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CONTENTS MAY 2026 / VOLUME 14 / ISSUE 5

SOUTHERN MINN

River Bend capital projects made possible

with partnerships.

7 Breweries, Wineries,

Cideries & Distilleries

or professional artists, but the truth is that creativity has no age limit.

20 Decluttering and Downsizing

For many older adults, downsizing is not simply about

10 Local Attractions

moving into a smaller home. It is an opportunity to simplify daily life, reduce stress and focus on what matters most.

12 Garden Center, Nurseries

right to downsize

ONE FIRE: Berne’s summer pizza/music series.

& Fruit Picking

All-in for bloomin’ short retail season.

14 Family Friendly Activities

Skate Jam celebrates St. Peter Skate Park opening.

16 Art, History & Music

t s Be of

N SoMIN

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8 Shopping

A BLOOM MAINSTAY: The enduring charm of Zinnias Boutique.

19 Exploring the Creative Arts

Creative expression is often associated with childhood

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Northfield breweries receive awards at 2026 Minnesota Brewers Cup.

50+

2026

READER

FEATURES: 5 Camping, Trails, Lakes & Outdoors

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20 How to determine if the time is 21 Balance and Fall Prevention

Falls are one of the most common health risks facing older adults.

22 Healthy Aging and the Outdoors

scan or visit southernminnscene.com to start nominating today!

Spending time in nature has long been associated

with a sense of calm and renewal.

Finding history while out & about in southern Minnesota.

CALENDAR: 24 SCENE MONTHLY EVENTS

PLACES TO GO and THINGS TO DO

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In the fall of 2025, the city of Faribault and RBNC worked together on the project to realign Cherry Trail. before the project, trailhead began with a bridge that had deteriorated after years of wear. (Chloe Kucera — Faribault.com)

T Camping,

By CHLOE KUCERA

trails, lakes & outdoors

River Bend capital projects made possible with partnerships

he River Bend Nature Center is a staple for education and nature experiences in Faribault. But the organization needs improvements to ensure the center remains a resource for all to enjoy.

Within the past year, the RBNC has seen multiple projects completed, made possible through collaborations with partners and the combination of resources and funds to make needed improvements throughout the park.

Similar to many nature parks around the country, RBNC was established decades ago, with an interpretive center built in 1991. As a non-profit organization, RBNC works year-round just to maintain its operating budget. RBNC Director Brad Bourn said this has caused the center to accrue “deferred maintenance” on its aging infrastructure, forcing it to make do with its tight budget.

In 2024, the city of Faribault and RBNC came together to develop a strategic plan for the center to make needed improvements. Bourn said that Faribault “came to the table in a real way” and pledged to give RBNC $300,000 over a five-year period.

With the capital plan in place, the center is essentially treated like a city park, with planned improvements on the horizon. So far, this collaboration has helped RBNC invest in its train maintenance and has brought a major project to fruition, the realignment of Cherry Trail.

In addition to city assistance, the center has secured a $300,000 grant from the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources to update the interpretive center’s educational displays. Borne said that, currently, many of the displays were donated and made from repurposed items. New displays will help to improve the look and accessibility of the space.

RBNC has also received grants from the Minnesota Historical Society to help them deep dive into the human history of the land that the center presides on with their programming and educational displays and information. Bourn said that telling the history of humans in the RBNC space is just as important as telling the natural history.

In the fall of 2025, the city of Faribault and RBNC worked together on the project to realign Cherry Trail. The trailhead began with a bridge that had deteriorated after years of wear. The city tore down the old bridge and reconstructed the trail around where it used to be, eliminating the need for a bridge at all.

The city also helped fund the replacement of a sewer pipe, which had

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RIVERS+LAKES Clear Lake, Waseca Boat launches: Off Clear Lake Drive across from Kieslers. Handicapped accessible fishing pier.

North side of lake along Clear Lake Drive and adjacent to Lakeside Golf Course.

GEM Sailing MN 201 S Franklin St., Lake City 507-261-7473 GEMSailingMN.com Sail the boat or enjoy the ride.

Henderson Station River Access & Park 29030 River St., Le Sueur Lake Jefferson Fishing Pier 28211 470th Street, Madison Lake

Roberds Lake, Faribault Roberds Lake Boulevard Campgrounds and boat launches all around Straight River Canoe Landing 5218 N Co Road 45, Medford

Loon Lake, Waseca Hwy. 14 DNR-assisted boat ramp 10th St. NW motor boats only

Tetonka Lake, Waterville City-owned access off First Street Campgrounds and boat launches all around

Lake Washington Regional Park & Campground 47102 Washington Park Road, Kasota 507-357-8201 co.le-sueur.mn.us camping, fishing, canoe launch, playgrounds

Kieslers Campground & RV resort 14360 U.S. Hwy. 14, Waseca 507-835-3179 kieslers.com boat rentals, mini golf

CAMPING Camp Faribo 21851 Bagley Ave., Faribault 507-332-8453 www.campfaribo.com Clear Lake Park & Campground 35194 Clear Lake Lane, