SCENE JUNE 2022

SOUTHERN MINN

YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND

Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Parade and Picnic In the Park stpeterchamber.com

THINGS TO DO.

2022

JUNE 2022

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Season Announcement June 2, 2022 @ 5:30 at the Sheldon Theatre

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YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

CONTENT

JUNE 2022 / VOLUME 10 / ISSUE 6

FEATURES:

6 Southern Minn County Fairs

We list the area county fairs not to miss.

9 Small Town Celebrations

Area small town celebrations to check out.

11 SoMinn Summer Festivals Festival time is finally here!

COLUMNS: 20 From the MUSIC SIDE

4 Mollywood BLVD

My morning routine with Jill Riley.

Famous dads who were taken too soon.

14 Through a SoMinn LENS

23 WOLDUM TV

A potluck of merchandise at a rural Dundas flea market.

A habit of the times.

34 SoMinn THE BOOKWORM SEZ

18 Rants & RAVES

- How Do I Un-Remember This?

- Conversations with People Who Hate Me - Hello, Molly!

- The Social Lives of Animals - Razzmatazz

Fair vs. Accurate

24 The SCENE Calendar

SoMinn’s most comprehensive calendar of things to be SCENE.

Southern minn

Scene

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19 SoMinn FOOD & DRINK Review The Purple Goose Eatery & Saloon.

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Mollywood BLVD

MOLLY PENNY Molly Penny is a local radio personality and MNSU alum. It was her love of pop culture that got her interested in doing a radio show for KOWZ 100.9, and she is now the music and promotions director at KOWZ & KRUE Radio in Owatonna. She resides in Mankato with her movie buff husband and YouTube obsessed children. Catch her on Twitter at @ mollyhoodUSA.

Famous dads who were taken too soon “Even if I tried to be my dad, I would be a mediocre, slightly embarrassing version.” — John Ritter

F

ather’s Day is June 19 this year, which brings to mind beer, grilling, baseball … you know, dad stuff. Unfortunately, there are many people out there who cannot celebrate with their fathers.

In memory of the many dads who are no longer with us, I wanted to run down some celebrity dads who were taken too soon and share how their families have honored their memory.

Christopher Reeve-

b. Sept 25, 1952- d. Oct 10, 2004 Christopher Reeve is best known as Superman from the 1980’s films. Many recall that he was injured in an equestrian accident in 1995 that left him quadriplegic. Prior to his horseriding accident, Reeve and his wife Dana had three children, one child together, William, as well as Reeve’s children from a previous relationship with Gae Exton, Matthew and Alexandra. The actor survived the accident but just under a decade after the lifechanging event, in 2004, his life was cut short when he suffered a heart attack. Dana passed two years later from lung cancer in 2006. Reeve’s son Matthew is now the father of two children, a son and daughter, Reeve’s daughter Alexandra named her first child Christopher after her dad, and his youngest child, Will, is a correspondent with ABC news. The children have started a foundation their father’s honor, the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, which is dedicated to finding treatments and cures for paralysis caused by spinal cord injury and other neurological disorders. I had the opportunity to see Christopher speak at an event in Washington D.C. when I was young thanks to my dad who was a U.S. Congressman at the time. Being a big Superman fan so is a great memory.

Kobe Bryant-

b. August 23, 1978- d. Jan 26, 2020 NBA Legend Kobe Bryant’s death sent shockwaves through the world. He had spent his entire 20-year career with the Los

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Angeles Lakers in the NBA, donning the jersey No. 8 and No. 24, both of which are now retired. No one wanted to believe the news when it broke that a helicopter carrying Kobe and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, crashed into a hillside outside of L.A. in January of 2020. It was truly the beginning of an entire year that will go down in history as one of the worst as the global COVID 19 pandemic hit just two months later. The tragedy was so deeply felt. Not only did his wife, Vanessa Bryant and his surviving daughters Natalia, Bianka and Capri have to mourn Kobe’s death but also a sister and daughter. In an interview with People magazine, Kobe’s widow, Vanessa, stated, “My girls give me strength.” Their daughter, Gianna, who shared her father’s love of basketball, was posthumously honored by the WNBA and the University of Connecticut women’s basketball team she had hoped to play for. Her school, Harbor Day School, where she was enrolled at the time of her death, also retired her jersey No.2. Vanessa also expressed that the memory of Gianna and Kobe motivate her to “keep going” and “inspire her to try harder and be better every day.” Kobe’s Mamba Sports Academy spun off the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation in their honor dedicated to creating “positive impact for underserved athletes and boys and girls in sports.”

Steve Irwin-

b. February 22, 1962- d. Sept 4, 2006 Nicknamed ‘The Crocodile Hunter,’ Australian zookeeper, conservationist, wildlife expert and environmentalist Steve Irwin wooed television audiences with his world-renowned television series, The Crocodile Hunter which ran for just over a decade beginning in 1996. In 1991 Steve met Terri Raines, an American naturalist from Oregon, who was visiting wildlife facilities in Australia and the couple fell in love at first sight. They were married by 1992 and went on to have a daughter, Bindi Sue, born July 24, 1998, and a son, Robert Clarence, born December 1, 2003.

When young Bindi was only 6 years old and Robert 3, Steve was pierced in the chest by a short-tail stingray barb while filming in the Great Barrier Reef for the documentary series, Ocean’s Deadliest. Steve Irwin Day is an annual event on November 15th, honoring his life and legacy. His children Bindi and Robert are now well-known television personalities who have carried on their dad’s legacy and love for wildlife in various productions

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such as, Bindi the Jungle Girl, Wild but True, Growing Up Wild, Crikie! It’s The Irwins and more. Steve always had a kind and humorous personality and fans rejoice that it was passed on to his children who honor his legacy marvelously. Bindi is married to Chandler Powell and the couple are parents to a daughter, Grace Warrior Irwin Powell. Robert, who is the spitting image of his father, has no children to date but is the busier of the two in terms of television appearances.

John Ritter-

b. September 17, 1948- d. September 11, 2003 Although he was introduced to television audiences as a bachelor in the sitcom Three’s Company in the mid-1970’s, John Ritter was a beloved household name, popular in both TV and film, as well as a father of four. Ritter and his first wife, actress Nancy Morgan had three children together, Jason, Carly and Tyler. Ritter and Morgan divorced and the actor remarried actress Amy Yasbeck in 1999. The couple had one child, Noah. Ritter passed away at age 54 of aortic dissention that had gone undetected after falling ill on the set of 8 Simple Rules which had just begun filming its 2nd season. He was rushed to the hospital and died later that night. Fans and castmates were stunned and shattered. All of his children have pursued careers in acting and entertainment. The most famous of his children is Jason Ritter, 41, who is known for his roles in television series such as Joan of Arcadia, The Class, The Event, Gravity Falls and Raising Dion.

Tyler is best known as the star of the 2014 sitcom The McCarthys and was also featured in guest roles on Modern Family and Grey’s Anatomy. Just weeks after John’s untimely death, his wide Amy founded The John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health.

The mission statement reads, “We exist to spread awareness of aortic health and prevent unnecessary suffering through genetic research, widespread education and radical advocacy.” I visited the website and the vibe is very “John,” including photos and quotes of the actor and dad, and an adorable hashtag: #AortaSupporta.

Happy Father’s Day to all dads out there, and a special thanks to all the dads no longer with us for your wisdom and “dad jokes.” This one’s for you!

YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

Nicollet County Fair August 10-14, 2022 www.nicolletcountyfair.com Follow us on Facebook Wed: Harness Races Thu: Tractor Pull Fri/Sat: Demolition Derby Sun: Auto Races Carnival | Music | Food Fun for all ages!

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Southern Minnesota

are not to miss

By TOM NELSON Guest Contributor

A

n iconic part of any summer in Southern Minnesota, the 2022 county fair schedule will offer area residents a wide range of affordable fun-filled attractions and events.

Listed below is information on the various county fairs in the Southern Minnesota Scene’s readership area that will take place during the months of July and August in 2022.

Goodhue County Fair

The 2022 Goodhue County Fair is set for Aug. 9-13 and the fairgrounds are located in Zumbrota.

This year’s fair promises to provide a wide range of entertainment highlighted by daily grandstand events. A kids’ lawn mower derby and power pull is a free grandstand event on Tuesday evening. The week continues in the grandstand with a demolition derby on Wednesday, tractor pull on Thursday and Autocross racing on Friday along with another demolition derby on Saturday. All of these are ticketed events for the grandstand.

“The Autocross has become our new premiere event,” said Bob Gonsior, Goodhue County Fair Board president. “It’s a little bit of auto racing with a bit of demolition derby. They go in a circle and within that circle there are jump…and it’s OK to run into another car! It’s a fun night and people really get into it.”

Gonsior said there were over 240 cars entered in the event last year and the Autocross attracts crowds of 7,000-8,000 spectators.

The fair offers free music entertainment in the beer garden each day and the All-American Lumberjacks show runs twice each day during the fair. The show includes everything lumberjack related from wood carving to crosscut saws to log rolling. The antique tractor and farm implements will be back on display this year and the fairground’s old schoolhouse will provide daily shows touching on the history of the county.

A carnival will provide fairgoers with a chance to experience the thrills of the midway, while the 4H barns will have livestock judging each day.

“It’s a fun small, town fair and there is always something going on at the fair,” Gonsior said.

“What draws people to our fair is that it is truly a down home style fair…it’s the food vendors, the carnival and the 4H.

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“Our fair the the 4H go hand-in-hand. It is really the grass roots of our fair. The 4H clubs really play an important role in our fair.”

For more information on the Goodhue County Fair, visit: goodhuecountyfair.com.

Le Sueur County Free Fair Located on the fairgrounds in Le Center, the 2022 Le Sueur County Free Fair will take place on Aug. 18-21.

Admission is free to the fair with parking at $5 per day or you can purchase a week parking pass for $15. Grandstand events at the fair will include a demolition derby on Friday night along with a truck and tractor pull on Saturday night and the Ranch Rodeo on Sunday afternoon.

The fair schedule will also include music performances by Blue Ringers on Friday and Smokescreen on Saturday along with the always popular carnival. The pig races are also back this year and the fair will also feature a petting zoo and pony rides. New to the fair this year will be an axe throwing booth and archery, provided by the Nye Nature Center, a hypnotist/magician stage show and a Civil War battle re-enactment.

“There are a lot of fun things this year and I am super excited about it,” said Jessie Filter, a member of the Le Sueur County Free Fair board. “We have a good feeling for this year. Our food Attendees enjoy a ride at the 2021 Waseca County Free Fair. (File photo/southernminn.com) trucks are getting their applications in and we have the carnival coming…I think it is going to be a great year.”

For more information on the Le Sueur County Free Fair, visit: lesueurcountyfair.org.

Nicollet County Fair Set for Aug. 10-14, the Nicollet County Fair offers free admission with a $5 parking charge at the fairgrounds located in St. Peter.

YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

SOUTHERN MINN COUNTY FAIR DIRECTORY Blue Earth County Fair

Garden City, Minn.

July 28-31, 2022 www.blueearthcountyfair.org

Dakota County Fair

Farmington, Minn.

Aug. 8-14, 2022 www.dakotacountyfair.org

Dodge County Free Fair

Kasson, Minn.

July 13-17. 2022 www.dodgecountyfreefair.com

Goodhue County Fair

Zumbrota, Minn.

Aug. 9-13, 2022 www.goodhuecountyfair.com

The demo derby at the Rice County Fair in 2021. (File photo/southernminn.com) Ticketed grandstand events this year will include harness racing, a truck and tractor pull, demolition derbies and auto racing. The beer garden music stage will feature performances by the Wendinger Band, Uncle Chunk, Jared Graff, and The Red Dirt Band. Crescent City Amusements will be on hand with a full contingent of carnival rides and games and wrist band specials will be offered for unlimited access to rides. 4H and open class judging will take place throughout the fair along with a full range of exhibits in the Commercial Building and the Hasse Petting Zoo in Agriculture Education Building.

For more information on the Nicollet County Fair, visit: nicolletcountyfair.com.

Le Sueur County Free Fair Le Center, Minn.

Aug. 18-21, 2022 www.lesueurcountyfair.org

Nicollet County Fair

St. Peter, Minn.

Aug. 10-14, 2022 www.nicolletcountyfair.com

Rice County Fair The Rice County Fair will make its 2022 run from July 20-24 at the fairgrounds, which are located in Faribault.

Admission to the fair is free but there is a daily charge on the fairgrounds for parking. This year’s ticketed grandstand events include compact and full size Enduro Races on July 20, the glitz and glamour of Midwest All-Star Wrestling on July 21, the Barnes PRCA Rodeo on July 22, the United Pullers of Minnesota Truck and Tractor Pull competition on July 23 and the always popular Demolition Derby set for July 24.

Kids Day at the Fair is set for July 22 with unlimited carnival ride wrist bands available until 4 p.m. Other kids’ attractions include the Children’s Barnyard (open daily) and the Kids Pedal Tractor Pull on July 20. The Rice County Historical Society will also be on hand daily to provide demonstrations and a look at the past on topics such as blacksmithing, corn shelling and grinding and hoop rolling.

A wide range of musical and family entertainment will be available at the Rice County Fair on the Sellner and Cannon Stages along with nightly musical guests in the fair’s beer garden. Scheduled to appear in the beer garden in 2022 are Smokescreen, the Chad Johnson Band and Mister Peabody.

What would a county fair be without a midway and this year’s carnival at the Rice County Fair will offer a full range of favorite rides and games. Fairgoers can purchase an unlimited ride pass for the entire fair in advance at the Hy-Vee or Fareway stores in Faribault and they can also purchase them at the fairground’s office located near the Grandstand. Daily carnival wrist band offers will also be available during the fair.

Senior Day at the Rice County Fair is set for July 21, and it will offer golf cart rides from the parking lots and around the fairgrounds, a spotlight meal in the Straight River Room, special “senior spotlight” price deals, a musical performance by the Whitesidewalls and the presentation of the county’s 2022 Senior Citizen of the Year Award.

Fair food fanatics will be in heaven as the Rice County Fair will offer a wide range of food vendors throughout the fairgrounds and a variety of businesses will be featured in the fair’s indoor and outdoor commercial exhibition areas.

The 4H and open class judging take place daily and it will give fairgoers a chance to see farm animals during the judging sessions and in the fairground barns.

For more information on this year’s Rice County Fair, visit: ricecountyfair.net.

Olmsted County Free Fair

Kids power wheel derby at the Le Sueur County Fair in 2021.

(Courtesy of the Le Sueur County Fair.)

Steele County Free Fair The Steele County Free Fair is billed as the largest free county fair in the state of Minnesota and it will return to the fairgrounds in Owatonna Aug. 16-21.

The first Steele County Free Fair on record was held in 1860, and it moved to its current location in Owatonna in 1917. The fair typically attracts over 250,000 visitors each year. Grandstand music acts slated for this year Maddie and Tae, Joe Nichols and Hairball, along with Grandstands favorites the Demolition Derby, an antique tractor pull and a rodeo with bull riding and barrel racing. Of note, admission to the fair free but there is a charge for the grandstand events.

In addition to the grandstand entertainment, a wide range of free music and other events are available at locations throughout the fairgrounds including United Prairie Bank Stage headliners The White Sidewalls, Power of 10 and The Transit Authority (a Chicago tribute band). The Ye Olde Beer Garden stage will feature Arch Allies, The Johnny Holm Band, Street Talk, Shag, Led Penny, Mason Dixon Line, the Dan Stursa Band and The White Keys.

The always popular carnival includes over 40 rides and the fair will also include a petting zoo, an All-Star Stunt Dog show, antique tractors and farm equipment along with the Jurassic Kingdom dinosaur show. The fair will also showcase a full range of 4H exhibits and animal judging and a chance to check out wildlife up close in the fairgrounds newly refurbished Great Outdoors Center.

“We have over 100 food booths throughout the fair grounds, so you have just about everything you can think of for food,” Steele County Free Fair spokesperson Wayne Steele said.

Steele said another popular destination are the booths set up in the Four Season hockey rink area. Over 250 booths are set up in the

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Rochester, Minn.

July 25-31, 2022 olmstedcountyfair.com

Rice County Fair

Faribault, Minn.

July 20-24, 2022 www.ricecountyfair.net/

Scott County Fair

Jordan, Minn.

July 27-31, 2022 www.scottcountyfair.org

Steele County Free Fair Owatonna, Minn.

Aug. 16-21, 2022 www.scff.org

Waseca County Free Fair

Waseca, Minn.

July 13-17, 2022 www.wasecacountyfreefair.com

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Handlers, helpers and spectators watch the show pen action during the market swine show on Thursday morning at the Goodhue County Fair.

Goats at the Le Sueur County Fair (Courtesy of the Le Sueur County Fair)

Harness racing at the 2021 Nicollet County Fair. (File photo/southernminn.com)

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Waseca County Free Fair

building which houses two full sized hockey rinks during the ice skating season.

“The Four Season building is really popular,” Steele said. “A lot of people walk through it because everyone is looking for something, either to talk with a business to remodel their home or to buy something.”

Steele added, “The fair here is huge. People actually take vacations to attend the fair here. Our fair has a little bit of something for everybody.”

For more information on the Steele County Free Fair, visit: scff. org.

The Waseca County Free Fair will take place on July 1317 at the fairgrounds in Waseca.

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Admission is free for the fair and parking is $5 per day or you can purchase a week long parking pass for $15. Grandstand highlights for 2022 include bull riding on Thursday, demolition derby on Friday and the Enduro auto race on Saturday. Music headliners scheduled for the beer garden stage include Johnny Holm, Blue Ringers, Tripe Dog Dare and Lady Luck. New to the fair this year will be the Waseca County Sings talent and singing competition on Saturday afternoon and a performance by Dueling Pianos.

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“People really like our grandstand and our carnival is great,” said Robin Dulas, Waseca County Free Fair Secretary/Treasuer.

“People look forward to the fair all year and we always get great comments about it and how nice it is. Our schedule of events is pretty packed this year, and we are pretty excited about that, we have more going on this year than we did last year.”

For more information on the Waseca County Fair, visit: wasecacountyfreefair.com.

The summer schedule for the other county fairs in the region include the Blue Earth County Fair on July 28-31, the Dakota County Fair on Aug. 8-14, the Dodge County Fair on Aug. 8-14, the Olmsted County Fair on July 25-31 and the Scott County Fair on July 27-31. See the websites listed below for more information on these fairs.  Tom Nelson is a resident of Northfield. Prior to his move to this area in 2021, Nelson worked as an intercollegiate athletics professional for over 30 years. A graduate of North Central College in Naperville, Ill., Nelson began his writing career as a reporter for newspapers in the Chicago suburbs including the West Chicago Press, Wheaton Daily Journal, Naperville/Bolingbrook SUN and the Aurora Beacon News.

YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

The Blue Collar BBQ and Arts Fest includes three blocks of fun — over 26 vendors, 12 hours of music, and a host of competitions and family activities throughout the day. (Photo courtesy of the Paradise Center for the Arts)

By PAT GARRY Guest Contributor

M

any Minnesota communities roll out the welcome mats all summer long, with events and activities that entice visitors and locals alike.

If you’re putting together the family’s summer calendar, here’s a good start.

Whether you seek culture, community, or comfort food, these amazing events prove that small towns, everywhere around you, know how to throw big celebrations. With quirky traditions you won’t find anywhere else, local

culinary specialties, and parades down Main Streets; community festivals bring out the best in small towns and make for one-of-a-kind experiences for visitors. Check these out!

Winona - 75th-Annual Steamboat Days (June 15-19); this is Winona’s annual community wide celebration! Enjoy five days of carnival, live music, a grande parade and fireworks. Join in on a week full of fun. Winona pays homage to its roots as a bustling Mississippi River port, with Steamboat Days – a celebration that makes the city hum with excitement.

A carnival midway, nightly live music, races, food galore, a grand parade, and fireworks are just a few of the reasons people flock to town for the annual event. The 35th-Annual Winona Dixieland Festival; this is at LaCanne Park Pavilion on July 30, from Noon – 5:00 p.m. Band schedule: Noon-1:30, Les Fields and

the Turkey River All Stars; 1:45 – 3:15, Midwest Banjo Band; 3:30 – 5:00, Gate City Jazz Band; Great Dakota Gathering; (September 7-8) at Unity Park by East Lake; Winona honors its history as the ancestral home of the Dakota tribe each fall, with the Great Dakota Gathering, an event that invites tribal members to come to Winona for several days to share their stories, their beliefs, and their rich cultural heritage.

Boats & Bluegrass Festival; (September 22-25) at Prairie Island Campground; set on the banks of the Mississippi River, the Boats & Bluegrass Festival has become iconic among music aficionados for its jaw-dropping lineups that extend for three days and feature some of the Midwest’s favorite bluegrass and folk performers. Musicians from across the country round out the roster of more than 40 bands set to take the stage.

A dragon (handled by Shriners) shoots smoke at audiences along the curb. (Anne Kopas/ The Kenyon Leader) ADD YOUR EVENT FOR FREE TO THE SOMINN SCENE CALENDAR. GO TO W W W. S O U T H E R N M I N N . C O M / S O U T H E R N _ M I N N _ S C E N E / & C L I C K + P R O M O T E Y O U R E V E N T

Peterson - visit all of the Peterson summer events; find anything you are looking for on June 17-18 at the 4th annual 60-Mile Garage Sale. All nine towns along the Root River & Harmony-Preston Valley State Bike Trails are teaming up to put on a garage sale that is over 60 miles along. Each town will have a listing on Google maps of all of the houses and businesses that will be having garage and sidewalk sales. Make sure to stop and try the unique restaurants or stores along your way.

Gammel Dag Fest; (Saturday, June 25) this is Peterson’s chance to share the traditions of the city founders and be part of all school reunion celebration. Those traditions - lovely foods and folk art, are again popular all over this region - so come and share the fun and enjoy the longest day of the year - midsummer…

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A line of Minn-E-Rods ready to pull tractors at Giant Days. (Carson Hughes/ southernminn.com) W W W. S O U T H E R N M I N N SCENE. C O M

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are plenty of food vendors for the weekend and activities for all ages. Some of the family fun activities include Bingo and a free Pool Party Friday night; Saturday includes a kids’ tractor pull and an all-ages dance in the evening. The festivities also boast many tours and wine tasting at the historic Gunderson House; and a 5K run.

Red Wing - River City Days is August 5-7; this is Red Wing’s premier summer festival and features many family friendly events, including free, live entertainment, arts & crafts, a parade, Taste of Red Wing, tournaments, pancake breakfast, beer tent, Sidewalk Daze and much more. River City Days in Red Wing is one of the summer’s best festivals! It’s free to attend and all the great bands are also free-no cover charge. It is great food, music and fun, so get these dates on your calendar.

Riders on the Soarin ride at Giant Days lift off into the sky. A number of amusement park rides came to Giant Days for the event’s first carnival in over a decade. (Carson Hughes/southernminn.com)

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Owatonna - GEM Days; (July 21-24)

join all for this fun summer time event; Ice Cream Social & Old Car Cruise-In, Crazy Days Sidewalk Sales, Kiddie Parade, Food Vendors, Music, and more. Smokin’ In Steele; after missing two years due to the pandemic, the Smokin’ in Steele BBQ and Blues Festival returns in 2022 to the Steele County Fairgrounds on June 3-4. The event features professional and amateur BBQ competitions, music, a car show, and food vendors. Profits benefit the Owatonna Area Special Olympics and other local charities.

The Festival was started in 2008 and is proudly presented by Owatonna Knights of Columbus Council 945. It is a 100% charitable fundraiser, primarily benefiting the Steele County Chapter of The Special Olympics, and Let’s Smile, INC, providing dental care for underprivileged youth in Steele Co. There is an Amateur Competition and Kid’s Q event. Over the event, there will be 3 regional blues acts on the Park Square stage for free, and 5 national touring blues acts in the beer garden for an all weekend admission price of $10. There will also be food vendors in Park Square and full bar service in the beer garden.

Houston - Houston Hoedown Days; a top-ten Minnesota celebration, this is always the last full weekend in July (this year, July 29-31); It kicks-off with a kiddie parade on Friday afternoon. From there, it’s a full weekend packed with food, tractor pulls, kids’ activities, car shows, a flea market, a softball tournament, live music at the fest grounds-nightly, craft beer tasting, grand parade, and much more.

Lakeville - Lakeville Pan-O-Prog (Panorama of Progress); this tremendous festival runs July 4-10. The celebration includes a multitude of events for a wide range of ages.

Just a few of the events include Cruise Night, Art on the Lawn, Music in the Park, Baby Crawla-Thon, Ice Cream Social, Pet Show, Big Wheel Race, and the Grand Parade.

Kenyon - the Kenyon Rose Fest takes place on the 3rd weekend of August (this year it is August 19-21); there are street dances on Friday and Saturday nights, town-wide garage sales, book sales, a vendors and farmers market, an amazing car show on Saturday; followed by a parade at 4 p.m., which features the always exciting Shriner Units. There

Stewartville - Stewartville Sum-

merfest (June 29-July 4); at Bear Cave Park; Summerfest is the largest celebration of the year in Stewartville, and it is hosted by The Stewartville Area Chamber of Commerce. It’s the best time of year to catch up with family and friends, as many come back to celebrate in their home town. There is something for everyone during these days of intense fun.

Le Sueur - The Giant Celebration in Le Sueur (August 5, 6, & 7); it is held in the American Legion Park. Giant Celebration is a three-day community event and is a funfilled weekend. All three days there are many activities planned for young and old. This years events include: Friday opening at 5 with a midway and mini-rods at six. Music starts after they are done around 7 kicking off with the fiddler and main event with Hitchville! Sat we have a fun run in the morning followed by a kids dance team! Magician at 11 Polka band at noon Live entertainment to follow with the main event being Arch Allies a 80’s cover band Fireworks at dusk Sunday we host one of the biggest and best parades in Minnesota. All the corn on the cob you can eat with a Giant Days Button Battle of the bands are held afterward the parade Closing out our event is our corn eating contest for all ages

Taste of the Trail - takes place the first three weekends after Labor Day along the Root River Trail Towns; (Saturday, Sep. 10 in Peterson, Whalan, Lanesboro; Saturday. Sep. 17 in Harmony, Preston, Fountain, Chatfield; Saturday, Sep. 24 in Rushford Area, Houston); It’s three weekends of tasting the food, culture and fun along the Root River Trail Towns. Each town has a different setup.

People are encouraged to ride the trail and check out each town. You can taste food from different restaurants, listen to local music and learn more about what the Root River Trail Towns are all about. Each community will give you a “Taste” of their towns with different activities, food, music and much more. Enjoy what is special about each community while you pedal your way through the beauty of Bluff County along the Root River.

Faribault - Music and Arts Festival; is August 10-14; the end-of-summer Faribault celebration showcases a family oriented mix of live music, arts and crafts, BBQ competition, great food and activities for all ages in historic downtown Faribault; Welcome to Faribault, Minnesota’s Biggest Block Party, located in the heart of The Historic Downtown District throughout the 200 and 300 blocks of Central Avenue North. The festival in 2022 will be in its 14th year. While each year things change a little, this year will have some major changes.

Besides the great music lineup on Saturday, you will find music from Wednesday to Sunday in different locations in Faribault. Make sure to keep an eye on the schedules for when and where.

Rochesterfest - will be held Saturday, June 18, through Saturday, June 25, at Soldiers Field Memorial Park. This year’s Grand parade will be held Saturday, June 25, at 2:00 p.m.-using streets to the west of Soldiers Field. Special entertainment will be held daily during the lunch period and throughout the evening hours. Special children’s activities will be held on Wednesday, June 22, during the evening, for Family Fun Night.  Journalist-Copywriter-Editor-Feature Writer. My experience spans over 20 years, and I will apply my skills to help beef up any lifeless copy within your website, brochure, press release, catalog, etc. Reach out at patgarry@charter.net.

