Lorence. “Evening pickers are usually more relaxed than morning pickers, who are pretty goal-oriented.

“And it’s fun to watch how excited people get about being here; you see it each season.

By JANE TURPIN MOORE

George’s Vineyard, Northfield APPETIZERS Root River 102, Lanesboro

Finalist

Finalist

>>>

Thank you for choosing us the Winner for Best Wings for Southern Minnesota!

Daily/Nightly Food Specials available Happy Hour: Monday-Friday 3-6 P.M. | Sunday 11-4 P.M.

225 Nassau St. 507-931-9277 W W W. S O U T H E R N M I N N SCENE. C O M | A U G U S T 2 0 2 5

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Best Breakfast/Brunch:

Old Town Bagels

By TOM NELSON

Old Town Bagels has a spacious and comfortable seating area.

Customers at the Old Town Bagels and Cafe in Owatonna enjoy a pleasant summer morning.

(Photos by Tom Nelson)

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“Our basic bread and butter are the fresh his year’s Best of SoMinn Best bagels everyday,” Mark Wilson said. “We start Breakfast/Brunch award winner making dough for tomorrow’s bagels in the has two decades of experience evening and then the baker comes in around serving up great food and coffee 2:00 a.m. and bakes them…and they are fresh in downtown Owatonna. every morning. We A have a boiled bagel favorite recipe and they are community gathering made from scratch… spot for both breakthey are boiled before fast and lunch, Old they are baked.”

Town Bagels (OTB) On a typical day, offers a wide range of OTB will offer 15 difmenu items that cenferent types of bagels ter around their fresh along with a couple homemade bagels of extra flavors on the along with coffee, weekend. espresso and specialty “Certainly, cold drinks at its locaour customers have tion at 207 N. Cedar their favorite flavors Ave. in Owatonna.

Old Town Bagels and Cafe typically offers 15 and that is the one “We actutypes of fresh made bagels each day at its that they stick too ally opened in the location Owatonna. but everyone is a bit storefront next door different in what they and we were there choose,” Mark Wilson said. from 2005 to 2021,” said Mark Wilson, who OTB offers a variety of unique cream owns OTB with his wife Stacy Wilson. “Then cheeses for its bagels ranging from plain to we moved into this new space in October of strawberry/raspberry to sun-dried tomato 2021, which is twice as big and remodeled.” along with flavored spreads like honey butter The move to the new location has been a and roasted red pepper humus. The bagels positive one for OTB as it has allowed them are also used as a base for OTB’s breakfast and to expand their coffee menu to include an lunch sandwiches that include a wide-range of espresso bar. The cafe has also added Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream, which includes a selec- toppings.

“One of our top sandwiches for breakfast is tion of 24 flavors that are available each day. the Breakfast Melt, it has ranch, egg, pepper Still, the star of the show remains OTB’s jack cheese, cheddar cheese and bacon bits,” bagels.

Mark Wilson said. “At lunchtime, our most

ASIAN OR MIDDLE-EASTERN CUISINE Mizuki Fusion, Owatonna

Tokyo Grill Finalist

1st of Thai Finalist

popular sandwiches would be the Chicken Pesto Melt or the Perfect Pastrami…those two seem to be the most popular. We also have smoked salmon and a variety of other sandwiches.

He added, “We’ve stuck with some of sandwiches that are tried and true, that we’ve had for 20 years, and then some of them my wife Stacy and the staff have added some since then and they have been popular additions as well.”

The bagels are also a popular carry-out item with many customers dropping by to pick up a dozen bagels and cream cheese for the office Esmeralda SanMiguel (right) and Jazlynn Parker in the or family gatherings. OTB also offers a kitchen at Old Town Bagels and Cafe. catering menu for events, meetings and and their favorite chair,” Mark Wilson noted. social functions.

The location on Cedar Avenue has also seen “We do a lot of bagel bunches, which are a major facelift in recent years and Mark Wil12 bagels and two cream cheeses, people get son is very appreciative of the work done by those and get them sliced and take them to the city to improve the downtown experience. work,” Mark Wilson said. “With our old space, “Within the last two years the city has done the percentage of carry-out was higher but I a streetscape and the three blocks, of which would say now it has gone the other direction we are right in the center, have been upwith us having twice as much space, more graded to make it more walking friendly with tables, comfortable seating and a better atmopark benches and the streets have all been sphere, I would say we are pushing 50-50 on redone. It is a remodeled and rejuvenated area in-house dining compared to carry-out. of town,” Mark Wilson said.

“We also do some catering and that has Old Town Bagels address: 207 N. Cedar picked up since COVID. When COVID was Ave., Owatonna going on, a lot of people weren’t having anything brought in, but that’s starting to change Old Town Bagels website: oldtownbagels. where they are having food delivered in, so com we are happy to supply them at their location Best Breakfast/Brunch second place: and bring it to them.”

Janna’s Market Grill, Faribault The new location has created an outstandBest Breakfast/Brunch third place: The ing location for customers to gather and enjoy Robin’s Egg, Northfield OTB’s food and drink options.

“We have some people who come in four See the full list of 2025 Best of Southern times a week and they have their favorite table Minn winners at: southerninnscene.com

BAKED GOODS Cakewalk, Northfield

BEER SELECTION Root river 102, Lanesboro

BLOODY MARY 10,000 Drops, Faribault

BREAKFAST/BRUNCH Old Town Bagels (OTB), Owatonna

Sugar Rose Bakeshop Finalist

Mineral Springs Brewery, Owatonna

Depot Bar & Grill, Faribault

Janna’s Market Grill, Faribault

Finalist

Crooked Pint, Faribault

Timberlodge, Owatonna

The Robin’s Egg, Northfield

Old Town Bagel (OTB), Owatonna

Finalist

Finalist

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Finalist

Finalist

BREWERY/CIDERY Mineral Springs Brewery, Owatonna

Finalist

Imminent Brewing, Northfield

Finalist

Keepsake Cidery, Dundas

Finalist

Finalist

Best Of Southern Minn

BUFFET Pizza Ranch, Owatonna

Joe’s Sports Cafe, Faribault Finalist

Wag’s, Owatonna

COCKTAIL Root river 102, Lanesboro

Finalist

Carbone’s Pizzeria Finalist

New Buffet, Northfield Finalist

BURGER Quarterback Club, Northfield

CATERING Hyvee, Owatonna

Vintage Escapes Winery and Vineyard, Kilkenny

Torey’s, Owatonna

10,000 Drops, Faribault

Finalist

Finalist

Gustavus St. Peter Finalist

Finalist

>>>

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Southern Minnesota’s #1 Farmers Market!

Thank you for voTing us BesT Car roll-in of soMinn! of soMinn!

Fire up that classic car and roll in to Henderson from 5 pm to 8 pm every Tuesday, June – September

Best Of Southern Minn

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Best Pizza:

George’s Vineyard

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tep inside George’s Vineyard in Northfield and let the aroma of fresh-baked pizza envelop your senses.

It won’t be long before a piping hot pie with a distinctive crackerlike crust is set before you, making your mouth water even before it’s quite cool enough to take that first savory bite.

That is — if you can decide which toppings you’d prefer.

“I’d say the top three favorites are the House Supreme [sausage, pepperoni, beef, salami, onion, mushrooms, green pepper, extra cheese], Phil’s Special [sausage, pepperoni, extra cheese] and the Buster [sausage, pepperoni, Canadian bacon, beef, bacon, extra cheese],” said owner Steve Gounaikis.

“And the garlic cheese bread is a big old staple of ours,” he continued. “That’s housemade, with fresh bread, cut, buttered and

cooked up daily.”

Well, everything at George’s Vineyard is made from scratch and prepared fresh.

That’s likely the secret behind this Northfield eatery’s popularity.

Being chosen 2025’s Best Pizza of Southern Minnesota is an honor Gounaikis, who purchased the business from his parents Phillip and Patti four years ago, takes seriously.

“It’s a pride thing,” said Gounaikis, 41.

“We strive for consistency.

If you get a group of people working here, doing it the exact way I was taught and the exact way I taught them, it’s going to turn out delicious every time.”

Gounaikis emphasizes that the dough for the cracker-style crust is prepared fresh daily.

“We do everything homemade,” he stressed. “Most places buy boxes of beef crumble but we cook our own, season it and crumble it down ourselves.

“Same with the pork; we take raw pork

COFFEE Diamond Dust Bakery, St. Peter Goodbye Blue Finalist Monday Coffeehouse, Plaza Morena, Northfield Owatonna Brew’d Awakenings Bistro, Janesville Finalist

Central Park Coffee, Owatonna Finalist

DESSERT CakeWalk, Northfield

FOOD TRUCK Brick Oven Bus,

Finalist

Pizzeria 201

DISTILLERY 10,000 Drops, Faribault

El Rey Del Taco

Black Frost Distilling, New Ulm

Finalist

By JANE MOORE

sausage, cut it, grind it, season and mix it; it’s a labor of love.”

And how about the red sauce, which accounts for at least part of the tantalizing scents wafting in the air the moment you enter the restaurant?

“Our sauce is a special recipe passed on to me from my dad,” said Gounaikis, a Northfield native who began his restaurant career at age 12, working at the predecessor to George’s Vineyard—Bill’s Pizza—before road construction necessitated a relocation well over two decades ago.

“I do all the seasonings and nobody else knows them. It’s all in my head.”

But the flavor is something everyone who tries a George’s Vineyard pizza immediately recognizes and appreciates—even Gounaikis, who’s eaten more than a few in his lifetime.

“If I had to pick one, it might be the George’s Special [sausage, onions, green pepper],” said Gounaikis.

“I’m also a big fan of the House Supreme— and you can’t go wrong with just a plain pepperoni pizza on occasion.”

Though that proprietary red sauce is Gounaikis’ baby, he’s supported at George’s Vineyard by his wife, Chris, along with 35 fullor part-time employees.

While Gounaikis is thrilled with the “Best of” designation for George’s Vineyard’s pizza, he reminds the restaurant also serves up pasta, gyros (available as a pizza topping, too), chicken, salads and kids’ meals.

“My favorite part about running the restaurant is interacting with the people,” said Gounaikis.

“It feels great to know customers like what we’re doing. You wake up every morning for

Finalist

Loon Liquors Distillery, Northfield Finalist

12 A U G U S T 2 0 2 5 | W W W. S O U T H E R N M I N N SCENE. C O M

Corks & Pints, Faribault Finalist

George’s Vineyard website: georgesvineyard.com Best Pizza second place: Taste of the Big Apple, Owatonna Best Pizza third place: Pleasant Grove Pizza Farm, Waseca See the full list of 2025 Best of Southern Minn winners at: southerninnscene.com

Torey’s, Owatonna

Quarterback Club, Northfield

ITALIAN CUISINE George’s Vineyard Northfield

George’s Vineyard, Northfield

Finalist

Finalist

HAPPY HOUR Joe’s Sports Cafe, Faribault

that appreciation.

“What we do can transcend generations— my grandpa George was a Greek immigrant in the 1960s—and that’s what we have here.”

George’s Vineyard address: 1160 S. Hwy. 3, Northfield

Roma’s, Owatonna

Finalist

Finalist

MARGARITA El Tequila, Owatonna

Finalist

Basilleo’s Pizza, Faribault Finalist

LUNCH The Depot Bar & Grill, Faribault

Gran Plaza Northfield Finalist

El Tequila - Faribault Finalist

MEXICAN CUISINE Gran Plaza, Northfield

Plaza Morena, Owatonna Finalist

El Tequila, Faribault Finalist

PATIO DINING Root River 102, Lanesboro

Plaza Morena, Owatonna Finalist

Best Of Southern Minn

Vintage Escapes Winery and Vineyard, Kilkenny

Vintage Escapes Winery and Vineyard, Kilkenny

GOODS & SERVICES

El Tequila, Owatonna

Grapeful Wine Bar, Owatonna

BARBER SHOP Thee Barbershop, Owatonna

PIZZA George’s Vineyard Northfield

WINERY Vintage Escapes Winery and Vineyard, Kilkenny

Finalist

Finalist

Finalist

Finalist

Taste of the Big Apple, Owatonna Finalist

Pleasant Grove Pizza Farm, Waseca Finalist

SPORTS BAR Neisen’s Riverside Sports Bar, St. Peter

Joe’s Sports Cafe, Faribault Finalist

Carbone’s Northfield Finalist

Chankaska Creek Ranch& Winery, Kasota Finalist

Next Chapter Winery, New Prague Finalist

WINGS Flame Bar, St Peter

Finalist

Bridge Square Barber Shop, Northfield Finalist

BED AND BREAKFAST The Inn at Shattuck-St. Mary’s, Faribault

Contented Cottage B&B, Northfield

We are honored to serve Southern Minnesota

Finalist

George’s Vineyard, Northfield Finalist

WINE SELECTION Root River 102, Lanesboro

Brazil’s, Faribault

THANK YOU FOR VOTING FOR US!

