Photographing SoMInn

T H E Calendar Compiled By Ann e Kopas editor@southernminnscene.com

attendees, musicians and supporters raised an impressive $27,000 to feed hungry families. Last year’s performers included area favorites Fruit Cocktail, The Gogs, T urn the Page and Mile 5, spanning a range of genres and styles, and this year’s show is sure to deliver the same musical entertainment with a local flavor. Bring either a monetary donation or a non-perishable food item as your ticket. steelecountyfoodshelf.org

You’ll catch a rare creature if you visit Northfield in winter: the Yeti. Once a year, a few local businesses band together to get Minnesotans out of their warm living rooms and into the snow for fun like a fat tire bike ride, snow shoeing, skiing, sled races and more. Events also include live music, fireworks, Yeti-themed storytime and a “Snow Ball” prom, along with an ice bar, outdoor and indoor games, and no shortage of drinks to sample from Northfield’s own Imminent Brewing, Loon Liquors and Keepsake Cidery. If you think you’ve got what it takes, enter yourself in the Yeti lookalike contest. facebook.com/yetifestnfld

Grumpy Old Men Festival Feb. 26-March 1, Wabasha E mbrace your inner grumpy old man at Wabasha’s annual winter festival. If you’re feeling hardy, take the Grumpy Plunge into the freezing Mississippi (the ranks of the brave Plungers raise money to support local nonprofits). If you’d rather stay warm and not jump into an ice-cold river—we won’t blame you—skip the plunge and check out a variety of food and live music at spots around Wabasha. Show off your Minnesotan skills with an ice fishing competition and grumpy costume contest, or enjoy a hotdish luncheon. Other activities include family story time around a bonfire, bingo, a spaghetti feed, cribbage and poker tournaments and a showing of the 1993 romantic comedy “Grumpy Old Men.” wabashamn.org/grumpyoldmenfest

Pink Floyd’s “The Wall”: A Rock Ballet Feb. 29-March 1 Lakeville South Theater, Lakeville “Rock ballet” isn’t a phrase you hear every day, but it’s exactly what the Twin Cities Ballet is bringing to Lakeville. For the third year running, the dance company is performing Pink Floyd’s iconic album “The Wall,” combining a rock classic with the timeless art of ballet. Watch dancers bring the 1979 rock opera, and its story of the isolated rock star Pink, to life in a way you’ve never seen before—a way that’s been such a hit with audiences that the show is back again by popular demand. Plus, ticket sales support the Lakeville Area Arts Center, so you’ll be helping raise funds for southern Minnesota arts programs while you’re enjoying the show. twincitiesballet.org/ballet/pink-floyds-the-wall-a-rockballet

2020 Hometown Sampler Feb. 28-March 1, Little Theatre of Owatonna, Owatonna March is Minnesota’s FoodShare Month, where food shelves throughout the state encourage donations and remind communities of the continued need for support. For more than 20 years, local musicians in Owatonna have shared their talents for a series of concerts benefiting the Steele County Food Shelf. In 2019, generous

Schell’s Bock Fest 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. March 7 August Schell Brewery, New Ulm T his annual festival celebrates the second-oldest family-owned brewery in the nation, and the largest Minnesota brewery, with plenty of locally brewed beer (or root beer). Festival-goers looking for an adventure can join the Bock Medallion Hunt, using clues to find the “Bocks” hiding around the brewery and in nearby Flandrau State Park. As the local legend goes, if all seven Bocks are found, winter will end early, bringing in an early spring. But, as Schell’s website reminds visitors, beer can’t make spring come faster (but it can certainly keep you warm in the meantime). Those who would rather stick around the festival grounds can still enjoy live music, food and a bonfire. This is a 21-plus event. schellsbrewery.com/events/bock-fest

Tommy Ryman 7:30 p.m. March 7, Pipestone Performing Arts Center, Pipestone Since making his name as a semifinalist on the NBC show “Last Comic Standing,” Minnesota’s own stand-up comedian Tommy Ryman has left audiences laughing at clubs, college stages and festivals throughout the country. He got his start on the Minnesota comedy scene, earning the title “Best Local Standup Comedian” from City P ages in 2016. He’s been named “Best of the Midwest” in com-