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YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

S

By HEATHER GORDON Guest Contributor unny, summer weather is so precious around these parts, it’s simply not to be taken for granted.

So with the warmer temperatures and all that Vitamin D coming in, be sure to get out and about in the next few months. Summer festivals in Southern Minnesota provide the perfect opportunity to escape the home and find some entertainment without putting too much pressure on the gas tank.

There are more options in our area than you might realize, and we’ve compiled some of our favorites. Note that these are not community celebrations (we have a different story on those); these are the festivals that are, of course, taking place in communities, but are not the specific celebration of them. They are general festivities meant to draw in audience from around the region.

front porch of a 1915 school house meticulously restored in the traditional Norwegian style, or sitting outside in the evening around a roaring fire, always among friends. That is one way to describe the annual gathering of the spoon carvers each June in Milan.

What started as a small gathering of passionate wood spoon carvers in St. Paul, has grown into a vibrant festival of spoon carving, green woodworking and the decorative arts. Attracting spoon carvers from across the United States and abroad, the Spoon Gathering today offers a family friendly event catering to both novice and experienced carvers.

Apart from ample carving time, expect to experience a variety of demonstrations, workshops and presentations from some of the best in their field, including bowl carving, kuksa carving, kolrosing, chip carving, incising, tool sharpening, and of course spoon carving.

Sylvan Park in Lanesboro - June 4

Downtown Thursdays Owatonna - June 2, July 7 and Aug. 4 Downtown Thursdays will take place at Central Park and Cedar Avenue. Live music will be playing throughout the evening at Central Park and at a specified location on Cedar. Food trucks will be lined up around Central Park and vendors selling handmade goods to local businesses down the avenue. This event draws large crowd to a pretty and historic SoMinn downtown.

Old Town Art Fair Old Town Mankato - June 11

Rhubarb Festival

(File photo/southernminn.com)

cruise-in social and a rock’n’roll church service.

This year’s music includes Star Chiefs, Bad Habits, The Bad Companions and Holy Rocka Rollaz.

The Minnesota Legislature recognized Lanesboro as the Rhubarb Capital of Minnesota by proclamation in 2008. The heart of the festival takes place in Sylvan Park in downtown Lanesboro.

Start by browsing the Lanesboro Farmers Market where you’ll find all the in-season spring vegetables and other local delights.

Then enjoy the fun-filled festival entertainment and food, plus try your hand at the free rhubarb games and contests. Great prizes for all events. Other free entertainment includes a rhubarb fashion show (you can be in it), goat chill out, and Rhub-Art opportunities.

Music fills the park the entire day so bring your lawn chair and enjoy it all. This year music is provided by a variety of local rhubarb-lovin’ musicians. Vendors provide opportunities to purchase additional rhubarb treats and products.

This year, Old Town Mankato joins forces with the Coffee Hag to do the art fair like never before. Mankato’s Old Town district is a thriving community of artists, musicians, and other cultural creatives. Since 1992, Coffee Hag has been a prominent destination and a community mainstay. That makes 2022 a special year, as the Coffee Hag celebrates 30 years.

Organizers are doing the art fair bigger and bolder than ever before. Join, as the Old Town Art Fair expands all over Old Town Mankato.

Washington Street at the Coffee hag will be filled with live music performances all day, graffiti and street artist performances by an amazing local artist, and a fine art market. At the food truck hub, there will be multiple trucks for a great lunch with 30+ handmade vendors, and the perfect place to observe mural painting at the Wooden Spoon by Crystal Candles.

An art scavenger hunt with a mobile app is in development

by Denco Lighting. A new mural will be open for participation at Mom & Pop’s Ice Cream Shop with Bellissimo Paint and Coatings.

Blues Fest Minnesota Square Park in St. Peter - June 11-12 Get your groove on. Blues Fest is organized by the St. Peter Ambassadors and brings Minnesota Square Park in St. Peter to life annually on the second Saturday in June. The free music event includes four bands. Sit back, relax, sip on a beverage of choice, visit the vendors, and listen to top notch blues on the comfortable lawn of the park along Minnesota Avenue/Highway 169.

Eddie Cochran Car Show and Music Festival Spoon Carving Festival Milan, Minnesota, June 2-4 Take a short trip to central Minnesota to find one of the more unique festivals in the state. Sitting in the sun on the spacious

Downtown Albert Lea - June 9-12 A weekend celebrating the life and music of Albert Lea native Eddie Cochran. Live music Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening. Live music Saturday during car show. This annual event showcases more than 200 cars, offers a variety of musical performances, food vendors and more. Other features include a

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Schedule of Events Saturday noon: Blues Fest kicks off in the park Saturday noon-2: Adrian Barnett & The Questers Saturday 2:30–4:30 p.m.: The Swamp Poppas Saturday 5–7 p.m.: Jon McDonald Band

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CONTINUED page 12 | JUNE 2022

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PATIO SEASON

IS BACK!

CONTINUED from page 11 Saturday 7:30-9:30 p.m.: Lamont Cranston Band Sunday 4-7 p.m.: Closing ceremony with music and food at Patrick’s on Third.

Beer, Brats and Bourbon Howard Drive in North Mankato - June 23 Feeding Our Communities Partners (FOCP) and United Prairie Bank announced that, after a year of aging and flavor infusing, Beer, Brats & Bourbon for BackPacks will return in 2022. This event is all about aiding youth, while having fun with music, drinks and food.

Festival Solstice Land of Memories Park in Mankato - June 16-17 Festival Solstice is a family friendly outdoor music festival in Mankato. Located at Land of Memories Park, it highlights a beautiful harmony of music, river, camping and people since 2004.

Visitors enjoy the hiking trails along the Blue Earth and Minnesota rivers and through the woods in Mankato’s Land of Memories Park. One of the parks features is the campground.

Other offerings at the Land of Memories Park include soccer fields, an open area for Frisbee golf; bike trails; a boat ramp; and the Floyd Roberts Jr. Pavilion that can be rented. For those who like to fish and canoe, both rivers offer canoe routes, and a boat landing is available for access to the Minnesota River.

Gammel Dag Festival Scandinavian Celebration Peterson, Minnesota, June 24 Enjoy traditional foods and Scandinavian folk artists work.

Learn how to make lefse, take a hay ride and find the hidden gnomes about town. Learn to play the hardanger fiddle, enjoy Ole and Lena jokes, play Bingo, and enjoy Scandinavian music.

Winstock Music Festival Festival grounds - June 17-18

Visit our Facebook pages to see upcoming LIVE MUSIC & FOOD TRUCKS!

If you’re in Minnesota and enjoy country music, you probably know about this festival. It’s all about country music, drinking beer and hanging out in the sun.

This year’s lineup includes Jake Owen, Tim McGraw, Jimmie Allen, Brothers Osborne, Neal McCoy, Gary Allan, Little Texas, Larry Fleet, Mackenzie Porter, Walker County and more.

Dixieland Jazz Festival LaCanne Park Pavilion in Winona - June 30 Though Winona’s at the opposite end of the Mississippi from the birthplace of jazz, monthly jazz band performances, a Dixieland Jazz Festival, and even its own Mardi Gras celebration keeps the toe-tapping music alive there year-round.

Enjoy an afternoon of dixieland jazz at the end of June. From noon-1:30, it’s Les Fields and the Turkey River All Stars; from 1:45 – 3:15 p.m., it’s Midwest Banjo Band; and from 3:30–5 p.m., it’s Gate City Jazz Band.

Art in the Park Sylvan Park in Lanesboro - June 18

507.330.6718 corksandpints@gmail.com Located in Historic Downtown Faribault

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This is a family friendly art fair attracting thousands to Sylvan Park annually. Fine art and fine craft artists booths featuring artist-made work by over 90 artists from the tri-state region.

Painting, photography, fine jewelry, textile rugs and quilts, hand-thrown ceramics, stained glass, original paintings, blown and fused glass sculptures, artworks utilizing reclaimed wood, stoneware, clay pottery, metalwork, woven baskets, homemade embroidery, and more.

In honor of Father’s Day weekend and to promote artistic creativity, Lanesboro Arts will host an art activity booth with all supplies provided. A henna artist and face painter will have their own booth setup. Additional arts experiences, like aerial arts fitness and demonstrations by regional artists, are also in the works. Arts education activities will also be offered by regional nonprofits.

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Vintage Band Festival Bridge Square in Northfield - July 28-21 Vintage Band Festival 2022 will present three and a half days of brass band music at multiple venues in Northfield. Thirtyplus bands will perform from the Wenger Main Stage in Bridge Square and in pubs, retirement communities and churches throughout the community.

Vintage Band Festival was founded in 2006 and continues to be a free, open-air festival for all ages.

Find the full schedule at vintagebandfestiyal.org.

YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

in the Fest Building. A potluck will take place 6 p.m. Wednesday evening. Alcoholic beverages and pets can come along, but they are not allowed in the fest building or concert area Bring lawn chairs.

Ribfest

Riverfront Park in Mankato - Aug. 3-6 Held at Riverfront Park and Vetter Stone Amphitheater in Mankato, attendees can sample multiple rib recipes along with other barbecued meat while enjoying live bands. It’s big, it’s sprawling, and it’s fun.

Friday: ‘80s Night with FireHouse, Lita Ford, and a third headliner to be announced Saturday: multi-platinum rock band Gin Blossoms Sunday: Mankato’s own City Mouse, along with Mary Jane Alm

(© Tim McG Photo & Video)

MACT Fast Festival

Semba Bluegrass Festival Cushon’s Peak Camprground in Rushford - Aug. 18-21 Bands set to perform at this year’s festival include Southern Gentleman, Gold Wing Express, Serene Green, The Finley River Boys, The Paul Family, Cedar Valley, Tony Rook Band, William Lawson, Blue Rapids and more.

Be sure to bring your instrument, as jamming is always present throughout the campground. Great food service by Relay for Life

(one act plays) Paradise Center for the Arts in Faribault - Aug. 19-20

Shangri-La Festival

Community theatres and theatre enthusiasts from around the state will gather in Faribault for MACT Fast Fest 2022, sponsored by the Minnesota Association of Community Theatres (MACT).

Fast Fest 2022 begins on Friday, August 19, with an evening social gathering, followed by workshops and short plays on Saturday, August 20, and it concludes with another social gathering after the last play on Saturday evening.

The Friday evening social gathering, the workshops and the plays will take place at Paradise Center for the Arts. MACT Fast Fest audiences will enjoy a wide variety of short plays, 20 minutes or less in length, and have the opportunity to attend theatre workshops on topics of interest to actors, directors, technical crews and all fans of community theatre.

Audience members may attend part of the festival or may purchase a discounted ticket package that includes all of the shows, two workshops and the two social gatherings. Tickets will soon be on sale at mact.net. Registrations for participating theatre groups are due by June 20

This end of summer music festival is all about the vibes. It’s for the music lovers who want to get lost in what they’re listening to. The 2022 lineup includes Wookiefoot, The Polish Ambassador, Hirie, Kabaka Pyramid, Moontricks, Mike Love, Yaima, Balkan Bump, Gone Gone Beyond, The Reminders, Little Stranger, Paul Izak and more, all of which bring a wide range of musical sounds and energies to the stage.

See more at shangrilafest.com. 

Harmony Park in Clarks Grove - Sept. 1-4

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Through a SOMINN LENS

AUDREY KLETSCHER HELBLING A native of the southwestern Minnesota prairie, Audrey Kletscher Helbling creates from Faribault, her home of 39 years. She’s grown to love this region and encourages locals to explore what’s right here in their backyard. You can find more of her writing and photography on her blog at mnprairieroots.com.

A potluck of merchandise at a rural Dundas flea market

Toy cap gun.

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Rolling pins.

YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

Vintage jewelry

Bowling ball art.

Road signs.

Promotional event caps.

Western Motels sign

A

t its core, a flea market reminds me of a church potluck. Folks congregate, mingle and socialize at both. They also share a potluck uncertainty. What hot dishes, salads and desserts will fill tables in the church basement? And, at a flea market, what assorted treasures will fill outdoor vendor spaces?

Through the years, I’ve frequented the twice-a-year Swap Meet-Flea Market at the Rice County Steam & Gas Engines grounds just south of Dundas along Minnesota State Highway 3. There I’ve discovered a potluck of merchandise to feed my curiosity and interest.

I’ve dished up on the unusual with my camera, seeking out oddities vended by these transient merchants. And I’ve found plenty of the quirky/unusual/odd. Doll heads in a colander. A gigantic cucumber floating in water inside a narrow-necked booze bottle. A bloody fake hand intentionally placed next to hand saws. An antelope head. And so much more.

But, aside from all that quirkiness, I’ve also spotted the usual abundant servings of glassware, tools, books, textiles, signage…

And then there are those unexpected side dishes of letterpress type, commemorative plates, cap guns, familiar old toys, even a 1940s vintage kid-sized toy airplane.

Some vendors arrive at this flea market potluck with madefrom-scratch offerings. Jars of golden honey and maple syrup.

Ears of corn crafted from beeswax. Garden art created from glass and scrap metal.

Among all these offerings, shoppers are certain to find something that appeals to their tastes. I’ve picked up a few items—a Fire King bowl, a hand-stitched tablecloth, a vintage Minnesota beverage tray—perfect for hosting a potluck.

I’ve also socialized with vendors and others because that’s part of the flea market experience. I especially enjoy the “characters,” those individuals who chat it up and clearly delight in rural Minnesota gatherings.

Rice County Steam & Gas Engines hosts its next potluck of merchandise from 8 am – 5 pm on Saturday, May 28, and Sunday, May 29. Rain or shine. A second Swap Meet-Flea Market will be held at the annual Threshing Show September 2-4. Visit https://www.ricecountysteamandgas.com/ for more information. 

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Vintage clean rest rooms sign.

Rice County Steam & Gas Engines Flea Market.