Minnesota Wing King,, St. Peter Finalist

Historic Hutch House, Faribault Finalist

CAR DEALER Monkey Motors, Faribault

>>>

YOU’VE TRIED THE REST. NOW TRY THE BEST! Voted Best Pizza 3 years in a row!

Thank you Southern Minnesota for voting George’s Vineyard #1 for Best Pizza and Best Italian Cuisine! We are also honored to be finalists for Best Wings, Best Lunch Spot, Best Appetizers and Best All Around Restaurant.

It’s an honor to serve our community!

EST.

E

’S

G

ORGE 2002

PIZZA | PASTA | CHICKEN | GYROS DINE IN | TAKE OUT | DELIVERY 507-645-0100 1160 HIGHWAY 3 S SOUTHERN MINNESOTA, MN www.georgesvineyard.com

A local favorite for over 20 years!

Best Of Southern Minn

Our dedicated team offers a full range of eye and optical services:

Comprehensive Eye Exams · Eye Glasses · Contact Lenses Eye Disease Management · Dry Eye · OptiLight Treatment Infant and Child Vision Care · Myopia Management Corneal Refractive Therapy · Urgent Care

2019 Jefferson Road | Suite A | Northfield, MN 55057

www.rvep.com

W W W. S O U T H E R N M I N N SCENE. C O M | A U G U S T 2 0 2 5

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Owatonna Motor Company

Midwest Collision, Faribault

Northfield Auto

Owatonna Collision and Glass

Finalist Finalist

CLEANING SERVICES Endres Window Cleaning, Owatonna

Bizzy Bee Cleaning Owatonna Finalist

Brad Donahue’s Window Cleaning, Faribault Finalist

COLLISION REPAIR Kappy’s Collision, Owatonna

Mike’s Countryside, St. Peter Finalist

Finalist

Finalist

CREDIT UNION Hometown Credit Union, Owatonna

Affinity Plus Credit Union, Faribault Finalist

Wings Credit Union, Northfield Finalist

FARM SERVICES Northland Farm Systems, Owatonna

FUNERAL HOME Parker Kohl Funeral Home, Faribault

Brick - Meger Funeral Home, Owatonna Finalist

Bierman, Benson & Langehough Funeral Home & Crematory Finalist

HEARING CARE SERVICE Personal Hearing Care, St. Peter

Amy Swain Hearing Center, Owatonna

Ag Partners Finalist

Finalist

The Hearing Aid Doctor

LAW FIRM Einhaus, Mattison, Carver and Haberman, Owatonna

Moersch Dorsey & Hahn, Northfield

Finalist

Finalist

NON-PROFIT Let’s Smile, Inc., Owatonna

Finalist

Community Pathways, Owatonna

Finalist

Northfield Union of Youth

Brandt & Winkler, P.A. St. Peter Frago & Lasswell P.A., Northfield Finalist

LAWYER/ATTORNEY Kristen Haberman of Einhaus, Mattison, Carver and Haberman, Owatonna

Finalist

Kibble Equipment

John Hamer, Faribault

Deb Korman, Faribault

Finalist

Finalist

OPTOMETRY CENTER OR OPTOMETRIST/ OPHTHALMOLOGIST Horizon Eye Care, Owatonna

River Valley Eye Professionals, Northfield Finalist

Richie Eye Clinic & Lasik Center, Faribault Finalist

PET BOARDING Tails and Trails, Owatonna

Cannon Valley Vet Clinic & Pet Hotel & Boarding, Northfield Finalist

Muddy Paws, Faribault Finalist

PET GROOMING Havana Dog Training

Must Love Dogs, Owatonna Finalist

Finalist

>>>

Best Boat Dealer:

LaCanne’s Marine

By ASHLEY HANLEY you’ll find what you need. Our customers come from all over Minnesota - and even from Iowa and Wisconsin. We know the business - we’ve known it for years,” LaCanne said.

LaCanne said that experience has helped. He cited managing a familyowned business and interacting with his amazing customers as the best part of the job.

“However, managing a familyowned business can also be the most challenging part of the job, but it is a passion,” LaCanne said.

For LaCanne and his staff, they know that while they have a strong history to build on, they also share in excitement for the future.

“We are going to continue working hard to be the number one Alumacraft Dealer in the country,” LaCanne said.

The business is open six days a week from Monday through Saturday.

Rows and rows of Alumacraft boats sit on display at LaCanne’s Marine along with some ATVs and snowmobiles.

T

he Southern Minnesota Scene region is blessed with a variety of local businesses and people.

Among them, Nick LaCanne is the owner of LaCanne’s Marine in Faribault, which was selected as the Best Boat Dealer in the 2025 Best of Southern Minn contest.

With around 20 employees, and almost four decades of experience, LaCanne said their customer service is what sets them apart.

“Our customer service cannot be beat. We have customers from all across the country enjoying our products,” LaCanne said.

For 37 years, starting back in 1988, LaCanne’s has been operating as a Marine

and Powersport sales and service company.

LaCanne said a combination of the employees and customers he works with has made the business thrive throughout the years.

“We are blessed to have such an amazing staff and client relationship. I look forward to watching our business grow as my children lead us into the future,” LaCanne said.

The future looks strong, he said. But the present is wonderful, too. Currently, they have more than 1,000 clients that they serve annually.

“At LaCanne’s, you’ll find not only a friendly sales and service staff, but one of the best selections of outdoor recreational vehicles in Minnesota, LaCanne said. “We carry

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Alumacraft fishing boats, jon boats, Glastron fiberglass sport boats, Misty Harbor pontoons and Ultracraft by Misty Harbor and provide top-quality service as well. The outboards we carry are Yamaha, Suzuki, Johnson, Evinrude, and Mercury.”

LaCanne said they have options for every season Minnesota has to offer.

“We also offer Polaris ATVs, and Rangers, Ski-Doo snowmobiles, and Sea-Doo personal watercraft. Whether you come from Northfield, Minneapolis, or Montgomery we’re sure

LaCanne’s Marine address: 19860 Roberds Lake Blvd., Faribault LaCanne’s Marine website: lacannesmarine.net Best Boat Dealer second place: Boat Doctor Marine, Montgomery Best Boat Dealer third place: Dranttel Sales & Service, St. Peter See the full list of 2025 Best of Southern Minn winners at: southerninnscene.com

Best Of Southern Minn

YOUR ONE-STOP SHOP FOR THE BEST! Voted #1 in Southern Minnesota!

Best Furniture Store

Best Mattress Store

Honored to be voted Southern Minn’s Best Margarita!

Stop in today for authentic Mexican food, full bar, beautiful patio and great service!

Thank you for voting us #1!

El Tequila

401 507-645-5758 401 North North Stafford Stafford Rd., Rd., Dundas, Dundas,MN MN|| 507-645-5758 Furn2go.com | Americasmattress.com Furn2go.com | Americasmattress.com/dundas

We are grateful to everyone for your support and business. We were voted best boat dealer and placed as a finalist for powersports in the 2025 Southern Minnesota Best Of!

Thank you all!

Mexican Grill & Cantina 369 SE 18th St., Owatonna 507-444-9490

eltequilarestaurant.net WE WANT TO THANK THOSE WHO VOTED FOR US AND ALLOW US TO SERVE THEM. WE ARE HONORED TO BE A WINNER IN 2025'S BEST OF.

Our elegant ballroom and 12 unique guest suites are perfect for overnights, office retreats, parties, business meetings, conferences, or weddings and receptions.

(507) 334-6415

19860 Roberds Lake Blvd, Faribault, MN 55021 www.lacannesmarine.com

Best Of Southern Minn

RETREATS | WEDDINGS | BUSINESS EVENTS Contact us today to make reservations or for more information!

www.theinnatssm.org (507) 333-1900 • inn@s-sm.org

W W W. S O U T H E R N M I N N SCENE. C O M | A U G U S T 2 0 2 5

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Best Locally Owned Specialty Shop:

Daisy Blue Naturals

Jena Thompson welcomes shoppers to her new Owatonna location of Daisy Blue Naturals during her soft opening in November 2024. (File photo - Owatonna.com)

F

ounder and owner of Daisy Blue Naturals Jena Thompson just expanded her business from one store location in Albert Lea to a second n Owatonna next to the Fire Hall on Main Street this past December.

She started the business 24 years ago in her kitchen as a mother to young children and a chemist by trade, hoping to create holistic and natural alternatives to products she was using in her family. It soon moved to the basement and then a 1,200-foot shed before she opened her first brick and mortar location in Albert Lea. “When I started,” Thompson said, “it was my core purpose to make a difference in people’s lives.”

As a chemist, Jena produces her own line of products in-house and with minimal waste.

With her two shops, online store and several

In the Dog House, Northfield Finalist

TATTOO PARLOR Irish Eyes Studio, Owatonna

Kinship Collective Tattoo, Northfield Finalist

Impulse Tattoo & Piercing, St. Peter Finalist

TRAVEL AGENCY Travel Leaders, Owatonna

LT Travel Design, Northfield Finalist

partnerships with Hy-Vee, where you can find Daisy Blue Natural end caps, naturalist Thompson is truly creating a brand that is aiming to become national. But for now, she’s our Midwest plug for all things natural, and a fun spunky pug at that. Her personality is positive and infectious.

In recent years, especially over the last decade, there has been growing interest in more natural, holistic products. Thompson isn’t jumping on this trend; she’s been way ahead of it.

When the team at Daisy Blue Naturals say “Natural,” they mean natural. All products with the Daisy Blue logo are 100% natural, compared to many other “holistic” looking products that still have those unpronounceable ingredients.

Thompson and the crew at Daisy Blue say no to parabens, phthalates, sulfates,

4 Seasons Travel, Albert Lea Finalist

VETERINARY SERVICES OR VETERINARIAN Countryside Animal Hospital, Dundas

phosphates, even gluten. Products include Health & Wellness items, internal and external health, bath, body, skincare and makeup, and the Owatonna Shop even hosts jewelry and home décor from Nicole Arndt. Thompson also sources other local vendors and national holistic companies to expand her offerings to everything from bars of homemade soap to crystals.

After several years in business, Thompson had another idea — to create an event surrounding her passion. Thus “Daisy Fest” was born. Held the first Saturday in September in Albert Lea’s Central Park, Daisy Fest boasts 40-50 vendors, some local and some coming from all over the nation.

She limits it to 50 vendors because she “wants it small and intimate.” Traditionally, the first 100 attendees to the free get a goodie bag. The park is full of natural and holistic health and wellness vendors, from sound healers, live music, food vendors to cash & carry, it is truly a wonderful event for anyone interested in the natural lifestyle or just looking for a fun, relaxing day in the park.

Garlick Water

Uncle Tom’s, Owatonna

WINDOW/SIDING /ROOFING Skluzacek Bros Inc., Faribault

Used-A-Bit Shoppe, Northfield

Finalist

Piepho Roofing, Owatonna

Dr. Tami Bauer, Owatonna Veterinary Hospital

Finalist

Finalist

Finalist

BAIT AND TACKLE STORE Cabela’s, Owatonna

Lacina Siding & Window

Ziggy’s Live Bait & Tackle, Mankato Johns Bait, Waterville

Finalist

Malo Roofing, Owatonna

Finalist

Finalist

WATER SERVICE /CONDITIONING Culligan Ultrapure of Northfield

Wencl Plumbing Inc, Owatonna

RETAIL ANTIQUE STORE Antiques of Northfield

Finalist

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Her seventh annual event is coming up Saturday, Sept. 6 and kicks off at 10 a.m. Jena loves what she does and has curated a great team of employees to help her continue to expand her vision; When asked the best part of being a specialty shop owner, Jena said, “People come in with an issue, and I get to make a difference.”

Congratulations to Thompson and the whole team at Daisy Blue.