Vintage kids’ toy airplane.

Oil cans.

Overview of a booth at the Flea market

Glass flower art.

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YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

good food

brings us together!

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Rants & RAVES

MARY CLOSNER Mary Closner is 73 inches tall (according to her doctor) and has 9-foot ceilings in her home (according to her handyman). She lives in Northfield, making bad decisions so you don't have to!

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Fair vs.

Accurate

ife isn’t fair … blah, blah, blah.

We’ve all heard the saying. I don’t want it to be true, but it is. So, I’m over that whole concept. I just want life to be accurate.

Every time I open a can of soup, I know I’m gonna be screwed. Sure, the label says, “Hearty Chicken & Vegetable Medley.” Why couldn’t they just fess up and say, “This saltladen, watery mess will have exactly three black beans, two cubes of spongy chicken-like substance and be jam-packed with chunks of carrot, because they’re cheap and colorful.” Then I would know going into it that I’m gonna have to throw out all the carrots, pack it with crackers and have access to a host of beverages, because I’ll feel like I’ve been dining at a salt lick. I’m ok with that as long as it doesn’t sneak up on me.

Imagine my glee as I’m paying my monthly cable bill ($114.68) for my $39.99 a month package. Why wasn’t the cable company accurate when I signed up? Why couldn’t they just say, “Our service is going to be slipshod at best; we’re going to raise our rates every month, so the bill will be nowhere close to what we quoted you; there are buttons on your remote that you will never understand, because we no longer issue manuals; and you haven’t got a chance in hell of ever getting through the maze that is our help line.”

I guess I shouldn’t complain, because can you ever really put a price on being able to watch “Extreme Cage Fighting” anytime you want? Or what about that channel that only shows people with rare medical mutations. If I didn’t have

that, what would my family watch during the holidays?

I think this accurate approach would benefit drive-thru fast food places as well. They could just put the real deal right out there. “Place your order … give it a shot. It doesn’t matter what it is, we’re going to give you whatever we feel like cramming in the bag. Oh, and our staff won’t be making any eye contact, as we hardly pay them enough to stay awake. We’ve had these fries sitting here since last night and just keep putting salt on them. They won’t be crispy or hot or look anything like they do in the commercials.”

I’ve got no problem with honesty.

I’m always happier if I know the real story up front. My dream is to go on a first date and have the guy admit, “My back is super hairy; I won’t ever remember to buy you a gift or where I put my wallet; and I snore like a rabid wolverine.”

Now I know what I’m working with. Am I willing to carry his crap around in my purse and buy my own birthday gifts?

If he was accurate, I’d be able to make an informed decision before I invest any money in lingerie. What a time saver!

Even better, what about the first day at the new job?

Wouldn’t it really be helpful if they told you, “You’ll be reporting to Sheila, who is a raging idiot, but don’t say anything, because she has a relationship with the boss. She’s going to be calling in sick or outside chain-smoking on a regular basis, so we’ll expect you to do the work of two, and we’ll pretty much treat you like an indentured servant.” Then you can determine how long it will be before Sheila gets fired and you can take over her parking spot.

Knowledge is power, people! 

YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

SoMinn FOOD & DRINK

Review

The Purple Goose

Eatery & Saloon

J

udy Jacobs is the owner of The Purple Goose Eatery and Saloon in Janesville.

“I bought my first of many businesses at age 23, and now, 47 years later, I have enjoyed all of the adventures. But I love to cook, and a restaurant just seemed like a natural.

This is my third bar and second restaurant,” said Jacobs.

At the helm of the Goose is Judy,

the main chef, and Leslie Poehler, an 18-year manager. Other key staff members include Talal Khan, 8 years; Treven Bobby, 2 years; Nikki Delaske, 5 years; Kelsy Ingle, 2 years.

The Purple Goose offers full breakfast, lunch and dinner menus (every Sunday is a 9-11 a.m. brunch). Some of the specialties featured: (big portions) Broasted Chicken; the best around; Great Burgers; $7 burger basket night every Thursday night from 5 to 9 p.m.; also a meat

PAT GARRY JOURNALIST – COPYWRITER – EDITOR – FEATURE WRITER Journalist-Copywriter-Editor-Feature Writer. My experience spans over 20 years, and I will apply my skills to help beef up any lifeless copy within your website, brochure, press release, catalog, etc. Reach out at patgarry@charter.net.

Kitchen Manager Leslie Poehler works on some chicken at The Purple Goose Eatery and Saloon. (File photo/southernminn.com)

raffle on Thursday nights; Large Salad Bar; Broasted Chicken Buffet offered every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. & Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m.; homemade Pizzas; Awesome Patty Melts…and much more!

“What I think sets us apart is that no one ever goes away hungry. I like to think, enter a customer, leave a friend,” Jacobs said.

The Goose is known for good food and friendly staff. They genuinely enjoy the people they serve, and they pride themselves on the large numbers of returning customers.

“Our building was an American Legion when I purchased it. My husband, being a veteran, made a promise to the club that they would always have a home here, and we have fulfilled that promise,” explained Jacobs.

The venue has been remodeled a few times, over the 20 years of Jacobs’ ownership. It boasts a catering hall that seats 200-plus and a modern bar/restaurant.

Judy and her staff sponsor benefits for the community, and they cater large and small events, with food and liquor on site as well as off site.

“We host a large Mother’s Day brunch every

year, that is well attended,” said Jacobs.

The Purple Goose is a popular spot for the town’s annual Hay Daze celebration, as well as Father’s Day weekend.

“My staff is not one that works for me; rather, it is one that works with me. I couldn’t do it without them. They are family to me,” Jacobs

said.

(Hours: Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Bar is open 9 a.m. to 1 a.m., Monday Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday) (The Purple Goose Eatery and Saloon (228 North Main Street—Janesville, Minnesota) 

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From the MUSIC SIDE

MEGAN ROLLOFF

Megan Rolloff is an interior designer in Mankato, who lives in New Ulm with her doting husband Tom. She loves music, especially of the Minnesota variety, and now she writes about it. Reach her at megankrolloff@gmail.com.

friends? your colleagues?

For me, my taste was foundational in “oldies” radio. My dad listened to The Beach Boys and The Doors, so naturally I picked up on that sound. I shared a bedroom with my sister during the height of ‘80s hair metal, my friends and I started coming into our own preferences during the height of grunge. In high school it was all about influences and discovery from whatever my friends were listening to and sharing with each other. MTV played a big part of my music consumption when I was a kid. I remember my family getting cable TV sometime in the late ‘80s and I watched a lot of MTV up through high school, at least until MTV was overtaken by reality TV. Can you name one or two of the most memorable concerts/live performances you have seen and why?

I really like looking back at some shows with artists before they made it to arena size crowds. The first time I saw Brandi Carlile was at the Minnesota Zoo Amphitheater. It was raining, but I couldn’t have cared less. I was so blown away by her voice.

Another one was Mumford & Sons at the Varsity Theater in Minneapolis. That venue holds less than 1000 people, but it felt like the energy of 5000. I remember it being very hot that night, my clothes were drenched with sweat. I also remember Mumford & Sons being very surprised that a crowd in Minneapolis knew the words to their songs and were practically blowing them to the back of the stage with the applause and cheering. I’m not one of the lucky ones who saw Brandi Carlile or Mumford & Sons at the 400 Bar, but that’s the fun of watching a band or artist’s following grow over the years. Mumford & Sons certainly found their first fans in Minnesota by way of The Current.

I know you have a pretty extensive vinyl collection.

How many records would you say you have?

Ok, I just checked my Discogs account, I have 1820 LPs cataloged, but I know I have some catching up to do there. It’s a personal goal to keep my records organized, it’s not perfect, but I’m much better and keeping things in order and properly filed away. I’ve sold and given away plenty of albums over the years to make room, but I suppose I’ll never truly have enough room for collecting vinyl. I have a few big totes of 45s, but I haven’t even started to try to organize that collection yet.

(Photos courtesy of The Current)

My morning routine with Jill Riley

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have a (not so) secret weapon when it comes to keeping up on the world of music that I love. It is an endless font of new music, old music, music history, music news, music biz interviews, upcoming concerts and events…the list goes on and on. This one-stop-shop for all this musical knowledge is the radio station, “The Current”.

For anyone who has read this column once or twice before, this comes as no surprise. But for any of you just joining us…The Current is a non-commercial radio station that plays just about anything and everything you can think of. They play the newest of the new alongside all the things that came before leading up to where music is now.

The Current pays little attention to genre or to what is trending. How do they get away with this, you ask? They are one of three services under the umbrella of Minnesota Public Radio. They are funded by member support, underwriters, and a smidgen of government assistance. All of this means there are no commercials! Probably the best part about The Current is that each and every minute of airtime is curated and hosted by actual living, breathing human beings.

One such human being is Jill Riley, the host of The Current’s morning show. To say I was thrilled to get the opportunity to

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interview Jill is a gross understatement. I have been listening to her voice every morning as I get ready for work for more years than I can count back. She is part of my daily life and was a bright spot of normalcy during those very uncertain first few months of the pandemic.

Here is what Jill had to say about music, being a DJ, collecting vinyl records, and the future of radio.

Would you say there is a particular “genre” of music that you gravitate toward more than others?

I’m drawn to 60’s pop/rock music. It’s likely because that’s what I grew up listening to at home and on the radio. The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Byrds, Simon & Garfunkel, Janis Joplin, Jefferson Airplane; that’s all like comfort food to me. I’m also a big fan of classic country music. Tammy Wynette, Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings. Classic country gives me the feels. I’m not stuck in those eras though, I mean, any artist or band that has been informed by any of my “comfort food” music, I’m certainly drawn to.

What do you think has influenced your musical tastes throughout your life? Your parents? your siblings? Your

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How/when did you start collecting?

I started young by helping myself to my parent’s record collection, then it just pretty much went from there. Vinyl was totally out of style when I was buying a lot of new music, I was buying mostly cassettes and CD’s. I mean, you couldn’t buy a new album on vinyl, it wasn’t an option like now. When I was a teen in the 90’s and wanted to buy a new turntable, I almost got laughed out of the store. Why would anyone want a turntable when CD players were the thing? Ha! When I got to college in St. Cloud, I started buying used vinyl at The Electric Fetus, which unfortunately that location closed many years ago.

When I moved to St. Paul, I frequented Cheapo, Hymie’s and The Electric Fetus in Minneapolis. It’s been incredible to watch the vinyl format come back in style. There are a lot of great record stores around the Twin Cities area. These days, I shop the most at Mill City Sound in Hopkins.

When you shop for vinyl, what do you look for? Or how do you know you’ve found a “good one”?

I buy records to play. I’m not out looking for rare or expensive collector items. There are lots of albums in the canon of what music fans would consider the “essentials,” but I just like flipping through the bins. Sometimes I find those essential albums that are on my running list to fill out my collection, other times I find something that looks interesting or has some sort of connection to another artist I already know. Collecting vinyl and record shopping is like going down the biggest rabbit hole I can think of. Sometimes I’m looking for a certain artist and their definitive album and that will lead me to another artist in that genre or a closely related band. I really love music history and all that connective tissue, it’s like getting wrapped up in one big web of endless possibilities. Especially in a well-stocked, used record store, you have no idea what is in the bin before you walk in. It’s all about the surprise.

I can’t imagine that radio DJ is the most common career path to embark upon after high school. When did you decide you wanted to go into radio? What drew you to that profession?

I listened to a lot of radio when I was growing up, and still remember hearing Casey Kasem’s voice on the pop station doing the Top 40 countdown. I started to take the interest in radio more seriously when I found that I had more of an arts and

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performance aptitude than science and math. I had a naturally deep voice, an ability to clearly read a love for music, so it made sense to me to pursue it. Even though I received plenty of advice to steer clear of broadcasting, I knew in my heart that’s what I wanted to do.

What was the “road” that led you to The Current?

I chose Saint Cloud State because of the reputation and quality of the college and community station KVSC. I majored in Mass Communications and found some great staff and mentors that encouraged me to continue my journey into radio. In addition to spending most of my free time at the college radio station, I interned at a radio company in St. Cloud, interned at a recording studio and worked part-time at my hometown station, mostly button-pushing during MN Vikings games. I graduated from SCSU in December 2004, got hired as a part-time host at The Current in January 2005. My path in radio is not typical. I fully expected to have to move far away from home and work in small markets for the early years. It was really about timing, the experience I gained at college radio and the connections I made while there. And the fact that MPR (Minnesota Public Radio) was creating a brand-new radio station around the time I was job hunting, helped.

How many years have you been with The Current?

I was one of the original hires at The Current, starting just a couple weeks before the launch on January 24, 2005. So, I guess that would be just over 17 years? Hard to believe sometimes.

How are you liking doing the morning show as a solo act? What are the advantages? What do you miss about having a co-host?

I like it fine, there’s something to be said about being alone in a studio and forming a bond and connection to the morning audience.

I can’t see them, but I know that I’m there as part of their morning routine. I’m in their alarm clock, I’m in the shower with them (ha), I’m there for the morning coffee, in the car and the start of the workday. The Current’s Morning Show is really music focused, so it’s easier for me to focus in on the music as a solo host. Butthere’s something to be said about having a cohost, I’ve enjoyed it in the past. It’s just a different way of doing radio. I mean, my favorite morning shows are of the so-called “zoo crew” format. I like feeling apart of the laughs or the conversations with multiple perspectives, various personalities that I can relate to or disagree with. You are part of the fun, without being in the studio.

What do you like about working at The Current that you wouldn’t get anywhere else?

I have a lot of freedom to be creative with music choices. I can try new things, whether they stick. I’ve been able to interview a great number of stars, but also up and coming artists that the audience can get to know through a conversation about their music. We’ve been able to book great guests on the station, especially once The Current gained a reputation for being a station where artists have a good experience in the studio and with the interview.

I’ve really enjoyed covering and broadcasting live from festivals like Bonnaroo, Sasquatch and Eaux Claires.

So much has rapidly changed in all our lives when it comes to how we search for, find, and consume media of all kinds.