Daisy Blue Naturals address: 121 W. Main St., Owatonna AND 115 S. Newton Ave., Albert Lea Daisy Blue Naturals website: daisybluenaturals.com Best Locally Owned Specialty Shop second place: Tone Music, Owatonna Best Locally Owned Specialty Shop third place: The Measuring Cup: A Kitchen Collection, Northfield See the full list of 2025 Best of Southern Minn winners at: southerninnscene.com

Dranttel Sales & Service, St. Peter Finalist

BOOK STORE Content Bookstore

Little Professor Book Center, Owatonna Finalist

Finalist

Heartland Animal Hospital, Owatonna

By MOLLY PENNY

Finalist Finalist

BOAT DEALER La Canne’s Marine, Faribault

Boat Doctor Marine, Montgomery Finalist

Books on Central, Faribault Finalist

BOUTIQUE SHOP Soulstice Boutique, Northfield

Graif Clothing, Owatonna

BRIDAL SHOP Inspire Bridal Boutique, St. Peter

The Dress Shop, Owatonna Finalist

Weddings by Deb, Faribault Finalist

CBD STORE Downtown Tobacco, Northfield

Cekoo Tobacco, Owatonna Finalist

Faribo Smoke Shop Finalist

Finalist

Wildfire Roots, Faribault Finalist

Best Of Southern Minn

CLOTHING/ ACCESSORIES Thrifty Parrot Consignment, Northfield

Graif Clothing, Owatonna Finalist

Wildfire Roots, Faribault Finalist

FARM EQUIPMENT Kibble Equipment, Owatonna

Midwest Machinery Co. , Northfield

Cedar Floral, Owatonna Finalist

FRAMING STORE Central Park Framing and Finds, Owatonna

Northfield Framing & Fine Art Printing

HARDWARE STORE Ace Hardware, Owatonna

Ace Hardware, Faribault

FURNITURE STORE Furniture 2 Go, Dundas

Northland Farm Systems, Owatonna

Erickson Furniture, Faribault

FLORIST Forget Me Not Florist, Northfield

GIFTS Petalina Mercantile Co., Northfield

Finalist

Finalist

Finalist

Marv’s Picture Frames, Owatonna

NDC Flooring and Home, Owatonna

Klecker’s Kreations, Owatonna

Contents, St. Peter

Ace Hardware, Northfield

Finalist

Finalist

Finalist

Finalist

Mankes Outdoor Equipment Finalist

Central Park Framing and Finds, Owatonna

EXPLORE OUR SHELVES Thank you everyone for supporting and voting for our non-profit business. We are honored to be a finalist book store for 2025’s Best Of in Southern Minnesota.

Finalist

Finalist

HOME DECOR Petalina Mercantile Co., Northfield

Finalist

Contents, St. Peter

Finalist

Central Park Framing and Finds, Owatonna

Finalist

Finalist

JEWELRY STORE Marquardt Jewelers, New Prague

Monarch Gift Shop, Northfield

>>>

Finalist

Congratulations to ALL this year’s Winners & Finalists!

W-F 11-5, S 10-4 227 Central Ave booksoncentral@gmail.com

Honored to be Southern Minn’s Best Kept Secret and Best Locally Owned Specialty Shop!

of the

Thank you for your nominations and votes!

Best Of Southern Minn

S

2025

E

Best

O SE E M NT OR CA

121 W. Main St Owatonna daisybluenaturals.com W W W. S O U T H E R N M I N N SCENE. C O M | A U G U S T 2 0 2 5

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Best Windows/Siding/Roofing:

Skluzacek Bros.

(L-R) Cavan Blandin, Gary Skluzacek, Derek Skluzacek, Chuck Kuether.

Submitted by Derek Skluzacek.

A

family owned business that got its start in 1973 has been selected as this year’s Best of SoMinn award recipient for handling your roofing needs.

Skluzacek Bros. Inc. out of Faribault offers a full range of service for a wide variety of needs, which also includes gutter installation and repair, attic insulation and removal of snow and ice from your roof during the winter months.

“My Dad (Gary Skluzacek) and uncle (Dan Skluzacek) started the company in 1973,” said Derek Skluzacek, who has been with the company for 30 years and started working with the family business when he was in high school.

Paffrath Jewelers, Owatonna Finalist

Kottke’s Jewelry, Owatonna Finalist

LIQUOR STORE Cashwise Liquor, Owatonna

Firehouse Liquor, Northfield Finalist

Hy-Vee Wine and Spirits Finalist

LOCALLY OWNED SPECIALTY SHOP Daisy Blue Naturals, Owatonna

“They (Gary and Dan) hadn’t been in the construction business before, but they ended doing my grandfather’s barn and then they did a neighbor’s place and the business started that way.”

From those first few jobs, the business became an area leader for residential roofing under the leadership of the Skluzacek brothers. In fact, Gary Skluzacek just retired two years ago and Dan Skluzacek was affiliated with the company until his passing four years ago.

“My dad just retired two years ago,” Derek Skluzacek said. “He wanted to get 50 years in and he wanted to be 70 years old still up on the roof working. He hit those milestones and then retired.”

The Measuring Cup: A Kitchen Collection, Northfield Finalist

MATTRESS STORE America’s Mattress /Furniture 2 Go, Dundas

NCD Flooring and Home, Owatonna

Finalist

Finalist

Paisley Gardens, LLC., Northfield Finalist

PET SUPPLIES Farmer’s Feed and Pet Supply, Owatonna

Finalist

Finalist

Neighbor’s Meats, Owatonna

POWERSPORTS/ATV/ MOTORCYCLE DEALER M2 Powersports Owatonna

plaints with those,” Derek Skluzacek said.

When it comes to customer satisfaction, Derek Skluzacek talked about the company’s keys to success and how being a locally based company is important.

“We like to go onto a job and treat the job and the work we do as if it was our own house. We want to give them a pretty easy experience so they don’t have to worry about anything,” Derek Skluzacek noted. “They know that if there is something that goes wrong with their roof, we’ve been in business for 52 years, they know that we will stand behind our roofs and they will be able to get a hold of us if they do have any issues with it.

Skluzacek address: 16554 Cabot Ave, Faribault Skluzacek Bros. website: skluzacekbros. com Best Windows/Siding/Roofing second place: Piepho Roofing, Owatonna Best Windows/Siding/Roofing third place: Lacina Siding & Window, Mankato AND Malo Roofing, Owatonna See the full list of 2025 Best of Southern Minn winners at: southerninnscene.com

RV/CAMPER/ICE HOUSE DEALER Joe’s Camper Sales, New Ulm

SHOE STORE Owatonna Shoe

Finalist

Donahue’s Greenhouse, Faribault

Finalist

MEAT MARKET Schmidt’s Meat Market - Nicollet

The company is focused on residential roofing needs and they service a radius of about 25 miles from its base in Faribault - with much of their work in their hometown of Faribault, Northfield and Owatonna.

“We do mainly residential roofing - new and existing construction. We also do gutters, attic insulation and snow and ice removal off of roofs in the wintertime,” Derek Skluzacek said.

“We do shingles, metal roofs and everything from slate to wood shingles. Basically we do it all.”

One of the current trends in the roofing business is with Class 4 shingles that help protect against the area’s weather and climate conditions.

“We are seeing more people going for the Class Four shingles, which are impact resistant shingles to help deal with hail and hail damage. We are seeing an uptick in the use of those shingles in the last few years,” Derek Skluzacek said. “Metal is also starting to climb up there but the price of steel is kind of hindering that a little bit right now.”

When it comes to a preferred brand of shingles, the company works extensively with Owens-Corning and Malarkey shingles “We’ve been using these shingles for quite a few years and haven’t had any issues. They are a real good quality and haven’t had com-

Rare Pair, Northfield

Slumberland, Owatonna

Fareway, Owatonna Tone Music, Owatonna

NURSERY/ GARDEN CENTER Souba Greenhouse, Owatonna

By TOM NELSON

Chuck & Don’s Pet Food & Supplies, Northfield Finalist

Cannon Valley Vet Clinic, Northfield

Finalist

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Finalist

Sette’s, Owatonna Finalist

LaCanne’s Marine, Faribault Finalist

Keepers RV Center, Mankato

Burkhartzmeyer’s Shoes, Faribault

Finalist

Finalist

Gag’s Camper Way, Mankato Finalist

Thank you for voting us for the Best Camper Dealer in Southern Minnesota!

CLEAR THE LOT SALE!

In stock inventory New & Preowned Going On Now! 2417 S BROADWAY ST, NEW ULM, MN 56073 507.354.8106 • 800.607.7887 www.joescampers.com

Best Of Southern Minn

WE WANT TO THANK EVERYONE FOR VOTING US AS THE BEST

Construction, Home Improvement, Roofing, Lawn Care/Snow Removal, and Place to Work in Faribault, Owatonna, Northfield, and Southern Minnesota!

Over 52 years of serving Southern Minnesota.

Free Estimates!

Call us 507-332-8531 / 507-412-3684 Best Of Southern Minn

W W W. S O U T H E R N M I N N SCENE. C O M | A U G U S T 2 0 2 5

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We’re honored to be voted #1 for Best Hearing Care in the Best of Southern Minnesota 2025!

We are thankful for all the support from the community. Thanks to your voices we placed as a finalist in Southern Minnesota’s Best Of competition for 2025.

We’re passionate about helping you hear your best every day, and being recognized for that means the world to us.

Thank you so much for your support!

3819 Kenyon Blvd, Faribault, MN 55021

(507) 332-2434

midwestcollisionfaribault.com midwestcollisioninc@gmail.com

400 S 3rd Street • St. Peter 507-508-6951 • personalhearingcare.com

Proud to be named as

BEST PET BOARDING in Southern Minnesota for the FOURTH year in a row!

We are grateful for your continued support!

3073 S County Rd 45, Owatonna

507-456-7821 tailsandtrailsboarding.com 20 A U G U S T 2 0 2 5 | W W W. S O U T H E R N M I N N SCENE. C O M

Best Of Southern Minn

Visit Sandals Dunn’s River in Honored to be named beautiful Ocho Rios, Jamaica Southern Minnesota’s Best Travel Agency!

Contact us today!

SCAN TO SEE MORE

you for your continued support!

111 N Cedar,Thank Owatonna • 507-455-1170 • galaxy-travel.com

111 N Cedar, Owatonna • 507-455-1170 • galaxy-travel.com

com

com SOUTHERNMINN e We’r L CAL like you

VISIT SOUTHERNMINN.COM/WIN OR SCAN THE CODE TO ENTER FOR FREE TODAY. Sponsored by SouthernMinn.com. See contest for more details.

CHECK OUT THE SCENE CALENDAR ONLINE FOR SOMINN HAPPENINGS!

W W W. S O U T H E R N M I N N SCENE. C O M | A U G U S T 2 0 2 5

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Dr. Peterson Balanced Healthcare

Nick Lewis, Thrivent

Dr. Brian, Cedar Chiropractic

Finalist

DERS

of

!

ER

REA

Best

N

W IN 2025

SoMINN

C

COM

ACCOUNTING FIRM Ackerman Accounting & Terry Evans and Associates

Finalist

CONSTRUCTION COMPANY Skluzacek Bros Inc

N

H O

O W IC S M AT E A W A R D A, ON C NA & WASE

Finalist

Honest 1 Auto

Vokon Industries Finalist

3D Construction Finalist

Finalist

BANK Hometown Credit Union

DENTIST/ ORTHODONTIST Wottreng Dental

Finalist

Diane Beckmann, Thrivent, Waseca

Home 2 Suites, Owatonna

GROCERY STORE Fareway & Hy-Vee

Finalist

Baymont Hotel Finalist

HVAC Owatonna Heating & Cooling

Cashwise Foods Finalist

HAIR SALON Sister Salon

Deml Heating & Air Conditioning

Hair Revolution Finalist

Finalist

Finalist

Doerhoefer, Miner, Andrist and Arndt Finalist

AUTO REPAIR Tim’s Auto Service

Wells Fargo, Owatonna Finalist

Keen Bank Finalist

CHIROPRACTOR Dr. Lori Cole

Aaron’s Repair & Towing

Finalist

Dr. Logan Flaherty at Main Street Dental Finalist

FINANCIAL ADVISOR James Scholljegerdes, True Wealth Advisors

Finalist

INSURANCE AGENT Judy Plemel, State Farm

Sarah Schmidt A Family First Insurance Agency Finalist

Thaddeus Tuttle, Farmers Insurance Finalist

LAWN CARE /SNOW REMOVAL Skluzacek Bros Inc

Finalist

Central Heating and Refrigeration

Selective Looks Dr Bob Kess Main Street Dental

HOTEL/MOTEL Courtyard by Mariott

HOME IMPROVEMENT Skluzacek Bros Inc

MSL Fencing and Landscaping Finalist

Finalist

Southern Minnesota Lawnworks Finalist

A Family First Insurance

LOCAL ANNUAL EVENT Steele County Free Fair

Farmers Insurance Tuttle Agency

Holiday Parade

Finalist

Alexander Lumber Finalist

INSURANCE AGENCY State Farm, Plemel Agency

MSL Fencing and Landscaping

Finalist

Finalist

Rustic Mama’s Market Finalist

Proud to be named best HVAC in Owatonna!