It makes me sad sometimes to think we may get even more disconnected from each other as time goes on. Where do you see radio heading in the future?

The Current continues to grow in the digital space, but still performs well on FM in this market. Whether someone is listening to a traditional radio or a device, if you’re giving the listener something they can’t find anywhere else, they’ll continue to come back. The device or platform will certainly continue to evolve, but if you’ve got great content or something unique

to offer, there will be an audience.

Do you think it will be a different future for commercial radio vs. public radio?

I can only really speak for public radio since that’s where I’ve spent the entirety of my professional career, but it seems to me that any station that gives listeners an experience that they can’t find or curate on their own, you then remain relevant and necessary to the audience.

It’s not even really about commercial vs public radio anymore. It’s radio vs streaming services.

It’s radio companies vs podcasting companies.

Stations that stay committed to being local with live, knowledgeable talent can offer a human connection and a sense of community that can’t be replicated with an algorithm. It works with public radio because of the listener support model. On paper, The Current’s format, mission and business model wouldn’t generate the revenue to allow it to exist in the commercial world.

I personally don’t know what I would have done without The Current, and

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more precisely, the morning show, during the first year of the pandemic. 2020 without hearing those comforting, reliable voices through my radio would have been so much worse. Not only did it start my every day with a little slice of normal, but I knew, that even though I couldn’t go out and see people, there was a whole community of listeners out there hearing the same songs and the same distressing news that I was. It gave me the feeling of “we are all in this together” that I really needed. How has it been working through the pandemic?

I’m very grateful that I was able to stay live each morning. I didn’t experience the work from home experience, so going into the station every morning provided a normalcy that helped me through any feelings of uncertainty. It was nice for just one slice of consistency when so many other things felt out of my control.

How is/was your day-to-day different?

The pandemic reminded me of the early days of my Current life when I worked in solitude on

the overnight shift. I haven’t had a producer in the studio for over 2 years, so collaborating and communicating by way of a Slack window took some getting used to. I miss the in person in studio performances and interviews, but we’ll get back there soon enough. Staying in touch with my colleagues by way of Zoom felt like a fun novelty at first, but many of us are longing for the days when we can work together and collaborate in the office again.

Have you felt that your job is even more important during a time like this?

I do, I absolutely do. I know this to be true because I’ve heard from so many MPR members that The Current kept them connected to the outside world in the era of work from home.

We did a great series on The Current Morning Show early in the pandemic called Phone a Friend where I got on the phone with musicians all over the country and we had meaningful conversations about the collective experience of the uncertainty of Covid. We talked to professionals and experts during Wellness Wednesday

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CONTINUED from page 21 on a variety of subjects concerning mental, physical, and spiritual health. The Current really went back to the basics of what makes radio so special, it’s about connection. Working from home, isolated from family, missing live concerts and friends can be made a little less lonely when you’ve got someone on the radio to keep you company throughout the day and night.

Do you see some things never going back to “normal” at MPR? What?

It will be a new normal. MPR always seems to be in a state of planning, changing and evolving. The pandemic certainly brought some new abilities to our work at The Current. Zoom lost its sparkle for me a long time ago, but it’s because of technology like Zoom that we have been able to connect with bands and artists all over the world. Musicians that would never have a need or have the time to come into the studio while they’re in town but could connect with us via Zoom for an interview or virtual performance. In one week, I was able to connect with and interview Wet Leg, Elvis Costello, Tears for Fears, Dave Gahan of Depeche Mode, Johnny Marr and the one and only Sting. Because we did these interviews via Zoom, then we have a video to share that can be consumed in the digital space and not just in the traditional radio space.

Every job has its ups and downs. And I personally don’t believe the saying “do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life”. But as a music lover, being a radio host must have its fair share of awesomeness. What is the biggest perk about working in radio?

Going to lots of concerts. I’ve been easing back into seeing shows and I’ve seen so much enthusiasm for the return to live, in person concerts.

Do you like doing “high-profile” interviews? Or is it still nerve-wracking?

Yes, I do. The nervous part never goes away, and I hope it never does. I only say that because the nerves come from caring a lot about giving them a good experience and making sure that I’m as well prepped as possible. I used to get nervous because I was so starstruck, but I’ve had to change how I approach famous stars. If I can relax and try to just see and treat them like I would talk to anyone else in my life, the conversations always turn out better and we find more moments where we click or develop a good rapport. You’ll still find me pacing around the building 30 minutes before interview time, but it’s good to get that energy out!

And just because I know that we both grew up around the same time, and are both from small-ish towns in the North, and both have an impressive (if I do say so myself), handle on pop culture in general…I’m dying to know. What is your favorite 80s or 90s movie soundtrack?

Sorry, can’t even begin to try to pick just one. ‘80s soundtracks- Pretty in Pink, Purple Rain, Footloose.

‘90s soundtracks- Wayne’s World, Pulp Fiction, Forrest Gump.

I feel so lucky that I got this opportunity to interview someone that I truly admire. Not only is Jill Riley impossibly knowledgeable about music, funny as heck, and obviously intelligent, but she is holding down her own radio morning show without the safety net of the more commonplace dynamic of two hosts in this timeslot. And she is doing it brilliantly.

And as a bonus, she is showing young girls (and maybe a few of us older ones) that “you are enough”. No matter what circumstances pop up (in your career or in life), you can handle it. While it may be nice to have “a partner in crime”, it is not a necessity. You can go it alone and it will be just fine. 

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LISTEN IN If you want to catch The Morning Show with Jill Riley, on The Current, it airs Monday through Friday 6am10am. And here are all the ways to listen.

Austin KCMP 103.9 Duluth W215CG 90.9, 94.1, 104.3 and 100.5 HD 2 Ely W267BV 101.3 Saint Cloud (Collegeville) KNSR 88.9 HD 2 Grand Rapids KGRP 107.3

Hinckley KCMP 97.5 Mankato KCMP 95.3 and 105.1 Minneapolis KCMP 89.3 New Ulm KCMP 95.3 Pine City KCMP 94.1 Rochester KMSE 88.7 Saint Paul KCMP 89.3 Saint Peter KCMP 93.5 Online Web, MP3, AAC+ Amazon Echo ”Alexa, play The Current” More Info Google Home “OK Google, play The Current” Mobile App: iOS | Android

The Merlin Players PresenT “la Cage aux Folles” the awarding winning MuSical upon which the hit Movie “the bird cage” iS baSed. Directed by Julianna Skluzacek June 17, 18, 23, 24, 25 at 7:30PM June 19 & 26 at 2:00PM Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave., Faribault Call 507-332-7372 during box office hours or paradisecenterforthearts.org SponSored by reliance bank and SoutheaStern MinneSota artS council

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RACHEL WOLDUM Rachel Woldum is a former television snob who has embraced the medium as it entered its Golden Age. Contact her at woldumr@gmail.com.

(Possessed Photography/Unsplash)

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A habit of the times

f there’s anything I learned from conducting this interview, it’s that our TV habits are personal — more so, in many ways, than the way we consume other kinds of art or stories.

How, when, where, and what we watch is part of the fabric of our daily routines, our family time, and even how we make memories. And as the pandemic has kept us at home for the better part of the past two years, this has only become more true.

Thanks to these three friends who agreed to answer my questions.

other things, like Judd Apatow’s series Love.

Me: I can’t believe I’m saying this, but probably Gilmore Girls. I had certain episodes recorded on VHS that I watched over and over. Watching Rory woo hottie after hottie was total wish fulfillment when I was in HS with no boyfriend of my own.

In your opinion, what is the BEST TV show of all time? (e.g., the highest quality or most wellmade) Marie Fischer: Schitt’s Creek.

What is your favorite TV show of all time? Not the one you necessarily think is the “best,” but the one you feel most fondly about?

Marie Fischer: Buffy the Vampire Slayer Gabriela Munoz: Definitely The Simpsons Mike Ludwig: High Fidelity… mostly for my love of the motion picture, and also for [my love of] music and music lovers, and the little subculture of record stores. The Hulu show only lasted one season, unfortunately.

I also love stand-up comedy, Comedians in Cars and romantic comedies disguised as

Gabriela Munoz: The Sopranos.

Mike Ludwig: Seinfeld, and [nothing else] is really close.

Me: True Detective, Season 1.

How do you watch TV? Marie Fischer: I usually watch TV on my laptop but occasionally rally in the basement around the big TV. No cable, just literally every streaming service (Netflix, HBO, Hulu, Prime, Disney+…maybe more).

Gabriela Munoz: DVDs in my computer or DVDs in my TV. (Note from Rachel: “I find

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it hilarious that Gaby – the youngest of the bunch – watches TV in such an outdated medium!”)

Mike Ludwig: I watch a [very] little of everything. We have two young boys so there’s not a lot of downtime. If I watch anything, it’s generally live sports because I can bounce in and out of games and golf tournaments between chasing kids around the house. [As for] what services/streaming: it’s embarrassing but pretty much all the services. Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, ESPN+ and DirecTV. Maybe Peacock too?

Me: I watch shows with my husband every night on the basement TV after our baby goes to bed — currently making our way through Vikings Valhalla, which is OK — and alone on my laptop whenever I can sneak it in during the day. We have YouTube TV for recording things like the Olympics or The Bachelor, and also Prime, Netflix, HBO Max and Disney+.

What is your most memorable TVwatching experience?

Marie Fischer: Probably watching Battlestar Galactica for the first time. I watched it with [friends] Kellen [Kirchberg] and Joe [Dobrow], all for the first time, and

it had been SO hyped but absolutely lived up to my expectations. Either that, or the premiere of Smallville. Both very formative for me Gabriela Munoz: Any of the Olympics!

Mike Ludwig: Probably laying on the couch with our boys, Otis and Hank, chilling and cuddling.

Me: Waiting each week (with millions of others!) for a new episode during the final season of Game of Thrones, and watching Alone all night long during the newborn phase of parenting — delirious, lonely, and praying my baby would sleep! Like the characters on the show, I too was just trying to survive.

Show you’ve surprisingly never watched: Marie Fischer: Breaking Bad! Gabriela Munoz: X Files…not a single episode.

Mike Ludwig: Never watched a minute of Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones or The Wire.

Not for me.

Me: Friends! It was always on at the dentist, so it has a bad association. 

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| JUNE 2022

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SOUTHERN MINN

YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

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CHECK OUT THE SCENE CALENDAR ONLINE FOR ADDITIONAL HAPPENINGS!

SEE MORE @ SouthernMinnSCENE.com

Classic Car Roll-In -- 5-8 p.m.

Swap Meet and Flea Market -- 8 a.m.-5 p.m. May 28, Rice

County Steam And Gas Engines Show, 11988 Faribault Blvd., Dundas. The meet and market runs all day Saturday and Sunday with a host of different good, antiques and old equipment on show and sale.

Miller Denn -- 6-9 p.m. May 26, Club 57, 204 Second St. SW., Waseca. Part of the summer patio music series.

Le Sueur Farmers Market --

A Tribute To Roy Orbison

-- 7-9 p.m. May 28, The Grand Event Center of Northfield, 316 Washington St., Northfield.

David K rocks Roy’s multi-octave range & his band is excellent, real strings like the record.

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online.

8 a.m.-noon May 28, 100 N. Second St., 100 N. Second St., Le Sueur. The new farmers market will showcase a variety of vendors, host live music performances, and give customers a memorable experience.

Hungrytown -- 7-11 p.m. May 26, New Ulm Public Library, 17 N. Broadway St., New Ulm. Tel 507-359-8331 https://www. facebook.com/newulmlibrary After more than a decade of world-wide touring and three album releases, Rebecca Hall and Ken Anderson-otherwise known as the folk duo Hungrytown-have earned a reputation for the quality and authenticity of their songwriting.

Revival Music Festival -- 1211:59 p.m. May 27, Harmony Park Music Garden, 79503 298th St., Clarks Grove. Over the three-day festival, performers include The String Cheese Incident, The Infamous Stringdusters, Leftover Salmon, The Motet, Big Something, Boombox and more. Tickets online.

Gold Star -- 4-7 p.m. May 29, The Landing On Madison, 803 Main St., Madison Lake. Come enjoy the music, food and drinks by the lake.

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Vintage Apron Art -- 2:30-5 p.m. June 1, Waseca Art Center, 200 N. State St., Waseca. Yvonne Cory, fiber artist, designer, collector and curator of both vintage and highfashion apron designs, has been showing at the Waseca Art Center. On closing day, she will present a program.

Biker Breakfast -- 9-10:30 a.m.

May 28, Faribault Harley-Davidson, 2704 W. Airport Drive, Faribault. Monthly biker breakfasts take place on the fourth Saturday of each month during riding season at Faribault’s Harley-Davidson. Everyone is welcome for a hot breakfast before a day of riding.

EZ Jazz Trio -- 4-7 p.m. May 29, Patrick’s on Third, 125 S. Third St., Saint Peter.

EZ Trio playing their originals and covers for the good people of St. Peter.

Melissa Schulz -- 5-7 p.m. June 1, Mineral Springs Brewery, 111 N. Walnut Ave., Owatonna. Melissa dazzles and entertains with crowd-pleasing covers in the genres of pop, rock, and country. Don’t be fooled by the keyboard; you’ll hear some drums and electric bass coming out of it as well.

Andy Tackett -- 1-5 p.m. May 28, Foremost Brewing Cooperative, 131 W. Broadway St., Owatonna. Some live music at the brewery to accompany your drinks.

Americans and The Holocaust -- 10 a.m.-8 p.m. June

The Issue

-- 7-11 p.m.

May 27, Kato Ballroom, 200 Chestnut St., Mankato.

VIA and The Issue return to Mankato featuring SuperLung & The Sierra Day You want rock? We got rock! Energetic, hard rock band based out of Minneapolis. Our single “You” is available everywhere music is streamed.

May 31, Henderson. All classic cars are welcome to join in on one of the best roll-ins in the Midwest. The Henderson Classic Car Roll-In is held every Tuesday night. This is the first of 2022.