Thank you for your continued support!

Thank you for your business and for voting us “Best Farm Equipment in Southern Minnesota”

From Farm to Front Yard, we’re more than just your local John Deere Dealer.

We’re your neighbor and your friend.

www.KibbleEq.com 22 A U G U S T 2 0 2 5 | W W W. S O U T H E R N M I N N SCENE. C O M

Best Of Owatonna & Waseca

Souba Greenhouse Spring Celebration Finalist

PHYSICAL THERAPIST Megan, Big Stone Therapies

PLACE TO WORK Life Fitness

Federated Insurance Finalist

Berkshire Hathaway

Finalist

ERA Gillespie

Ecumen Brooks

Jen O’Connor of Health Tracks

PLUMBING Block Plumbing

Dr. Brittany Sibenaller, PT, DPT, PCES

Wencl Plumbing Inc

Finalist

Finalist

REAL ESTATE AGENCY RE/MAX VENTURE in Owatonna

Finalist Finalist

REAL ESTATE AGENT /BROKER Rachel Gasner, RE/MAX VENTURE

HONORED TO HAVE OUR OWN DR. MEGAN VALDOVINOS, PT, DPT, PCES NAMED OWATONNA’S BEST PHYSICAL THERAPIST!

Finalist

Stoyks Plumbing Finalist

>>>

Does your child or teen have MA or no dental insurance?

Get their dental screening, cleaning, fluoride treatment, & sealants at no cost to your family! yourproud child(ren)’s dental We areSchedule incredibly to be named as appointment with us in our dental clinic or Best Non-profit in Southern at your school-based dentalMinnesota! clinic!

Let’s Inc.organization is a nonprofit organization Let’s SmileSmile, is a nonprofit based in Owatonna since 2013, based indental Owatonna since 2013. providing comprehensive care and education to children and teens.

CONTACT US FOR AN EVALUATION TODAY!

507-451-7888

155 Oakdale St, Owatonna - In the Community Pathways Building Email: letssmile@outlook.com Website: www.letssmileinc.com

Please call 507-455-4063 Like Us On Facebook

123 W BROADWAY ST, OWATONNA MN 55060

Congratulations to ALL this year’s Winners & Finalists!

of the

Best

2025

Thank you for your nominations and votes!

Best Of Owatonna & Waseca

Stay Happy.

See Kappy!

Proud to be named as Owatonna’s Best Place for Collision Repair Thanks for voting!

3205 S. County Rd. 45 Owatonna 507-451-8989 www.kappysauto.com kappysauto@gmail.com W W W. S O U T H E R N M I N N SCENE. C O M | A U G U S T 2 0 2 5

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of the

Best

Thank you for your nominations and votes!

State Farm Plemel Insurance Agency Inc. is honored to be named as Owatonna’s Best Insurance Agency!

We are also very proud of Judy Plemel, who was named Owatonna’s Best Insurance Agent!

Thanks for voting!

Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.®

Plemel Insurance Agency Inc 920 Hoffman Drive, Suite 1 Owatonna, MN 55060 Bus: 507-451-4619

State Farm • Bloomington, IL • 2001627

We are honored and gratified to be voted Best Real Estate Agency.

Thank you!

Our VENTURE VALUES are the keys to earning clients for life.

118 N.Owatonna, Cedar, Owatonna, 118 N. Cedar, MNMN

(507) 413-8100 (507) 413-8100

homeswithventure.com homeswithventure.com Each office independently owned and operated

24 A U G U S T 2 0 2 5 | W W W. S O U T H E R N M I N N SCENE. C O M

It’s no surprise to us!

Rachel Gasner brings our VENTURE VALUES to everything she does!

Congratulations from your RE/MAX Venture family.

118 N. Cedar, Owatonna, MN (507) 413-8100 homeswithventure.com Each office independently owned and operated

Best Of Owatonna & Waseca

LIVE YOUR LIFE. YOUR WAY, EVERY DAY.

We are honored to be named as

OWATONNA’S BEST PLACE for SENIOR LIVING/RETIREMENT!

SCHEDULE A TOUR TODAY ecumenbrooks.org | 507-446-5855 2480 St. Paul Rd. | Owatonna, MN

Assisted Living | Memory Care

ecumencountryside.org | 507-446-8334 650 El Dorado St. SE | Owatonna, MN

JOIN OUR GROWING TEAM IN OWATONNA AND ENJOY: pay andBest benefits • Generous paid off ProudCompetitive to be named Place to Work intime Owatonna Multiple shift options • in Free on-site gym Minn!

AND Best Place to Work Southern Competitive pay and clean, benefits modern • Generouswork paid time off • Multiple shift options Safe, environment Free on-site gym • Safe, clean, modern work environment

To learn more about us and employment opportunities, To learn more about us and employment opportunities, please visit www.lifefitness.com please visit www.lifefitness.com

Best Of Owatonna & Waseca

W W W. S O U T H E R N M I N N SCENE. C O M | A U G U S T 2 0 2 5

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Kasey Anderson-exp Finalist

Proud to be voted Best Chiropractor in Owatonna!

Darcy Ihrke, Berkshire Hathaway Finalist

SENIOR LIVING /RETIREMENT Ecumen Brooks and Countryside

Thanks for voting!

Timberdale Trace, Owatonna

Dr. Lori Cole Doctor of Chiropractic 209 E Main St. Owatonna 507-444-0868

Finalist

Realife Cooperative, Owatonna Finalist

CHIROPRACTOR Dr. Pete Haugen, Haugen Chiropractic

of st e B

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Corbett Chiropractic & Health Enhancement Finalist

M

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Finalist

SoMINN

, S E A W A R D ALE FI ELD D & LONS

ACCOUNTING FIRM Reese Winter & Associates

Goodney & Etter, PA Finalist

Liberty Tax Northfield Finalist

AUTO REPAIR Lonsdale Auto Works

Northfield Auto Care Inc

CONSTRUCTION COMPANY Skluzacek Bros Inc

BANK Frandsen Bank & Trust

Community Resource Bank Northfield Finalist

Merchants Bank Finalist

Millersberg Construction Finalist

Johnson-Reiland Builders & Remodelers

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Wealth Management Solutions Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC Finalist Finalist

GROCERY STORE Just Food Co-op

Family Fare Supermarket

intage and estival Vintage Band Festival Vintage Band Festival

August 2, 2025 • 9am - 10pm | Bridge Square • Northfield, MN August 2, 2025 • 9am - 10pm | Bridge Square • Northfield, August 2, 2025 • 9am - 10pm | Bridge Square • Northfield, MN MN

Photo courtesy of the Northfield Historical Society, Northfield, Minn.

13 hours • 11 bands

WINNER FOR 2025 BEST OF SOMINN SCENE MUSIC FESTIVAL! THANKS FOR VOTING! for complete schedule & updates, visit www.vintagebandfestival.org This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from Minnesota State Arts Board and the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts & cultural heritage fund.

26 A U G U S T 2 0 2 5 | W W W. S O U T H E R N M I N N SCENE. C O M

Finalist

Congratulations to ALL this year’s Winners & Finalists!

Finalist

Streitz Heating & Cooling

Finalist

Better Air Inc.

HOME IMPROVEMENT Skluzacek Bros Inc

Northfield Ace Hardware Schmidt Homes Finalist

HOTEL/MOTEL AmericInn by Wyndham Northfield

Finalist

Finalist

HAIR SALON Mane Effects Hair Design

Finalist Finalist

INSURANCE AGENCY Heartman Insurance

Northfield Insurance Finalist

Peach & Associates Inc American Family Insurance Finalist

INSURANCE AGENT Mark Quinnell State Farm Insurance Agent

Fairfield Inn & Suites Northfield Finalist

DENTIST/ ORTHODONTIST Professional Dental, Northfield

Finalist

Denny’s Small Engine

Finalist

Aldi - Northfield

Finalist

a

FINANCIAL ADVISOR Edward Jones Financial Advisor: Christian Lockner

Kottke’s

Finalist

Queenie’s Salon

Finalist

Witt Bros. Service

Mike’s Marine

Schieck Orthodontics

Edward Jones

Finalist

Finalist

Family Hair

Finalist

STOREFRONT Owatonna Shoe

Paffrath Jewelers

Heritage Dental

Finalist

Cannon Pointe Chiropractic

SMALL ENGINE REPAIR Stan’s Small Engine Repair

Coratel Inn & Suites

By Jasper Northfield Finalist

HVAC Ron’s Northfield Refrigeration Heating & Air

Tony Langerud State Farm Insurance Agent Finalist

Sonja Ziemann Finalist

LAWN CARE/ SNOW REMOVAL Skluzacek Bros Inc

of the

Best

Best Of Owatonna, Waseca & Northfield & Lonsdale

Mulligan’s Landscaping Finalist

The Lawn Guy, LLC

PHYSICAL THERAPIST Northfield Physical Therapy

PLUMBING Benjamin Franklin Plumbing

Finalist

LOCAL ANNUAL EVENT Northfield Pride In The Park

Robert W. Mandell, PTA - Rehabilitation Services Northfield Northfield Hospital & Clinics Finalist

Defeat of Jesse James Days Finalist

PLACE TO WORK Skluzacek Bros Inc

Keith Pumper Plumbing & Heating Finalist

Weichert, Realtors - Heartland Finalist

REAL ESTATE AGENT /BROKER Tim Freeland, Realtor with Edina Realty

Welch Plumbing Inc. Finalist

REAL ESTATE AGENCY Edina Realty, Northfield

Chris Hentges and Greg Storlie Finalist

Ruthie Gilbertson eXp Realty Finalist

Winter Walk Finalist

St. Olaf College Finalist

Carleton College

Real Estate Agency Century 21 Atwood

SENIOR LIVING /RETIREMENT Benedictine Living Community, Northfield

Millstream Commons

by Three Links

Small Engine Unlimited LLC Finalist

Boat Motor and Small Engine Repair Finalist

STOREFRONT The Thrifty Parrot

Finalist

Northfield Retirement Community

The Rare Pair Finalist

Finalist

Verbena Vinyl Finalist

SMALL ENGINE REPAIR Ziggy’s Small Engine Repair

Finalist

Finalist

Congratulations to ALL the Winners & Finalists!

Thank you for nominating and voting!

Your Home is Out There!

2025 VOTED BEST RETAIL CLOTHING/ACCESSORIES!

Consignment Clothing Boutique VOTED WINNER OF 2025 BEST OF NORTHFIELD REAL ESTATE AGENT!

15+ YEARS IN BUSINESS

Hundreds of New Inventory Items Arriving Weekly!

New & Gently Used Clothing & Accessories.

We also have Crystals, Jewelry, & Gift items!

Journals, Stationary, Sticker Books & More.

507.645.1685

TUESDAYS - SATURDAYS 10:00AM - 5:00PM

Best Of Northfield & Lonsdale

Tim Freeland, Realtor® Local • Proven Sales Record text/call: 507/581-5038 Licensed Real Estate Agent in the State of Minnesota

W W W. S O U T H E R N M I N N SCENE. C O M | A U G U S T 2 0 2 5

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FINANCIAL ADVISOR W Greg Lee - I Edward Jones N

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INSURANCE AGENCY Truax

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Finalist

AUTO REPAIR Mikes Garage

CHIROPRACTOR Potter Chiropractic

Aldi

HAIR SALON Sunset Salon

Finalist

Eilrich Family Chiropractic & Wellenss

Finalist

OK Tire Finalist

Studio 14 Finalist

The Hair Station Finalist

HOME IMPROVEMENT Skluzacek Bros Inc

Finalist

Finalist

Finalist

BANK State Bank of Faribault

PHYSICAL THERAPIST Matt Gradient Wieber Physical Therapy

Finalist

Tammy Peach American Family Insurance Finalist

Finalist

Reliance Bank

Dr. Brock Lund Southern Heights Dental Finalist

Community Resource Bank

Dr. Poppenberg Southern Heights Dental

Amy Simmons Wieber Physical Therapy Finalist

Kayla Burns Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute

Finalist

HOTEL/MOTEL Grand Stay

Finalist

Luiken Plumbing Finalist

REAL ESTATE AGENCY Legacy House | eXp Realty

ReMax Advantage Plus Daryl Bauer Finalist

Weichert, Realtors Heartland Finalist

ReMax Scott Reineke Finalist

Finalist

Thank you for voting us

Days Inn

by Wyndham Finalist

Baymont Finalist

Customer Service Award of Excellence winner from GrandStay Hospitality ALL SUITES HOTEL

Complimentary GrandStart® Breakfast Meeting Space available, Indoor Pool, Whirlpool and Splash pad, Outdoor Sport Court and Patio NIGHTLY ~ WEEKLY ~ MONTHLY

BEST BANK! We are so grateful to everyone for supporting our locally-owned community bank. We are honored to be recognized as a leader in our community!

SBF

STATE BANK FARIBAULT

Complimentary GrandStart® Breakfast 1500 20th Street Northwest, Faribault, MN 55021 Meeting Space available, Indoor Pool, Whirlpool Phone: 507.334.2888 | www.grandstayfaribault.com

28 A U G U S T 2 0 2 5 | W W W. S O U T H E R N M I N N SCENE. C O M

Mullenburg Plumbing

Finalist

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US AS THE BEST HOTEL IN FARIBAULT

ALL SUITES HOTEL

Finalist

Finalist

Chadderdon Lumber Inc

Finalist

Customer Service Award of Excellence winner from GrandStay Hospitality

Finalist

Faribault Interiors

DENTIST/ ORTHODONTIST Palmer Dental

HomeTown Credit Union Faribault

LOCAL ANNUAL EVENT WinterFest

INSURANCE AGENT William “Bill” Heine

Finalist

Met Con

PLUMBING Faribo Plumbing & Heating

IRIS Turkey Trot

Dan Pumper Farm Bureau Financial

Finalist

Finalist

Filan Lawn Care & Snow Removal

RJR Faribo Insurance Finalist

Faribault Mill Met con

Rice County Fair

Finalist

PLACE TO WORK Skluzacek Bros Inc

Finalist

Heine Insurance Agency

Unlimited Siteworks

SCHEMA’S AUTO SERVICE

Finalist

Finalist

Finalist

Community Coop

Finalist

Fareway Meat and Grocery

Dr. Robert Erickson Erickson Chiropractic

CONSTRUCTION COMPANY Skluzacek Bros Inc

Finalist

N IC S E A STORE N O GROCERY WARD R M Hy-Vee , THFIFaribault D EL

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Finalist

Financial Solutions MN LLC - Sandy Flom

Luiken

K&M Heating & Air

Finalist

LAWN CARE /SNOW REMOVAL Skluzacek Bros Inc

Unlimited Siteworks

Cate Grinney Ameriprise

Finalist

Buchta Tax & Bookkeping Services

HVAC Faribo Air Conditioning & Heating

N

O A IC S RI E BA A W A R D N, M ULT O & KENY

ACCOUNTING FIRM JOD Ltd

Finalist

C

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Tom Klemer Edward Jones

DERS

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Best

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STATE BANK of FARIBAULT

(507) 332-7401 www.tsbf.com Member FDIC

Best Of Faribault & Kenyon

REAL ESTATE AGENT /BROKER Rebecca Lippert |eXp Realty

Pamela Rezac Keller Williams Preferred Realty Finalist

Daryl Bauer ReMax Advantage Plus

SENIOR LIVING /RETIREMENT Mill City Senior Living

Milestone Senior Living

STOREFRONT Jannas Market Grill

Keepers Antiques Finalist

Wildfire Roots

Finalist

Finalist

Faribault Senior Living Finalist

Finalist

WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK EVERYONE FOR SUPPORTING OUR LOCAL BUSINESS! It is our pleasure to serve you as the Best Of 2025 Faribault plumbing service.

GET THE PLUMBING SERVICES YOU NEED RIGHT AWAY!

Congratulations to ALL this year’s Winners & Finalists!

We are incredibly grateful to our community for your continued support and for voting for us. It’s an honor to serve you!

At Mill City Senior Living, providing excellent care for our residents is our top priority. Your trust means the world to us, and we’re proud to be part of such a caring and supportive community.

Thank you for allowing us to do what we love every day.

PLUMBING REPAIRS INSTALLATION NEW CONSTRUCTION

Call today to schedule a tour

Assisted Living & Memory Care!

RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL

1520 17th St. NW, Faribault, MN

(507) 334-6409

507.497.2011 millcityseniorliving.com

www.fariboplumbing.com

Beckie Lippert Voted Best of Rice County Realtor

Legacy House eXp Realty Voted Best of Rice County Real Estate Agency

(507) 384-8198

rebecca@lipperthomes.com

Thank you for trusting us with your hearts, homes, and legacies!

Each Realtor carries a unique brand, a personal mission, and a vision for something greater.

But we’re united in one powerful purpose: To build something that lasts...with the clients, coworkers, and communities we serve.

Every closing is more than a transaction, it’s a step toward someone’s future, a dream realized, a foundation for generations.

Legacy isn’t always something you can see or explain… but it’s felt. it moves people, it shapes lives, and it carries forward.

Thank you, Rice County, for recognizing our heart and our work.

We’re honored, humbled, and inspired to keep building something lasting, together.

We are Legacy House.

Real Estate led by purpose, inspired by impact, and focused on what truly lasts.

Thank you Rice Couty for your support!

Best Of Faribault & Kenyon

W W W. S O U T H E R N M I N N SCENE. C O M | A U G U S T 2 0 2 5

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FULL SERVICE SALON & SPA

Our team at Sunset Salon would like to thank our wonderful guests for voting us as the Best Salon.

Front row: Tina | Hanna | Stephanie | Susan (owner) | Veronica | Robin | Jamie | Lisa H. Back row: Lisa P. | Lisa L. | Sally | Andrea | Katie | Lisa W. | Barb | Liz | Amellia | Ashley Not pictured: Vanessa | Sandy | Michelle | Bree | JoAnn | Katie L. Recently retired: Cindi (pictured in front row)

511 Central Avenue North, Faribault, MN 55021 507-334-1714 • Open Monday - Saturday

SUNSETSALON.COM

Thank you for voting us the Coolest HVAC service in Faribault’s 2025 Best Of!

WE OFFER 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE (507) 334-6408 • www.fariboair.com 30 A U G U S T 2 0 2 5 | W W W. S O U T H E R N M I N N SCENE. C O M

I’m honored to be the winner of: Insurance Agent for 2025 THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

507-334-8405

www.heineinsurance.com AUTO-HOME - FARM - BUSINESS MOTORCYCLE - SNOWMOBILE - BOAT - RV & ATV

Call Us Today For A Quote!

Voted #1 Insurance Agency in Faribault’s 2025 Best Of! (507) 334-5850 truaxinsurance.net truaxemail@gmail.com

215 Western Ave Northwest, Faribault, MN 55021

Best Of Faribault & Kenyon

Dr. Seth - Rising Sun W Chiropractic

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TE I C E A W A R D S NTE R, Le E SUEUR & Le C

ACCOUNTING FIRM Marie Drantte

Hahn Accounting

R,

HomeTown Bank

Finalist

Pioneer Bank

St. Peter Tax Service AUTO REPAIR Skrove Automotive

Shorty’s

FINANCIAL ADVISOR Pete Nelson

Finalist

CHIROPRACTOR Dr.Laura Hulsebus - Hulsebus Chiropractic Clinic

Finalist Finalist

Dr. Holly Gibbs at Hulsebus Chiropractic

LOCAL ANNUAL EVENT Old Fashioned 4th of July

Pell Insurance Finalist

State Farm David Detlefsen Ins Agency

Do It Best Lumber Finalist

Berger Interiors Finalist

HOTEL/MOTEL AmericInn

Matt Brostrom Pell Insurance Finalist

Best Western Plus Finalist

Heidi Baker State Farm Insurance

GROCERY STORE Family Fresh Market

HVAC Leonard Heating and Air Conditioning

LAWN CARE/ SNOW REMOVAL Olson Snowplowing & Lawn Care

Finalist

Finalist

Best

Finalist

Oktoberfest Finalist

PHARMACY Hy-Vee

Family Fresh Market Pharmacy Finalist

PLACE TO WORK Skrove Automotive

Gustavus Finalist

River’s Edge Hospital & Clinic Finalist

St Peter Food Co-op & Deli Hy-Vee

Nicollet County Fair

INSURANCE AGENT Jay Zender - State Farm Insurance

Finalist

Finalist

Finalist

Finalist

Konsbruck Hotel

of the

for making us the best Hotel in St. Peter!

INSURANCE AGENCY State Farm Zender Agency

Finalist

Finalist

Thank you

HOME IMPROVEMENT St. Peter Lumber

Finalist

Mark Bollum Ameriprise

Spring Touch Lawn

Finalist

Finalist

Bart Weelborg

Finalist

Autotronics

Finalist

Comfort Systems

Hair Thairhappy

Finalist

S E A Minnesota Southern SO WARD N UOrthodontics M TH ERN, Finalist

BANK First National Bank Minnesota

Finalist

Riverside Dental

IC

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DENTIST/ ORTHODONTIST St. Peter Family Dental Center

REA

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Finalist

HAIR SALON Frey Salon & Spa

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Ryan Plumbing & Heating Finalist

>>>

507 Outdoor Services Finalist

Voted St. Peter’s Best Dental Office!

THANK YOU

Thank you to all the wonderful patients we have the privilege to care for and the outstanding team at our practice who make that possible. We are honored!

Proudly Serving Guests to St. Peter for 37 years.

Christina M. Simonette, D.D.S.

Newly Remodeled Rooms!

700 North Minnesota Ave., St. Peter, MN 507-931-6554

Best Of St. Peter, Le Sueur & Le Center

Mikkel D. Haugen, D.D.S.

Andy J. Wong, D.D.S.

402 Sunrise Drive, Saint Peter, MN 56082 Phone 507.931.1230 | Fax 507.931.1493 www.stpeterfamilydentalcenter.com W W W. S O U T H E R N M I N N SCENE. C O M | A U G U S T 2 0 2 5

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PLUMBING Ryan Plumbing & Heating

Hunt Plumbing & Drain Finalist

Eckert Plumbing & Heating Finalist

REAL ESTATE AGENT /BROKER Aubrey Leasure

Matt Brostrom Finalist

Lisa Skluzack

STOREFRONT Her Happy Place

Finalist

SENIOR LIVING/ RETIREMENT Ecumen Prairie Hill & Sand Prairie

Generations Boutique Finalist

Contents Finalist

Benedictine Finalist

Realife Cooperative of St Peter Finalist

Many thanks to our clients, associates, family and especially the office crew – Katie, Robyn, Kevin, Jan and Regis.

MARIE DRANTTEL Certified Public Accountant

226 Nassau Street, St. Peter | 931-4000 www.fnbmn.bank

117 S. Third St. Saint Peter, Minnesota 56082 (507) 934-2670

Thank you for Voting Us the Best for Lawn Care/Snow Removal!

Commercial and Residential Lawn Care & Snow Removal in Southern MN

Olson Snowplowing & Lawn Care, LLC (507) 382-3976 32 A U G U S T 2 0 2 5 | W W W. S O U T H E R N M I N N SCENE. C O M

Best Of St. Peter, Le Sueur & Le Center

Thank you to all our customers!

For Voting us BEST Auto Repair and BEST Place to Work!

We are your complete Automotive Service & Repair. Call us today for an appointment.

171 St. Julien Street • St. Peter (507) 934-0055

Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.

www.skroveautomotive.com

LIVE YOUR LIFE. YOUR WAY, EVERY DAY.