O-town Homegrown with The Heavenly States -- 5-11:30

p.m. May 28, The Music Space of Owatonna, 216 N. Cedar Ave., Owatonna. The Heavenly States in concert with special performances

by The Fur Suits, Sven Erik Olsen and friends, Burnsville City Limits, Elko New Market, and Julie Sweet. $20 in advance; $25 at the door.

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2, St. Peter Library, 601 S. Washington Ave., Saint Peter. A traveling exhibition from the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum that examines the motives, pressures and fears that shaped Americans’ responses to Nazism, war and genocide in Europe during the 30s/40s.

FTB Trio -- 5-7 p.m. May 29, Pleasant Grove Pizza Farm, 41142 160th St., Waseca.

Fred the Bear is a classic rock/alternative band known for their rich harmonies, emotive dynamics and original songs. FTB’s music reflects on life’s promises and disappointments.

Do you want to submit an event to this calendar?

Send details to editor@ southernminnscene.com.

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Skins will play for the third consecutive year.

They combine high-energy stage presence and professional-grade musicianship with an evolving set-list catered to specific venues.

Red Dirt Road -- 9 p.m.

Downtown Thursday -- 5-8:30

p.m. June 2, Central Park, 100 E. Main St., Owatonna. Shop. Dine. Stroll Back In Time in our beautiful Historic Downtown Owatonna with many unique boutiques and eateries. Featuring music from Red Dirt Road, a sound and light experience.

Becky Borneke and In a Bind -- 5:30-8:30 p.m. June 4, Indian

Island Winery, 18018 631st Ave., Janesville.

Come out to Indian Island Winery to enjoy fine wine, good food, and great times. We have a full menu and a wine tasting bar. We serve beer as well.

June 4, Archie’s Bar, 108 Division St. N., Morristown.

Red Dirt Road was formed in June of 2013 and has morphed into the Midwest’s premier country and rock show. They combine great musicianship, killer harmonies, an arena style light show, a high energy performance, and great songs that you know and love into a show that you will not want to miss.

Kristin Maija Peterson Gallery -- 1-4 p.m. June 5, Owatonna

Arts Center, 435 Garden View Lane, Owatonna.

Kristin Maija Peterson will be showing large scale drawings, watercolors, stories, and quotes reflecting on ourselves and climate change.

Showing in June with opening reception June 5.

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Songwriters in the Round 2 -- 7-9:30 p.m. June 2, The Grand Event

Center of Northfield, 316 Washington St., Northfield. Nashville style songwriter rounds.

Nine singers playing original music: Rya Peck, Tony Ortiz, Jason Chaffee, Andrew Spreck, Tom Peschges, The Border Hookups, Sam Ryden, Sarah Peterson, Tm Goodwin.

Matt and Laurel -- 6-9 p.m. June 4, Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery, & Distillery, 1179 E. Pearl St., Kasota. Part of the UnWINEd Music Series, Matt and Laurel are an acoustic duo from Minnesota, singing and playing sweet tunes from artists spanning over 60 decades.

200 Western Ave. • Faribault 507-334-5328 faribowestmall.com

Somkin’ in Steele -- 11 a.m.-10

p.m. June 3, Steele County Fairgrounds Park, SE 18th Street Southeast 18th Street, Owatonna. A BBQ and blues festival that runs all day Saturday and Sunday. Features music from Terry Quiett Band, The Jimmys and more. Food vendors all around all day. Car cruise, 5k run/ walk and more.

A Child’s Delight too • MN Education Academy • Asian Buffet Maurice’s • Cannon Valley Special Ed Cooperative • Boss Up Faribault Furniture and Mattress • Jo Ann Fabrics • Pet Smart Taekwondo • Fancy Nails • Blue Ox Boutique • Taqueria • Sunset Coins Plaza Barber shop • Vision Works • PetSmart • Dollar Tree • Simplicity Grace Bible Church • La Flor de mayo supermercado • Jesus Food A.P. Insurance • Gary C Dahle- Attorney • Mega Coin Laundry

Karaoke -- 8-11:59 p.m. June 4, Prairie

Saloon & Grill, 140 N. Webster St., Kasota. Sing your heart out at a small town bar.

VESELI, MN

Rainbows and Rhinestones

-- 7:30-11 p.m. June 3, Northfield Arts Guild Theater, 411 Third St. W., Northfield. Mrs. Moxie is a local country drag housewife that resides in Northfield. She will take you on an adventure by sharing stories and life experiences, along with a little dancing and lip-syncing.

Do you want to submit an event to this calendar?

Send details to editor@ southernminnscene.com.

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Stop by in a car, truck, RZR, side-by-side, bicycle, motorcycle or snowmobile

The Border Hookups -- 8 p.m.-

Sip and Shop -- 12-5 p.m. June 4, Indian Island Winery, 18018 631st Ave., Janesville.

Hosting the River Valley Makers for a summer sip and shop. Come out for your favorite local makers and lots of local wines.

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June 5, 12 a.m., Froggy Bottoms River Pub & Lily PADio, 307 Water St. S., Northfield. The Border Hookups is a male-female acoustic duo based in Minnesota. With their mix of crafted harmonies and unique takes on cover songs as well as a mix of catchy originals, the Hookups have entertained crowds across Minnesota and beyond. Covering such musical acts as Kenny Chesney, The Cranberries and Maroon 5, with The Border Hookups, two shows are never the same.

Le Sueur Fireman’s Dance

-- 8-11:59 p.m. June 4, Le Sueur Fire Station, 950 Kingsway Drive, Le Sueur. Shirts and

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WE’D LOVE TO SEE YOU! Mondays 5 pm - 1 am Tuesday-Saturday 11:30 am - 1:00 am HAPPY HOUR M-F // 3 pm - 6 pm

Summer Fun: Volleyball Court • Bean Bags • Horseshoes Cozy Deck with a Fenced in Yard Winter Fun: Meat Raffle Second Friday of the Month • Bingo Thursdays

On/Off Sale Available

507-744-2370 | 9856 50th St. W, Veseli

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Bureau and is open to the public. Free meal served starting at 5.

can choose from an array of beautiful native pollinator plants perfect for different garden sizes and types, from shorelines to rock gardens.

Hometown Art Show -- 10 Forrest Hunter -- 4-7 p.m. June

5, Westwood Marina, 1400 Lake Washington Access Road, Kasota. Guitar, bass, singer and songwriter.

a.m.-4 p.m. June 8, Waseca Art Center, 200 N. State St., Waseca. Art will be on show, and a silent auction will take place through July 29.

On the 29th, a reception will be held from 5-7 p.m., where winning bids will be awarded their lots. Drinks and appetizers.

Eddie Cochran Car Show and Music Festival --

10 a.m.-3 p.m. June 11, North Broadway Avenue, N Broadway Avenue North Broadway Avenue, Albert Lea. The festival runs Thursday-Sunday, with the car show 10-3 Saturday, along with music all day and into the night. Eddie Cochran is an Albert Lea native, and the music will celebrate his legacy.

Blues Fest -- 12-10 p.m. June 11, Minnesota Square Park, 1000 S. Minnesota Ave., Saint Peter. This free music festival will feature performances from Lamont Cranston Band, Jon McDonald Band, The Swamp Poppas, and Adrian Barnett & The Questers. Beer, food and vendors on site.

The Lonesome Spectacular -4-8 p.m. June 11, Keepsake Cidery & Events, 4609 135th St. E., Dundas. A free and all-ages circus show about happiness, sadness and the modern world. Performing out of a pop-up solar-powered double-decker traveling theater.

Suggested donation of $20.

Nate Boots & The High Horses -- 5-7 p.m. June 5, Pleasant Grove

Pizza Farm, 41142 160th St., Waseca. Some music at the farm with your pizza.

Ditch Creek Dixies

-- 7-8:30 p.m.

June 9, Central Park, 100 E. Main St., Owatonna. Part of the Music in the Park series in Owatonna, Ditch Creek Dixies bring their guitar and banjo to every show.

Seasons of Southern Minnesota -- 10 a.m.-4 p.m. June

11, Nicollet County Historical Society - Treaty Site History Center, 1851 N. Minnesota Ave., Saint Peter. Seasons of Southern Minnesota is a collection of photos taken by Warren and Terri Michels, showing landscapes of the seasons around the area. NCHS Treaty Site is open 10-4 Th-Sat.

The Zillionaires -- 5-7 p.m. June

11, Chapel Brewing, 15 Hester St., Dundas.

The Zillionaires perform Wendy’s original music along with blues, country, roots, rock, and R&B.

Hairball ROCKS Goodhue, MN! -- 7-11 p.m. June 10, Goodhue

Summer Kick-Off -- 5:30-7:30 p.m. June 6, Gorman Park, 511 S. Fifth St., Saint Peter. Bounce houses, Emergency Vehicle Fair, food trucks, free books and awesome prizes. Music by Teddy Bear Band and Junk Funk Drumming Circle. Free to all.

Volksfest, Goodhue. $20 Day of Show (Tickets only available at gate). Hairball is a Rock & Roll experience you won’t forget. A band puts on a concert – Hairball puts on an event! The lights, sound, video screens, smoke, fire, blood, bombs, confetti, spiders, snakes & monsters (oh my) and the screaming hoards of rabid Hairball fans create an event – an event that hits you so hard, it’ll take a few days to recover.

-- 5-7 p.m.

June 7, Farmamerica: MN Agricultural Interpretive Center, 7367 360th Ave., Waseca. This event is organized by the Waseca County Farm

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The Space Force -- 6-9 p.m. June

11, Mineral Springs Brewery, 111 N. Walnut Ave., Owatonna. Enjoy some good music with your beer. The Space Force is a buncha dudes playing songs that were overplayed way before they were born.

The Color of Stars --

7:30-9 p.m.

June 10, Little Theatre of Owatonna, 560 Dunnell Drive, Owatonna. Set in Maine during World War II, The Color of Stars is a story of family, patriotism, fear and prejudice. The show runs Fri-Sun for two weekends. Get tickets online.

Taste of the Farm

Barnyard Bash -- 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

June 11, Farmamerica: MN Agricultural Interpretive Center, 7367 360th Ave., Waseca.

Celebrating National Dairy Month with 1-mile dairy dash, free ice cream, hands-on activities, milk science experiments, farm animals, food trucks and more. Fee for admission.

Pollinator Plant Sale -- 9 a.m.noon June 11, Nicollet County Historical Society - Treaty Site History Center, 1851 N. Minnesota Ave., Saint Peter. Garden enthusiasts

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

Old Town Art Fair -- 11 a.m.-5 p.m. June 11, Mankato Old Town Community Mural, 417 N. Riverfront Drive, Mankato. This year Old Town Mankato joins forces with the Coffee Hag to do the art fair like never before.

Live music, graffiti and street art, fine art market, food trucks, mural painting and more.

Do you want to submit an event to this calendar?

Send details to editor@ southernminnscene.com.

Los Rebeldes -- 7-10 p.m. June 11, 10,000 Drops Craft Distillers, 28 Fourth St. NE., Faribault. Los Rebeldes is a southern-Minnesota

YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

based Tex-Mex and Conjunto band led by accordion, trumpet and guitar melodies.

Specialty Grade Local Roaster Mick Sterling Van Morrison Music --

7:30-9:30 p.m. June 11, Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave. N., Faribault. Mick Sterling Presents “Beautiful Visions: The Songs of Van Morrison.” Ticket prices: Non-Member $20/ Member $15/ Student $10 The Irish Soul songwriting genius of Van Morrison i. 507-332-7372. Tickets $25.

Fresh Roasted Coffee

Montgomery Fireman’s Dance -- 8-11:59

p.m. June 11, Montgomery Fire Department, 201 Ash Ave. SW., Montgomery. Fun night of music and dancing. Smokescreen takes the stage at 8:00 pm, playing a wide variety of rock and country music.

Now Offering Loose Leaf Tea Coffee Brewing Equipment, Subscriptions and Gift Cards

Pick up in store, Local Delivery, or Shipped Fantastic Felting Fun in Central Park

Hotel Blue Band: HBB @ Lamplighter Street Dance! -- 7:30-11:30 p.m. June 11, Our Place

-- 1 p.m. June 12, Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave. N., Faribault. Fantastic Felting Fun in Central Park Ages 12 and up. June 11th 1pm-3pm, June 12th 1pm-3pm, July 16th 1pm-3pm - same class offered different days. Member $16, Non member $20. Supply fee $5. 507-332-7372. Tickets $20.

on Third, 20 Third St. NW., Faribault. Join us outside Lamplighter Bar & Grill for an evening of summer fun, music and dancing!

Hotel Blue plays a blend of ‘70s R&B, blues and rock along with a handful of originals to keep things interesting.

CONTINUED page 28

Locally Owned and Operated Mon & Thur 10 AM - 6 PM Saturday 9 AM - NOON

435 26th St NE, Owatonna 507-413-0814

straightrivercoffee.com

37th AnnuAl Morristown DAM DAys June 3rd, 4th, 5th 2022 • www.morristownmn.org Friday

1:30 Euchre Tournament - Morristown Community Center 5:00 Local Food Stands & Beer Garden Opens 5:00 Hot Beef Sandwiches - American Legion Post #149 7:00 TWILIGHT PARADE 8:30 Big Top Tent - Beer Garden featuring music by “OLD COUNTRY BOYS” $5 cover 21+

Saturday

8:00-12:00 Kids Fishing Contest 8:00-5:00 Grist Mill Demos 9:00 Medallion Hunt 9:00 Co-ed Volleyball Tournament 9:00-12:00 Farmers Market 10:00-2:00 Top 25 CAR SHOW 12:00 CARNIVAL OPENS 12:00 RC DEMOLITION DERBY 3:00 Kiddie Tractor Pull 8:30 “THE BLUE RINGERS” band under the big top! $5 cover

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Sunday 8:00-12:00 ALL U CAN EAT Brunch 11:00-5:00 Grist Mill Demos 12:00 CARNIVAL OPENS 12:00 Kiddie Parade 12:00-4:00 Kids Crafts 1:00-3:00 Kids Making Faces 1:00 10th Annual Back Yard BBQ Contest 2:00 Baseball Game Morristown Morries vs. Janesville Jays 2:00 BAR BINGO - American Legion 2:30 Historical Society - Morristown Mill Dedication 2:30 Bike Drawing - Ages 0-11 Must be present and have a button Big Top Tent 4:00 THE DUCK DROP RACE 4:30-7:30 The Tropical Two - Mainstage 6:00 $1000 RAFFLE TICKET DRAWING

Buttons required for events, $2 per button Rain or shine - some events will be held under the big top tent

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Farm, 41142 160th St., Waseca. Music in the afternoon and evening with your pizza.