Assisted Living | Memory Care

LEARN MORE AND SCHEDULE A TOUR 507-934-2200

We are honored to be named as ST. PETER’S BEST PLACE for SENIOR LIVING/RETIREMENT! ecumenprairiehill.org 1305 Marshall St. | St. Peter, MN

ecumensandprairie.org 7 0 0 K n i g h t S t . | S t . Pe t e r , M N

Best Of St. Peter, Le Sueur & Le Center

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Thank you for voting us Best HVAC in St. Peter!

Leonard Heating & A/C is a family owned and operated heating and cooling company. We are licensed and insured to meet your commercial and residential HVAC needs.

1420 N 3rd Street Saint Peter • 507-291-6906

THANK YOU

FOR VOTING Jay Zender State Farm Best Agency and Best Agent in St. Peter

Zender Insurance Agency, Inc. 319 S Minnesota Ave, St Peter • 507-931-2890 • 112 N Main St, Unit B, Le Sueur • 507-665-2678 www.jayzenderinsurance.com 34 A U G U S T 2 0 2 5 | W W W. S O U T H E R N M I N N SCENE. C O M

Best Of St. Peter, Le Sueur & Le Center

Thank you St. Peter for voting Family Fresh Market Best Grocery Store!

Plus, finalist for Pharmacy!

we appreciate you!

Voted Best for Plumbing & Finalist for HVAC in St. Peter!

129 years…

14 years…

RYAN RYAN Plumbing & Heating Electric www.ryanph.com

www.stpeterelectric.com

120 W Nassau St. | St. Peter (507) 931-2720 ryanpandh@gmail.com Plumbing & Heating

… since 1896

Electric

… since 2011

We are honored that you voted for us!

612 MinnesotaAve. Ave.St. St.Peter Peter 612 S. S. Minnesota 507-931-5541 507-931-5541

Best Of St. Peter, Le Sueur & Le Center

Thank you!

Ryan Plumbing Team

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Proud to be named St. Peter’s Best Home Improvement!

of the

Quality Service. Premium Building Materials.

Custom Designs.

Family-Owned and Operated Since 1988

Best

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BEST CHIROPRACTOR Dr. Laura Hulsebus

BEST CHIROPRACTOR Dr. Holly Gibbs

Chiropractic Care ~ Acupuncture Pregnancy/Postnatal Care Pediatric Care Auto/Work Comp Injuries Cupping Certified Graston Therapy Intersegmental traction Nutrition Consultation Kinesiology Taping

200 S. Front St • 507-931-3200 stpeterlumber.com

Best Of St. Peter, Le Sueur & Le Center YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

SOUTHERN MINN

CHECK OUT THE SCENE CALENDAR ONLINE FOR ADDITIONAL HAPPENINGS!

SEE MORE @ SouthernMinnSCENE.com Calendar events compiled by Philip Weyhe.

THURSDAY, JUL 31

enjoy your favorite tunes under the evening sky.

This night features music from the Owatonna Community Band.

FRIDAY, AUG 01

Katy Tessman - Waseca-- 4-8 p.m., Pleasant Grove Pizza Farm, 41142 160th St, Waseca. ​A mother, singer-songwriter, author, and young survivor of breast cancer, ​​Katy Tessmsan aims to help people find strength, courage, and optimism.

11 @ 7 Concert Series - Owatonna-- 6-9 p.m., Central Park Owatonna, 100 E. Main St, Owatonna.

Bring your lawn chairs, grab some friends, and

The Jolly Pops - Faribault-10-10:45 a.m., Central Park, 430 2nd Ave NW, Faribault.

This family music group combines upbeat original music with a host of children’s standards for a concert that is sure to please kids and adults alike. Take a fun ride with these Happy Dads and their puppet friends as they sing about alligator dancing, popsicles, trains, pet dinosaurs and everything in between.

36 A U G U S T 2 0 2 5 | W W W. S O U T H E R N M I N N SCENE. C O M

Trainsmoke - Northfield-- 4-8 p.m., Red Barn Pizza Farm, 10063 110th St., Northfield. Weaving guitar instrumentals, soaring solos, and vocal harmonies floating over a rhythm of steady grooves and wandering bass. Train Smoke plays classic and modern songs you know and shows off seasoned song writing in originals you’ll love. Enjoy an authentic rock & roll experience from the heart of the Midwest.

NEVER MISS AN EVENT

SOUTHERNMINNSCENE.COM

Swing 6625 - Dundas-- 5-8 p.m., Keepsake Cidery, 135th St. East, Dundas. Plays classic swing tunes inspired by Django Reinhardt, French café music and a bit of Ella Fitzgerald.

Matthew Griswold - St. Peter-- 6-9 p.m., Paddlefish Brewing, 108 S. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter. Bone shakin’ voodoo grooves, keeping your

YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

toes tappin’ and hands clappin’ all night long. His brand of foot stompin’ folk-rock pays a tribute to the Delta Blues with a side order of thistle and shamrock. Expect a repertoire of classic covers, reinvented traditionals and well-crafted originals.

Kelley Smith - Henderson-- 7 p.m., St. Joseph’s Parish, Henderson. Folksinger/songwriter Smith is a hopeless romantic who fancies old poetry and grandpa sweaters. All at once whimsical and haunting, Smith delivers deeply affecting lyrics with wry charm and a time traveler’s voice.

SATURDAY, AUG 02

Giant Days - Le Sueur-- 8 a.m.-10:30 p.m., Le Sueur. Events take place July 31-Aug. 3. They kick off with Teen Night Thursday, July 31 at 7 p.m. Friday includes food and drink booths, entertainment and music from Good for Gary. The events go all day Saturday, including music throughout headlined by the Fabulous Armadillos w/ Chris Hawkey. Fireworks close the night. Sunday features the parade at 1 p.m., among other events.

Vintage Band Festival Northfield-- 9 a.m.-10 p.m., Bridge Square, Northfield. Old style music all day and evening in picturesque downtown Northfield. This year’s lineup includes RLC Jazz, Selby Avenue Brass Band featuring Thomasina Petrus, La Clave Orchestra, Southside Aces, Lake Wobegon, Brass Band, Brio Brass, The Freier Department, Bavarian Musikmeisters, Jack Brass Band, Sheldon Theatre Brass Band and New Prague Area Community Band.

Street Dance Owatonna-- 12 p.m.-1 a.m., Reggie’s Brewhouse, 220 N. Cedar Ave., Owatonna.

The day features a cornhole tournament, an indoor and outdoor bar, Wagner’s Lunch, and music from Voodoo Bender and Skitzofonik.

Summer Garden Tour - Waseca-1-5 p.m., Waseca, Waseca. Take a tour around the community to see a bevy of beautiful gardens.

Hosts include the Bailey-Lewer House, John Dvorak & John Katz, Andy &

Kathy Miller, Jody & Gene Buell, and Julie & Maddie Poehler. All locations are free and open to the public.

Jugsluggers - Dundas-- 4-6 p.m., Chapel Brewing, 15 Hester St, Dundas. String band trio playing a variety of music — bluegrass, country, Appalachian fiddle tunes, rockabilly & jazz standards — on guitar, fiddle, banjo & mandolin, with vocals no less.

The Space Force Waseca-- 5-8 p.m., Half Pint Brewing, 10099 150th St., Waseca. A buncha dudes playing songs that were overplayed way before they were born.

Dueling Pianos - Janesville-- 5:30 p.m., Indian Island Winery, 18010 631st Ave, Janesville. An epic night of music, laughter, and unforgettable entertainment.

This high-energy, interactive show is always a hit — and the venue is taking it outdoors (weather permitting) for an evening under the stars. Tickets online.

Zander - Kasota-- 6-9 p.m., Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery and Distillery, 1179 E. Pearl St., Kasota. Swing by for some free music provided by a full-time nationally touring folk Americana singersongwriter with a punk attitude based in St. Paul.

Drum Corps Expo - St. Peter-- 7 p.m., St. Peter High School, 100 Lincoln Drive. The Govenaires’ annual show for the community, featuring Schell’s Hobo Band, SuFuDu Drumline, Minnesota Brass, the Govenaires Parade & Concert Corps, and the Govenaires Drum & Bugle Corps.

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cover band, will host and perform as part of the library’s concert series. From start to finish, the show is incredible with something for everyone, from the hardcore Queen fan to the casual listener.

TUESDAY, AUG 05

Poor Lemuel & Silver Summer - St. Peter-- 8 p.m., Patrick’s on Third, 125 S. Third St., St. Peter. A night of summery rock & roll. Poor Lemuel is a local MN band with a very eclectic yet original sound: Organic, free-range, ripping guitar hooks; tangy, unfettered charismatic bass; spicy, ardent, distinctive percussion; mellifluous, impassioned male & female vocals that hover outside of the dial. Silver Summer, meanwhile, offers midnight music for summer lovers.

Classic Car RollIn - Owatonna-4-7 p.m., Mineral Springs Brewery, 210 N. Oak Ave., Suite 1, Owatonna. Spring/ summer/fall weather is perfect for both showing off and admiring these Southern Minnesota classic cars.

THURSDAY, AUG 07 Munchkin the Mini Horse - Faribault-10-10:45 a.m., Buckham Memorial Library, 11 Division St. E, Faribault.

A special storytime. Munchkin is a registered therapy animal, and Amanda is his handler. Munchkin isn’t just a miniature horse; he has dwarfism too. This makes him extra small and he and Amanda love to share and spread the joy of celebrating differences.

WEDNESDAY, AUG 06

SUNDAY, AUG 03 Chad Johnson - Kilkenny-- 2-5 p.m., Vintage Escapes Winery & Vineyard, 8950 Dodd Rd., Kilkenny. Known for his Americana and country-rock fusion, Chad blends heartfelt lyrics, smooth guitar, and feel-good energy.

The New Havoline Supremes - Northfield-6-8:30 p.m., The Gardens of Castle Rock, 26601 Chippendale Ave., Northfield. Mary Cutrufello and Dan Lowinger playing country rock and blues Americana.

Exhibition Opening - Owatonna-- 5-7 p.m., Owatonna Arts Center, 435 Garden View Ln, Owatonna. Sculptor and painter Tim James presents “Fragments of Reality.” From the artist: “I sculpt and paint abstractly because it affords me the freedom to express ideas without being tied by visual representations.”

SIGN UP TO GET WEEKLY PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. SOUTHERNMINNSCENE.COM Tyler Herwig - Le Sueur County-- 4-7 p.m., Westwood Marina Bar & Grill, 1400 Lake Washington Access Rd., Kasota. A reputation for high-energy performances and deep emotional musical interpretations that captivate all audiences.

MONDAY, AUG 04

Six Mile Grove - West Concord-- 6:30 p.m., Berne Wood-Fired Pizza, 23148 County Hwy. 24, West Concord. Six Mile Grove has weathered 20 years of the tumultuous music scene as a selfmanaged, self-produced, and self-recorded band.

Its music continues to evolve, as an organic, honest voice untinkered with and untainted by the lure of record labels or flashy music producers.

Gallery Opening Waseca-- 5-7 p.m., Waseca Art Center, 200 N. State St. The Members Show and artist Bob Nonnemacher.

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Send details to editor@ A Tribute to Queen - Waseca-- 7-8 p.m., Trowbridge Park, Waseca. The Crown Jewels, a Queen

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11 @ 7 Concert Series - Owatonna-- 5:30-9 p.m., Central Park Owatonna, 100 E. Main St, Owa-

tonna. Bring your lawn chairs, grab some friends, and enjoy your favorite tunes under the evening sky.

This night features music from Mark Cameron Band and Jack Willems Project.

Ellie Palmer Author Talk - Northfield-- 7 p.m., Content Bookstore, 314 Division St. S, Northfield.

For the release of her newest romantic comedy, “Anywhere with You.” A nostalgic, heartwarming romance about a Type-A woman who road trips through the Minnesotan woods with her noncommittal childhood best friend — only for their long-suppressed sparks to start flying.

Pet Parade - Faribault-7-10 p.m., The event sparks the creativity of community members in the surrounding area and gives their beloved pets an opportunity to strut their stuff. However, you don’t need a pet to join this parade. To be a participating member of the parade, simply consider the theme and prepare accordingly.

FRIDAY, AUG 08 Dimestore Watch - Dundas-4-9 p.m., Keepsake Cidery, 135th St. East, Dundas.

Covering the deeper cuts of the Americana/country alt songbook.

Jeff Reinartz - Owatonna-- 5 p.m., Grapeful Wine Bar, 306 N. Cedar Ave., Suite 2, Owatonna.

Known for his heartfelt originals and acoustic renditions of classic favorites, Jeff brings warmth, wit, and a great soundtrack to your evening.

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Shawn Russell - Owatonna-5:30-7:30 p.m., Mineral Springs Brewery, 210 N. Oak Ave., Suite 1, Owatonna.

Experience live acoustic that is here to set the mood and bring a relaxed and fun show. Shawn Russell Music is a diverse mix of Classic Rock, Old Outlaw Country, Reggae and all your favorite tunes from the 60s, 70s with an Island Vibe and beyond.

Crista & Muriah - Janesville-- 6-8:30 p.m., Indian Island Winery, 18010 631st Ave, Janesville.

Playing a variety of hits.

The Ya Ya Boys Northfield-6-9 p.m., Grand Event Center, 316 Washington St., Northfield. Folky upbeat tunes, featuring a couple of guys on the guitar.

Forrest Hunter - Kasota-- 6-9 p.m., The Blue Moon Bar & Grill, 300 S. Webster St., Kasota. Guitar, bass, singer and songwriter, Hunter aims to entertain at the marina.

J-Mo & The J-Lighters Henderson-- 7 p.m., River Bottom Tavern & Brewhouse, 510 Main St., Henderson. Hailing from St. Paul, Jamie’s music effortlessly blends the classic 50s and 60s vibes with contemporary rock and pop elements, creating a unique and captivating sound. His backing band, The J-Lighters, skillfully capture the essence of the 50s sound.

Hot Jazz for Decent People - St. Peter-- 7-8:30 p.m., Minnesota Square Park, 1000 S. Minnesota

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story with The Schmids, a husband-and-wife duo whose musical chemistry is as genuine as their love story.

Ave., St. Peter. Enjoy some jazz in the park in the comfort of your own lawn chair. The Thru Line Quartet play this night.

Chad Johnson - Northfield-- 7-10 p.m., Flaherty’s Northfield Lanes, 1700 Highway 3 S. Known for his Americana and country-rock fusion, Chad blends heartfelt lyrics, smooth guitar, and feel-good energy.

SATURDAY, AUG 09

Nicollet County Fair - St. Peter-- 8 a.m.-11 p.m., Nicollet County Fairgrounds, 400 Union St., St. Peter. Runs Aug. 6-10. Grandstand includes a truck and tractor pull Aug. 7, a demo derby Aug. 8 and 9, and auto races Aug. 10. Music includes Steel Bridges the night of Aug. 7, Wedinger Band, TJ Brown and Stone Daisy Aug. 8, and Jared Graff and Street Talk Aug. 9. Guests can also enjoy the carnival, petting zoos, food and drinks, music at the Big Stage and more.

Goodhue County Fair - Zumbrota-- 8-12:30 a.m., Runs Aug. 6-. Grandstand events includes autocross on Aug. 6, the truck and tractor pull on Aug. 7, more autocross on Aug. 8, and the demo derby Aug. 9. At the Beer Garden, find Leonard McCracken Aug. 5, Dave Carpenter & Friends and Ryan Sullivan Aug. 6, 8th Street Band Aug. 7, George’s Concertina Band and Bryan Anderson Aug. 8, and Zachary Giebler and Foster Grand Aug. 9.

GEM Days - Owatonna-- 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Downtown Owatonna.

Runs Aug. 7-9. Join for a weekend full of music, food, shopping, entertainment, kids activities and more.

The Schmids - Kilkenny-4-7 p.m., Vintage Escapes Winery & Vineyard, 8950 Dodd Rd., Kilkenny.

A soul-filled summer evening of music, wine, and

Ramble - Faribault-4:30-7:30 p.m., ShattuckSt. Mary’s, Faribault.

Celebrate a night of fun with entertainment: silent auction, spin to win game, wine tasting with paired appetizers, buffet dinner and fund-a-need program. Money raised goes toward the River Bend Nature Center.

Elliot Graber - Kasota-6-9 p.m., Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery and Distillery, 1179 E. Pearl St., Kasota. ELL, or Elliott Graber, is a pop artist who writes about his personal journeys traveling far from home to pursue his dreams, falling in love, finding himself, and returning to his roots. Visions of beauty and truth permeate throughout his music, tapping into the corners of every lovers brain; bringing these things to life with his gift for vibrant storytelling and sweet melody.

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SUNDAY, AUG 10 Emma Josephine and Ron & Steve Waseca-- 1-7 p.m., Pleasant Grove Pizza Farm, 41142 160th St, Waseca. Enjoy some music with your pizza on the farm.

The Donner Party - St. Peter-- 4-7 p.m., Patrick’s on Third, 125 S. Third St., St. Peter. Playing the roots of classic country.

In A Bind - Le Sueur County-4-7 p.m., Westwood Marina Bar & Grill, 1400 Lake Washington Access Rd., Kasota. Playing a variety of hit music.

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place to be. Come admire a wide variety of classic and custom cars, connect with fellow gearheads, and enjoy a fun summer evening at the Eagles.

TUESDAY, AUG 12

Steele County Free Fair Kickoff - Owatonna-5-11 p.m., Steele County Fairgrounds, 18th St SE, Owatonna. One of the biggest, if not thee biggest, county fair in the state kicks off Tuesday, Aug. 12 and Wednesday, Aug. 13 at the fairgrounds.

Smokescreen headlines the beer garden Tuesday night, while a classic antique tractor pull fills the grandstand. On Wednesday night, Arch Allies plays the beer garden, while Big Daddy Weave headlines the grandstand.

Tim Goodwin Northfield-- 6 p.m., Grand Event Center, 316 Washington St., Northfield. A singer/songwriter from Northfield. He plays original songs and some signature covers. His musical roots are in folk and Americana.

Division St., Northfield. Rich harmonies, emotive dynamics, personally crafted lyrics and driving rhythms played by local talented musicians with hearts of gold.

Tim Cheesebrow - Kasota-- 6-9 p.m., Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery and Distillery, 1179 E. Pearl St., Kasota. A signature blend of roots rock, folk, and Americana — pairing memorable melodies with meaningful lyrics that will have you tapping your toes and sipping a little slower.

WEDNESDAY, AUG 13

Taste of Time - Waseca-- 6 p.m., Farmamerica, 7367 360th Ave, Waseca. Sit back and unwind as you ride a tram around the scenic 1-mile Time Lane trail. At each of the unique historic sites, you’ll enjoy locally sourced food and drinks, offering a delicious glimpse into the past. Tickets online.

Scene Old Country Boys - Northfield-- 6-8:30 p.m., The Gardens of Castle Rock, 26601 Chippendale Ave., Northfield. These young boys decided they wanted to play old country. Come ready to hear the music of Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash and more.

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young Tribute - West Concord-- 6:30 p.m., Berne Wood-Fired Pizza, 23148 County Hwy. 24, West Concord. Formed in the year 2000, Collective Unconscious has become one of Minnesota’s premiere groups. Singer/songwriters Jeff Engholm, Nathan “Nature” Nesje, and Muggsy Lauer make up the core of the group with their vocal harmonies and are joined by composer / keyboardist George Maurer and drummer Scott Chabot.

FRIDAY, AUG 15 Gallery Opening Faribault-- 5-7 p.m., Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave N, Faribault. In the Carlander Family Gallery are Karl Friedrich and Pat Dunn-Walker; in the Lois Vranesh Gallery is Patricia Johnson; in the K&M Gallery are Judy Saye-Willis and PCA instructors.

Fred the Bear Northfield-- 5:30-8:30 p.m., Armory Square Event Center, 519

THURSDAY, AUG 14 Summer Car Cruise-In - Owatonna-- 5-8 p.m., Owatonna Eagles 1791, 141 E. Rose St., Owatonna.

Whether you’re a car enthusiast, a proud owner, or just love a good community event, this is the

Car Cruise - Faribault-- 6-9 p.m., Downtown Faribault, Central Ave. The rumble of a souped-up motor, the shine of chrome bumpers, pinstripes, fender skirts, great music, and food. It’s time. Classic or new, pull your pride and joy out of the garage & bring it down to the car cruise night, or just enjoy what’s on show. Saint Suburbia will provide music.

SATURDAY, AUG 16

Rose Fest - Kenyon-- 7-12:30 a.m., Kenyon. The annual community festival in Kenyon runs Aug. 1317. The royalty and grand marshal announcements are made Wednesday night, followed by a town cruise in golf carts and an outdoor movie. Thursday evening includes a bike rodeo and tractor pull. The action picks up Friday with citywide garage sales, a book sale, a hog roast, a wine and beer tasting, autograph signings from former Viking Tommy Kramer, and a street dance. There is even more Saturday, including a car show, a vendor and craft fair, and all kinds of kids activities. Sunday features the grand parade. See more at cityofkenyon.com

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Le Sueur County Free Fair - Le Center-- 8 a.m.-11 p.m., Le Sueur County Fairgrounds, 350 Plutt Ave. S., Le Center.

Runs Aug. 14-17.

Featured events include a free sweet corn feed and music from Doug Traxler and the Hired Hands Thursday; a demo derby and music from Over 60 Band and Sohmer and Dale & Open Highway Friday; a kids pedal pull, a truck & tractor pull, and music from Little Chicago and Smokescreen Saturday; a car show Sunday. Guests can also enjoy a carnival, food and beverages, Bingo, 4-H exhibits and more. lesueurcountyfair.org Hummingbird Hurrah - Henderson-- 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Henderson Hummingbird Garden, 209 N. Fourth St., Henderson. Charms of hummingbirds, a kaleidoscope of butterflies, beautiful flowers galore and plenty of pollinators are ready for your enjoyment.

Steele County Free Fair - Owatonna-- 9 a.m.-11 p.m., Main event runs Aug. 13-17. The biggest county fair in the state. The grandstand will feature Big Daddy Weave Aug. 13, Snake Oil Aug. 14, Rodney Atkins Aug. 15, Bulls-n-Barrels Aug. 16, and the IMP demo derby Aug. 17. The fair also features one of the largest carnivals you can find, and food and drinks stands all over, in addition to all kinds of more entertainment. scff.org Mark Kreitzer - Dundas-- 2-4 p.m., Chapel Brewing, 15 Hester St, Dundas. Mark has been playing music on stage since almost before there were two Germanys. He has played in rock, country,

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bluegrass, folk, traditional jazz and gypsy jazz bands, as well as being involved in theatrical and classical music.

Fleck’s Walking Tour - Faribault-- 2 p.m., A walking tour of the Old Fleck’s Brewery site.

Explore the ruins and see what the brewery would have looked like during its prime.

Tours at 2 and 4 p.m. Reserve a spot and buy a ticket by calling 507-332-2121.

The Jazz 10 Janesville-- 5:308:30 p.m., Indian Island Winery, 18010 631st Ave, Janesville. Classic and modern jazz for dancing.

Jeff Reinartz - Owatonna-6:30-8:30 p.m., Mineral Springs Brewery, 210 N. Oak Ave., Suite 1, Owatonna. A singer/songwriter, he’s been performing live for over 30 years and is a veteran of several bands. He is now a solo acoustic performer and has released two EPs that were produced by Scotty Rohr at Zension Studio in Austin, MN.

Russ Franek and The Biscuits - Northfield-7-10 p.m., Flaherty’s Northfield Lanes, 1700 Highway 3 S. Kick butt cover band that’s got something for everyone.

Stark Trek: The Next Improvisation Northfield-7:30 p.m., Northfield Arts Guild Theater, 411 Third Street West. An improv show in which a group of talented actors in Star Trek costumes act out a completely original episode.

brings the energy of a full stage show — looping guitars, vocals, and rhythms into a dynamic and upbeat performance you won’t believe is coming from just one guy. He plays a mix of crowd favorites and originals.

Angel Val Kasota-- 4-7 p.m., Westwood Marina Bar & Grill, 1400 Lake Washington Access Rd., Kasota. Angel grew up listening to her mom sing in an 80s rock band. She has a strong background and love for rock music and has grown to love country as well. She took her two favorite genres and mixed them into a more rock country style.

Another Time Around - St. Peter-- 4-7 p.m., Patrick’s on Third, 125 S. Third St., St. Peter. Duo playing classic rock songs.

MONDAY, AUG 18 Community Writing - St. Peter-- 6-8 p.m., Arts Center of Saint Peter, 315 S. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter.

The host leads instruction and conversation and then provides an optional prompt to work toward. The next hour is given to focused writing. Then some debriefing and relaxation, with everyone free to share their triumphs and frustrations if desired.

munity is roiled by strange religious and mythological events.