Cannon Valley Regional Orchestra -- 2-5 p.m. June 17, Odd

Charcuterie Boarding School -- 1-5 p.m. June 12, Chankaska

Creek Ranch, Winery, & Distillery, 1179 E. Pearl St., Kasota. Learn the art of building a beautiful charcuterie board in this fun, hands on summer themed class. Learn food selection ideas, meat folding, cheese styling and more. $65 per ticket online.

Hatchet Throwing, Craft Fair, Food, Music, Spirits, Family Fun for everyone. This year includes delegates from Wurzburg, Germany, a parade and fireworks. 5078385738.

Festival Solstice

Herbal Salve Making Class

-- 2-3:30 p.m. June 12, Ney Nature Center, 28238 Nature Center Lane, Henderson. Brew and drink nettle tea and make herbal salve to take home for healing and best of all to calm the itch of those pesky mosquito bites. $20 for non-members and $18 for members.

Jane Anger at Red Barn -- 5-8 p.m. June 15, Red Barn Farm, 10063 110th St. E., Northfield. Some good music with some good pizza.

Henderson Classic Car Roll-In -- 5-8 p.m. June 14, Henderson.

All classic cars are welcome to join in on one of the best roll-ins in the Midwest.

Faribault Heritage Days Don Scott and Bullypulpit

-- 1:30-7 p.m. June 12, Pleasant Grove Pizza

-June 15-19, 430 Second Ave. NW., Faribault.

Bounce Houses, Ninja Everywhere, Log Rolling,

Fellows Park, 1011 Forest Ave., Northfield.

CVRO is a diverse group of volunteer musicians performing symphonic music, drawn together by our love of rehearsing and performing.

Shows at Odd Fellows Park June 17 and Keepsake Cidery June 18.

Wild Parsnip Pull -- 7-9 p.m.

June 16, River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Road, Faribault.

Volunteers will work to remove wild parsnip plants to help protect the dwarf trout lily that makes its home at the nature center.

-- 4-10 p.m.

June 17, Land of Memories Park, 100 Amos Owen Lane, Mankato. Solstice brings in a mix of local, regional and national bands including: Jon Wayne and The Pain, The Last Revel, Erik Koskinen, Dazy Head Mazy, Jo Jo Green, Jade Murphy Band, Stacy K and more.

La Cage Aux Folles

-- 7:30-9:30 p.m., June 17, Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave. N., Faribault. La Cage Aux Folles June 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 2022 – 7:30PM Sunday – June 19 & 26, 2022 – 2:00PM Ticket Sale Dates: TBA Starring Michael Lambert and Eric Parrish,

CONTINUED page 30

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Less stress for those you leave behind. free consultations. call today.

legacy monument sales | leon & lori Bohlman leon’s cell: 507-456-7864 | lori’s cell: 507-456-3735 | landlbo@gmail.com

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YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

Women’s Clothing from Small to Plus Size Unique Jewelry & Select Variety of Fashionable Shoes Accounting AssistAnce in owAtonnA

finD JoB opportunities

142 Bridge Street Owatonna Monday - Friday 10-6 Saturday 10-3 Shop Online at HiddenRoseBoutique.com

cBD proDucts thAt incluDe Drops, DeltA 8 gummies, AnD creAms for pAin relief.

cAll or Visit toDAy! 507-451-3399 • 221 Mineral Springs Rd. Suite A, Owatonna

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this musical comedy won Tony Awards. 507332-7372. Tickets $17.

ArtSplash Art Fair

-- 11 a.m.-3 p.m. June 18, North Mankato. Local Art, kid activities, live music, and food trucks.

The Leer Brothers -- 7-9 p.m.

June 18, Foremost Brewing Cooperative, 131 W. Broadway St., Owatonna. Enjoy some music at the brewery.

Top Floor Opening Reception -- 6-8 p.m. June 23, North-

field Arts Guild, 304 Division St. S., Northfield.

The Top Floor Exhibition is the story of what happens when creativity, artists and friendship develops from 30 years of being art studio neighbors. Shows June 9-July 9.

Extreme Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show -- 10 a.m.-1

p.m. June 18, Anhorn’s Gas & Tire, 216 S. Main St., Medford. Trucks are new to this year’s event, the fifth annual. Come see all the classic cars, trucks and motorcycles on show.

Rochester Juneteenth Celebration -- 12-5 p.m. June 18, Rev. Drive.

Martin Luther King Jr. Park, 1738 E. Center St., Rochester. The community is invited to come out to the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park to take part in the annual Black freedom celebration.

Sumie Calligraphy Workshop -Shop the Lot 2 -- 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

June 18, 2 N. Broadway St., 2 N. Broadway St., New Ulm. The second Shop the Lot will bring back some of the great crafters & vendors you like, along with some new.

1:30-4:30 p.m. June 18, Owatonna Arts Center, 435 Garden View Lane, Owatonna. The calligraphy workshop will focus on love and tiger in 2022, the year of the tiger. The course is $75, which includes supplies. Register by calling 507-451-0533.

Brett Young -- 7 p.m. June 18, Vetter Stone Amphitheater, 310 W. Rock St., Mankato.

No purses my be brought into the venue. Clear totes, plastic storage bags, and small clutch purses no larger than 5”x8” may be used. No knives, pets, fireworks, grills, coolers, outside food or beverages, umbrellas, or tents are allowed. Professional lenses, GoPros, selfie sticks and tablets are prohibited. No drones. No reentry. Tickets $33-$97.

June 23, Mineral Springs Brewery, 111 N. Walnut Ave., Owatonna. The Barefoot Winos play their own distinctive brand of Blues. There energetic, soulful, live performances has captivated their audiences all over the Midwest.

Did we miss something?

Let us know! We may still be able to get an important event on one of our weekly pages that run in the newspapers.

Tuey the Juggler -- 10-11 a.m.

June 24, Central Park, 430 Second Ave. NW., Faribault. Enjoy a performance from Faribault’s own amazing Tuey the Juggler. From classic juggling stunts to brand new tricks, Tuey’s show is not to be missed.

Harry Wegner Marching Band Festival -- 11 a.m.-5 p.m. June

18, Owatonna. All kinds of marching bands that will perform along parade routes in Owatonna.

Did we miss something?

Let us know! We may still be able to get an important event on one of our weekly pages that run in the newspapers.

Barefoot Winos -- 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Rain Kings -- 5:30-8:30 p.m. June

18, Indian Island Winery, 18018 631st Ave., Janesville. Rain Kings are an acoustic and electric rock band. Come out to Indian Island Winery to enjoy fine wine, good food, and great times. A large selection of wines, and beer as well.

Father’s Day at the Farm

-- 1:30-7 p.m. June 19, Pleasant Grove Pizza Farm, 41142 160th St., Waseca. Music from Matt and Laurel in the afternoon, then Trevor McSpadden and Mary Cutrufello in the evening.

Enjoy some pizza on the farm.

Owatonna Farmers Market -- 7 a.m.-noon June 25, Central Park, 100 E. Main St., Owatonna. Owatonna’s Farmers

CONTINUED page 32

Get Ready for Summer!

New Styles Always Available

Visit us at one of our two locations!

202 W. Bridge St. Owatonna • 507-413-0114 900 N. Riverfront Dr. Mankato • 507-345-3000 graifclothing.com 30

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YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

2022 Summer Events at the

Steele County Historical Society

Come for a visit and make your day HISTORIC! 1700 Austin Road Owatonna, MN 507-451-1420 SCHSMN.orrg

Extravaganza!

July 10th Extravaganza!

12 - 4 pm July 10th Village of Yesteryear FREE 12TO - 4ATTEND! pm

Village of Yesteryear FREE TO ATTEND!

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Gus’ Station Car Show

July 16th 8 am - Noon History Center FREE TO ATTEND!

W W W. S O U T H E R N M I N N SCENE. C O M

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Market always has a great selection of fresh fruits, vegetables and handmade goods. Every Saturday May-September.

SOUTHERN MINN

YOUR GUIDE FOR

Sauerkraut Days -- 10 a.m.-10 p.m. June 25, Henderson. An annual festival on the last weekend of June, it’s all about the kraut, the music, food and drinks. Featuring all kinds of different activities and events.

Taste of the Market

-- 8:30 a.m.-noon June 25, St. Peter Food Co-op & Deli, 228 W. Mulberry St., Saint Peter. Join the St. Peter Farmers’ Market in this seasons Taste Of The Market. Participating vendors will be offering free samples.

Did we miss something?

Let us know! We may still be able to get an important event on one of our weekly pages that run in the newspapers.

Huddy’s Buddies Fundraiser -- 3-11 p.m. June 25, The Mill Event Center, 310 Second Ave. SW., Waseca. Raise awareness for SIDS. Silent auction, music/DJ, food and more.

.COM

PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO. SCENE is a monthly arts and entertainment magazine that inserts into seven Southern Minn newspapers: Owatonna People’s Press, Faribault Daily News, Northfield News, Waseca County News, St. Peter Herald, Le Sueur County News and Kenyon Leader. Our calendar lets you know what’s to come; our columns give you local insights on music/ travel/entertainment/more, and our stories will let you know the places to shop, the things to do, the sights to see in this region.

In pursuit

of genuine hospitality

50 Rooms Entirely Non-Smoking 3 Fireplace Suites 4 Whirlpool Suites Indoor Pool & Whirlpool Refrigerators and microwaves in Every Room FREE High Speed Internet FREE Hot Homestyle Breakfast 700 North Minnesota Ave. St. Peter, MN 507-931-6554

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YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

Simply Brilliant Flowers 524 2nd St, Kenyon, MN 507-789-5700 • marysrusticrose.com

Wrapped bouquets Table arrangements Weddings & events Gifts & greeting cards Unique home decor

Monday 10AM - 2PM | Tuesday - Friday 9AM - 5PM | Saturday 9AM - 12PM

Keep KEEP Calm

THe CALM

WeeKend THE Is ComIng WEEKEND

VESELI, MN

GREAT BURGERS GREATER PIZZA

Stop by in a car, truck, RZR, side-by-side, bicycle, motorcycle or snowmobile

WE’D LOVE TO SEE YOU! Mondays 5 pm - 1 am Tuesday-Saturday 11:30 am - 1:00 am HAPPY HOUR M-F // 3 pm - 6 pm

Summer Fun: Volleyball Court • Bean Bags • Horseshoes Cozy Deck with a Fenced in Yard Winter Fun: Meat Raffle Second Friday of the Month • Bingo Thursdays

On/Off Sale Available

507-744-2370 | 9856 50th St. W, Veseli ADD YOUR EVENT FOR FREE TO THE SOMINN SCENE CALENDAR. GO TO W W W. S O U T H E R N M I N N . C O M / S O U T H E R N _ M I N N _ S C E N E / & C L I C K + P R O M O T E Y O U R E V E N T

IS COMING

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SoMinn THE BOOKWORM SEZ

TERRI SCHILCHENMEYER Terri Schlichenmeyer is a book reviewer based just across the river from SoMinn in LaCrosse, WI. She can be contacted at bookwormsez@gmail.com

‘Hello, Molly,’ ‘Razmatazz’ and more How Do I Un-Remember This? Unfortunately True Stories

by Danny Pellegrino c.2022, Sourcebooks $25.99 272 pages Some things are better forgotten.

That time you had a wardrobe failure in gym class. Ugh, when your Mom revealed one of your childhood incidents to your best frenemy. The worst date everrr. Those are things you’d like to pretend never happened but they did and, as in “How Do I Un-Remember This?” by Danny Pellegrino, what have you learned from them?

Memories are funny things: you can reminisce with someone about something you both saw or experienced, but you won’t remember the exact same things in the same way. Says the host of the podcast Everything Iconic with Danny Pellegrino, that’s when it’s perfectly okay to take a “little detour...”

Growing up in a small town in Ohio, Pellegrino remembers being an awkward kid. He had many friends, but they couldn’t always be trusted. At sleepovers, he generally preferred the company of the host’s mother because she could be counted on for good gossip. He liked girls sometimes, but he remembers how confusing that was because he liked boys, too. He recalls bad dates, good brothers, the process of coming out, and the fluster of being outed. Even his family could be awkward: he remembers family trips as being full of cheap motels, bad roads, and “stress wine” for his mother.

And what can you learn from this?

You learn that if your parents can embarrass you, they will, and that bruises last forever but they don’t always hurt that long. Know that there are days when it’s perfectly okay to say no but that any time is a good time to discuss “The Trolley Song.” You’ll see why we should retire the young-white-cis-man trope in superhero movies. You’ll learn why it’s important to be careful of the things your cleaning lady has access to, and be thankful if you have parents who love you. And you’ll learn that sometimes, life is simply “about getting through the journey alongside the ones you love.”

Judging a book by it’s cover is something we’ve been told not to do, but still. Looking at the front of this memoir hints at the humor inside, and yep, humor is here but it isn’t the only thing. “How Do I Un-Remember This?” is warm and fuzzy, too.

That might be because this book is more like a conversation than a monologue. Author Danny Pellegrino includes his readers in his memories, and even when they’re not identical, they’re universal. Embarrassments during puberty, parents that make you red-faced, bad dates, public humiliation, fan obsessions, been there, done that, discussed and disgusted.

But then those things are put into perspective, in a way that seems like a gentle hand on your arm. Count your blessings, Pellegrino reminds readers, and look for the good and wise in what you recall. Even when – maybe especially when – those memories are full of barbs.

Have fun reading this book, but don’t be surprised if “How Do I Un-Remember This?” tugs on your soul, too.

Indeed, some things are better forgotten. This book isn’t one of them.

Conversations with People Who Hate Me:

12 Things I Learned From Talking to Internet Strangers

by Dylan Marron c.2022, Atria $27.00 272 pages Sometimes, it just makes you feel gruff.

Seriously, the internet should be the G.O.A.T. invention. It should be a place to connect with friends and share laughs, a safe place to go when you want to be yourself. It should be a place to tell your story, free of danger and full of truth. Nobody should butt heads online, or be victim of a bullygoat.

Instead, as in “Conversations with People Who Hate Me”

by Dylan Marron, we gotta deal with the trolls.

The fact that Marron had a “HATE FOLDER” in his email should speak volumes.

As a gay man and a writer-performer, he expected a certain amount of negativity online; that’s the nature of the internet. But as a creative employee of Seriously.TV, the emailed hate, death threats, and homophobia just got to be too much.

Before his job at Seriously.TV, he’d acted, reported,

34

waited tables, and cultivated a “prompt” that served him well. “What am I going to do about it?” is what he asked himself every time he was faced with something that bothered him and this time, the answer was a series of conversations with haters who’d commented.

He began to mine the HATE FOLDER for people to talk with.

The first was a guy Marron calls “Josh,” a decent guy who was a lot like Marron. Their conversation, done remotely, was a hit with fans and it gained Marron a lot of “points.” In a small way, it gained him a friend, since he and Josh came to an understanding. Marron was happy with that, and with subsequent “Conversations...”

But after he quit his job at Seriously.TV to go it alone, he found himself at an impasse.

The old way of doing his conversations needed to expand to include a wider angle and different guests.

Marron imagined himself bringing together hater and target on bigger subjects. He’d learn more about people – and in the process, he’d learn more about himself.

The lesson was underscored a few Sundays ago: something huge happens, something loud, and everybody’s got an opinion. “Conversations with People Who Hate Me” helps show that we can talk civilly about issues without insults.

But will haters – the people who presumably need this book – be willing to read it?

Surprisingly, on one side of this book, author Dylan Marron shows that that’s entirely possible: once he approached his interviewees, many people who hid behind the ‘net rued their actions and words. Granted, the haters he hosted were highly, carefully curated, but Marron’s approach shows hope.

The other side of the book is the one that teaches tolerance and a sort of Zen approach when you’re the target of a troll. Haters gonna hate, as they say... but with enormous grace and thoughtfulness, Marron offers better ways to perceive it.

Readers looking for another way to invite open dialogue, and those who are aghast at spewing commenters on social media will love this book. If you want to do better, “Conversations with People Who Hate Me” could help make happy bridges.

Hello, Molly! A Memoir

by Molly Shannon c.2022, Ecco $27.99 304 pages The audience roars.

That’s music to a performer: the best you can ask from a group of people expecting to be entertained is approval for your efforts. Laughter, for a comedy. Gasps for a drama. Tears for a tragedy and tapping toes for a musical, that’s what you want. But remember: as in “Hello, Molly,” the new memoir by Molly Shannon, not all of life’s a stage.

For most of her life, Molly Shannon’s mother stood off to one side, a main character with a big role but few lines.

She was killed in a car accident when Shannon was just four, as if she made a cameo appearance and then was off the script.

But not entirely. With the help of family and friends, Shannon’s father, Jim, raised Shannon and her sister, Mary, to remember their mother and to seize life in every way possible, encouraging his girls to be bold and “wild.”

Once, when Shannon was thirteen and her best friend was eleven years old, Shannon’s father planted the idea in her head to hop a plane. The girls ended up stowing away in plain sight on a flight from Cleveland (near their home town) to New York City. He paid for their trip back home.

And yet, being Jim Shannon’s daughter wasn’t all fun and games. He was an alcoholic, as was his father and his father-in-law; when he was sober, Shannon recalls parties, spontaneous trips, loving encouragement, and permission to skip school. When he was drunk, she says that she and her sister were always watchful for his mercurial moods and his propensity for a different kind of “wild” behavior.

She couldn’t wait to leave home.

And yet, through college, a fledgling career, and a popular spot on Saturday Night Live, her father was always there, always a touchpoint for her past but also an irritation; enormously proud of her, but with a short wall between them.

It wasn’t until she was well into her adulthood that Shannon realized he harbored a secret, and then everything made sense...

You don’t expect a terrible, gasp-worthy accident to be the foundation for a funny story, but there it is, the opening number in “Hello, Molly.”

Quickly-quickly, though, author Molly Shannon pulls readers in – somewhat awkwardly, at first, but in the same excited way that your fourth-grade BFF did when there was something important or interesting that you simply had to see. That, in fact, is the feel you’ll get in the first part of this book: like you’ve been taken by the hand and pulled toward something that was going to make this the

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best day ever.

As you read on, that’s not much hyperbole. If you like Shannon’s work, you’re going to adore this memoir, which appears a lot like her skits: hectic, heartfelt, hold-your-sides hilarious, honest, and always, always arms-wide charming.

Bring your sense of humor here – but bring tissues, too.

So, take a look, fellas. Here’s what you want in a book, fellas. “Hello, Molly!” is gonna make you roar.

The Social Lives of Animals

by Ashley Ward c.2022, Basic Books $30.00 373 pages Sometimes, you’re such a goose.

And that’s okay; a little horsing around never hurt anyone and times with friends are the best. You can chatter like monkeys, laugh like hyenas, get a little squirrely, and memories are made like that.

You need your friends to get wild every now and then, and in “The Social Lives of Animals” by Ashley Ward, you’ll see that flying, running, climbing, and crawling creatures are really no different at all.

Anyone watching a few dogs playing in a park, or a clowder of cats in a windowsill would likely agree that animals can form relationships. But how does that matter to humans?

Says Ward, being able to “trace direct... parallels between our own societies and those of the animals...[can] help us to appreciate how sociality shapes our lives...”

We love to gather in groups, for instance, and Antarctic krill likewise hate to be alone. As it turns out, gathering in large groups helps keep krill alive because it confounds whales, who enjoy krill for dinner. Being in groups keeps locusts alive, too: locusts are can be cannibals, and the innate desire not to be eaten keeps them all moving “in the same direction.”

Teamwork may be essential at your job, just as it is with army ants. One bite from a single army ant hurts like crazy but it won’t kill you. A bunch of army ants, though? That’s a different matter entirely.

Flocks of birds have influenced the making of selfdriving vehicles. Fish have taught scientists how many influencers are needed to move a crowd. Studies with rats show the effects of dense crowding on mental health, and cows are good at recognizing friends by their portraits.

Hyenas communicate to the pack which prey they plan to hunt for the day. Whales play, and dolphins play with them. Monkeys lie to get what they want. Animals innovate, reason, have a culture, and communicate, Ward says, and they have a lot to tell us...

So you say that someone called you a birdbrain the other day. What a compliment, as you’ll see when you read “The Social Lives of Animals.”

Chances are – especially if you’re an animal lover – you’ve already an observer of animal behavior and, if so, you’ll be happy that author Ashley Ward extends your knowledge. There are, it seems, dozens of facts on each page that will delight lovers of fin, feather, and fur, as well as new findings and fascinating anecdotes.

But this book isn’t all serious bull. Ward is a lively writer who’s obviously interested in his subject – he’s a professor of Animal Behavior at the University of Sydney, after all – and his personal tales of exploration and discovery are academically lighthearted, like cocktail party banter that’ll make you chuckle.

Perfect for armchair biologists and animal lovers of all kinds, this is one of those “hey, listen to this” kinds of books that you’ll want to share out loud. Start “The Social Lives of Animals” and you’ll go ape over it.

Razzmatazz: A Novel

by Christopher Moore c.2022, Wm. Morrow $28.99 400 pages Your good luck charm is never far away.

A pair of socks, a coin, guitar pick, rub it with your thumb, hold it in your pocket, wear it all day, and you know what happens: life is smoother, problems melt away, and just things get easier. How it happens is hard to say, but that really doesn’t matter.

You just know it brings you luck, and as in the new novel, “Razzmatazz” by Christopher Moore, you’d do anything to keep it close.

For far too long, Sammy “Two-Toes” Tiffin was downon-his-luck.

Because of a foot injury, he couldn’t fight in the War so he was stateside, bartending at Sal’s, hanging around drag king joints and lady-lover clubs, and living in a

San Francisco brownstone in a closet-sized room with a single bed. There was just enough space in the place for Sammy and his girl, Tilly – whom everybody called The Cheese except to her face – to give one another the old razzmatazz now and then.

So when Eddie Moo Shoes said his Uncle Ho had a job with big money involved, Sammy really couldn’t say no.

Many years before, Ho had come to America from China as a “paper son” of descendants of ancient Chinese fighters; branded on his forearm, his destiny was to be a member of a fierce tong. Alas, Ho was a gentle, peaceful soul, so he was instead sent to care for the girls in the tong’s brothel. Eventually, Ho and one of the brothel’s slave girls escaped, but not before stealing a magic statue.

Now another tong wanted the statue.

And so Sammy’s job was to retrieve the statue and save Moo Shoes’ uncle’s life, but there was another, pressing job to do first. Someone was killing San Francisco’s crossdressing lesbians, one by one, and many of Sammy’s friends and associates were terrified.

He had to find the killer. And he wouldn’t even have to do it alone.

If you are not familiar with author Christopher Moore’s works, pick up a copy of “Razzmatazz,” read the first few pages, and you’ll totally get it: there are very few parts of this book that are tame in any way. You can trust your eyes on that.

“Razzmatazz” is a soup of every noir movie set in Chinatown that you’ve ever seen, every 1940s crossdressing cliche you’ve read or heard, mixed together with a couple of dragons and an alien thrown in for fun.

And, curiously, that’s exactly what coalesces: a big, clever, sprawl-across-the-floor novel that’s fun. Moore, in fact, says in his afterword that there are bits and pieces of real history written into this story, but it’s otherwise a “silly and absurd” novel that’s purely intended to entertain. You can trust your eyes on that, too.

Be warned, though, that this book isn’t for everybody.

It’s irreverent, wild, and profane on any regular page but it’s also LOL, if you aren’t easily offended. If that sounds like a dream to you, then try “Razzmatazz.” It’ll work like a charm.

Here Goes Nothing

by Steve Toltz c.2022, Melville House $26.99 384 pages So how’s the weather up there?

Does it rain or snow, or is there constant sunshine?

Are there animals where you are? Do you have houses or hobbies up there? Come to think of it, are you even up or do you go to a separate but parallel plane when you die? In the new novel “Here Goes Nothing” by Steve Toltz, those answers and more may be TMI. The first thing Angus Mooney knew when he woke up was that he was naked.

Naked, in the middle of nowhere, and there was a fight to catch a rickshaw out of.... where? Where was he, and where did he need to be? One of the rickshaw drivers finally told him: he was dead.

Oh, right.

Angus remembered then that he and his wife, Gracie, had been fooled into taking care of a man named Owen who’d lied to them before moving into their house. When Angus learned about the lies, Owen admitted that he was in love with Gracie and he killed Angus right then and there, leaving his body in a rubbish bin.

And so, Angus mourned, wherever he was, which seemed to be some sort of hedonistic holding place where people still needed to work. That was important because there was a plague on Earth that’d started with dogs and spread to humans, which were arriving in the dead place in tremendous numbers. They – the recently dead, that is – had to have somewhere to be before they went wherever they were going to go later, or something like that. Nobody seemed to know for sure.

But there was some good news: Gracie had been pregnant when Owen killed Angus, and Angus missed his wife and his daughter but he finally learned that there was a way to let them see him. His ghost. Whatever, but you bet he did everything he could to pay for that.

Then one day, he looked up from his drink at the dead place bar, and there was Owen...

You might already have the impression that “Here Goes Nothing” is kinda weird. And you’d be right.

It’s weird, but it’s also irresistible. It’s hilarious sometimes and full of pathos at others, and there’s just enough chaos in the plot to make you want to know what’s next. Author Steve Toltz’s characters are all villains, from the scheming Owen to the bordering-on-insane Gracie to Angus, who’s dead at the outset of the book.

The plot itself is one thing. The prose is quite another.

Toltz writes sentences that’ll make you spit out your coffee, followed by a turn of phrase that makes you want to bookmark the page so you don’t forget it. Readers who are word nerds, take notice: the writing itself is... wow..

This probably isn’t a book for everyone; there’s profanity here and that’s the least of it. Still, if you’re up for a funny novel that’s a little on the wild side, say “Here Goes Nothing.” Yeah, it’s weird but you’ll weather it just fine.

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| JUNE 2022

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SUMMER LINE-UP AT THE PARADISE Mick Sterling presents “Beautiful Visions: The Songs of Van Morrison”

The Musical Version of the Hit Movie “The Bird Cage” La Cage Aux Folles Presented by The Merlin Players

GALLERY OPENING

Shrek Jr. Presented by Marquee Children’s Theatre

June 17, 18, 23, 24, 25 at 7:30 PM June 19, 26 at 2:00 PM

Friday, June 24 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Friday, July 15 • 7:00 PM Saturday, July 16 • 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Legendary Ladies Of Country

Music of James Taylor & Carley Simon Ft. Dennis Curley & Dorian Chalmers

GALLERY OPENING

Hunchback the Musical Presented by Paradise Community Theatre

Saturday, July 23 7:30 PM

Saturday, July 30 7:30 PM

Friday, August 5 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Friday, August 5, 6, 12, 13 at 7:30 PM August 7, 14 at 2:00 PM

Saturday, June 11 7:30 PM

For more information & tickets: www.paradisecenterforthearts.org • (507) 332-7372 321 Central Avenue North, Faribault, MN Ticket Pricing: $15 Members • $20 non-members • $10 students *Excludes The Merlin Players performances These activities are made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural fund.

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YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.