WEDNESDAY, AUG 20 Zander Northfield-4-8 p.m., Red Barn Pizza Farm, 10063 110th St., Northfield.

Swing by for some free music provided by a full-time nationally touring folk Americana singer-songwriter with a punk attitude based in St. Paul.

Concord. Comprised of two dynamic divas, Mary Lieser and Dianna Parks, on lead vocals along with incredibly talented music who cover a variety of instruments to recreate the complex and layered recordings of ABBA Gold.

THURSDAY, AUG 21

Third Thursday Downtown - Northfield-- 5-8 p.m., Downtown Northfield. Features live music, specials from the downtown shops & restaurants, family fun activities, and the carefully curated mix of fine art, crafts, cottage foods, and community.

Erik Koskinen - Northfield-- 6-8:30 p.m., The Gardens of Castle Rock, 26601 Chippendale Ave., Northfield. A true American singer-songwriter, Koskinen’s albums are a lyrical and musical metaphor of America’s theaters of war, history, relationships, and reflections in the mirror. fABBAulous - West Concord-- 6:30 p.m., Berne Wood-Fired Pizza, 23148 County Hwy. 24, West

Charlie Parr Owatonna-- 7-9 p.m., Mineral Springs Brewery, 210 N. Oak Ave., Suite 1, Owatonna.

Unique foot stomping style of blues, folk and Americana.

This brewery setting in Owatonna is one of smallest venues on Charlie’s current tour. Tickets online.

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TUESDAY, AUG 19

Classic Car Roll-In - Henderson-- 5-8 p.m., One of the biggest roll-in’s across the region in a beautiful downtown. Takes place every Tuesday until Sept.

17. The music for the night is from Sohmer & Dale.

SUNDAY, AUG 17 Bruce Burniece - Kilkenny-2-5 p.m., Vintage Escapes Winery & Vineyard, 8950 Dodd Rd., Kilkenny.

Bruce is a true one-man band who

Thomas Maltman Author Talk - Northfield-7 p.m., Content Bookstore, 314 Division St. S, Northfield. A reading from his new novel “Ashes to Ashes.” Small-town Minnesota teenager Basil “The Brute” Thorson — a shy, reluctant wrestling star and “special” tracked into special education classes — vows to make his family whole again in the wake of multiple tragedies, during a year in which his com-

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Tavern, Red Fox Tavern, plus starting and finishing at 1319 Tavern and Outlaw Saloon. All UTVs, ATVs and bikes welcome. Live music by The Ya Ya Boys at 1319 Tavern and another band at Outlaw Saloon.

Food and drinks.

FRIDAY, AUG 22

Hot Jazz for Decent People - St. Peter-- 7-8:30 p.m., Minnesota Square Park, 1000 S. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter. Enjoy some jazz in the park in the comfort of your own lawn chair. This night features Flamingo Flamenco: a flamenco jazz fusion show hosted by Molly Kay Stoltz.

Dan Schwartz & Nick Salisbury - Dundas-4:30-6:30 p.m., Chapel Brewing, 15 Hester St, Dundas. Eye & ear catching instruments, playing roots-based melody driven mixture of songs & instrumentals, originals & Americana standards.

Trius - Dundas-- 4-7 p.m., Keepsake Cidery, 135th St. East, Dundas. KAVE is a jazz duo comprised of two top tier Twin Cities jazz players, bassist Kevin Clements and Dave Hagedorn on the vibraphone, who happen to have deep connections to Northfield. They are joined by Reid Kennedy, drummer extraordinaire, who, after much time and several trial runs, completes the talented group with a bangin’ rhythm section.

Bridge Chamber Music Festival - Northfield-7:30-9 p.m., Northfield. The festival features The Young Artist Recital at St. John’s Lutheran Church 7:30-9 p.m. Aug. 21, The Charles Gorczynski Tango Quartet at The Grand Event Center 7:30-9 p.m.

Aug. 22, The Artaria String Quartet 3-4:30 p.m.

Aug. 24 at the Urness Recital Hall.

SATURDAY, AUG 23 Nathan Hansen - Kasota-- 6-9 p.m., The Blue Moon Bar & Grill, 300 S. Webster St., Kasota. Based in Rochester, Hansen has a passion for entertaining and keeping folks dancing with the best country music of yesterday and today as well as some originals.

Fortunate Sons - Henderson-- 7 p.m., River Bottom Tavern & Brewhouse, 510 Main St., Henderson.

Fortunate Suns are a hypnotic fusion of psychedelic improvisation, southern country rock and heavy distorted riffs.

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A World in Miniature - Henderson-- 1011:30 a.m., Ney Nature Center, 28238 Nature Center Ln, Henderson. Tanner Barnharst, a Minnesota Master Naturalist and member of the MN Mycological Society, presents a hands-on lichen workshop at Ney! Workshop participants will learn the basic parts of lichen and see them transform colors with just a touch of water.

Side by Side Ride - New Prague-- 1 p.m., 1319 Woodfire Tavern, 125 E. Main St., New Prague. The ride stops at St. Patrick’s, Doherty’s

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Mal Murphy - Janesville-- 1-3:30 p.m., Indian Island Winery, 18010 631st Ave, Janesville. Performing folk, alternative, and country covers and originals.

Jeremy Poland Band - Le Sueur County-- 4-7 p.m., Westwood Marina Bar & Grill, 1400 Lake Washington Access Rd., Kasota.

Their wide-ranging approach to these deceptively simple performances hits upon timeless elements in both rock and pop music to extraordinary effect.

Matt McAllister - Kasota-- 6-9 p.m., Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery and Distillery, 1179 E. Pearl St., Kasota. A skilled guitar player and singer.

Tribute to Outlaw Country - Faribault-7:30 p.m., Experience the raw energy and rebellious spirit of outlaw country and southern rock with Southern Soul from artist Joe Flip, featuring powerhouse vocalist Swanny Rose backed by an all-star band. Tickets online.

Amy Manette Band - St. Peter-- 4-7 p.m., Patrick’s on Third, 125 S. Third St., St. Peter. With a voice reminiscent of Etta James and Beth Hart, Amy Manette and her band are back.

SUNDAY, AUG 24 Summer Send-Off St. Peter-1-6 p.m., Paddlefish Brewing, 108 S. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter.

Celebrate the end of summer with a vibrant community bash. Bring the whole family for live music, kid-friendly activities, local food, and cold beer.

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Midwest Farewell - Waseca-- 4-8 p.m., Pleasant Grove Pizza Farm, 41142 160th St, Waseca. Enjoy the acoustic sounds of this trio. They cover everyone from Dawes to Van Morrison to The Last Revel and more.

TUESDAY, AUG 26

Wine Education - Owatonna-- 6-8 p.m., Grapeful Wine Bar, 306 N. Cedar Ave., Suite 2, Owatonna.

Join us for a captivating evening as we journey along one of the world’s most breathtaking wine regions — Germany’s Mosel Valley. Tickets online.

Learn About Pollinators - St. Peter-- 6 p.m., St. Peter Library. Heather Holm will explore the nutri-

YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

Welcome to the

tional components of the nectar and pollen of asters and their fall-blooming cousins the goldenrods, and demonstrate the importance of these two groups of plants for native bees as well as migratory pollinating insects such as butterflies.

WEDNESDAY, AUG 27

The Gabe Marchan Group - Northfield-- 6-8:30 p.m., The Gardens of Castle Rock, 26601 Chippendale Ave., Northfield. Blending Buddy Guy’s Chicago blues with elements of Stevie Ray Vaughan’s Texas blues and BB Kings Mississippi blues as well as all points in between, Gabe has crafted and developed a unique style and sound playing in numerous blues bands throughout Milwaukee. Joined by Dave Coldren on keyboard, Matt Rhodes on bass, Barry Knudson on drums.

Retro Soul & The Westside Horns - West Concord-- 6:30 p.m., Berne Wood-Fired Pizza, 23148 County Hwy. 24, West Concord. A group of seasoned musicians that reside in the Twin Cities metro area that have a passion for making good music. They play their style of blues rock inspired originals, combined with family friendly good time oldies from the 60s, 70s and 80s.

GROW your This month’s SCENE calendar runs through August 27th.

View more events at southernminnscene.com.

Sweet Jazz - Northfield-- 4-8 p.m., Red Barn Pizza Farm, 10063 110th St., Northfield. Christina Schwietz on vocals, Peter Webb on keyboard, David Miller on drums and Rob Thompson on bass. They also regularly feature David on flugelhorn and melodica.

Many of the songs are standards, some old, some much more recent. They take particular pleasure in finding songs you may never have heard before, including originals.

Sales Career

with one of southern Minnesota’s leading multimedia companies!

Qualifications:

- Flexible, self-starter, as well as able to multitask - Exhibit an ability to work effectively with internal and external contacts as a team member as well as a team - Sales experience in the print and multimedia industry a plus - Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook

Responsibilities:

- Educate and sell multimedia products and services to an established business client base and develop new customers - Conduct customer needs analysis and create presentations and proposals to provide clients with customized solutions

Job Details: Full-time sales Salary is $40,000 plus commission package

Benefits:

Competitive medical, dental and vision insurance; company-paid disability and term life insurance, generous PTO policy, company-paid holidays, 401(k) plan

If you are ready to GROW then contact Tom Kelling at tom.kelling@apgsomn.com DRUG FREE and EOE WORK FORCE.

CHECK OUT THE SCENE CALENDAR ONLINE FOR SOMINN HAPPENINGS!

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Music Trivia: Muck and Tracey THURSDAY, AUGUST 21 AT 7PM $100 per team of four ($25 per person)

For more information & tickets: www.paradisecenterforthearts.org 507.332.7372 321 Central Avenue North, Faribault, MN

Join us for music trivia with Muck and Tracey! Gather three of your friends and get ready for a fun evening at the Paradise Center for the Arts. Do you think your team has what it takes to win? Teams of four will compete for the title of champion in Paradise’s first music trivia event.

Enjoy yourself while helping raise funds for Paradise and winning fabulous prizes!

Gallery opening reception Tribute to Outlaw August 15, 5pm - 7pm.

Country and Southern

Rock by Joe Flip

Saturday, August 23rd at 7:30 PM

Sponsored by Southern Heights Dental Group and K&M Heating and Air Conditioning.

Carlander Family Gallery - Karl Friedrich & Pat Dunn-Walker Lois Vranesh Gallery – Patricia Johnson K&M Gallery - Judy Saye-Willis, PCA Instructors

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella: Youth Edition Presented by Marquee Children’s Theatre Music by Richard Rodgers, Book & Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, Adaptation by Tom Briggs Director: Kayla Mollenhauer, Music Director: Will McIntyre, Choreographer: Jordyn Tesch.

This reimagined fairy tale is a magical musical filled with charm, laughter, and timeless life lessons. Follow the journey of a passionate Cinderella as she navigates the challenges of self-discovery, love, and unexpected adventures.

August 1 and 8 at 7:00 PM August 2, 3, 9**, and 10* at 2:00 PM

Sponsored by Federated Insurance, Southern Heights Dental Group, and The Bahl Foundation.

Member: $21.50 / Non-Member: $26.50 / Student: $16.50 (Includes a $1.50 Processing Fee).

Acting Fun for Little Ones (Session #2): 8/11, 8/12, 8/13, 8/14, and 8/15 from 10:00am-11:30am.

*ASL Interpreted Performance | **Sensory-Friendly Performance Adult $14.50, Student $9.50 (Includes a $1.50 Processing Fee)

Experience the raw energy and rebellious spirit of outlaw country and southern rock with Southern Soul, a show nominated for “Tribute Act of the Year” by the Midwest Country Music Organization!

Billboard Charting artist Joe Flip leads it and features powerhouse vocalist Swanny Rose, backed by an all-star band. Southern Soul delivers faithful renditions of legendary hits from: Johnny Cash & June Carter, Waylon Jennings, Charlie Daniels Band, ZZ Top, The Allman Broters, and More!

For Ages 4-7, tuition $85. This class is designed to introduce kids ages 4-7 to the world of theater. We’ll play a variety of acting games to explore imagination and character.

Sponsored by Richie Eye Clinic & Lasik Center.

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

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44 A U G U S T 2 0 2 5 | W W W. S O U T H E R N M I N N SCENE. C O M

YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.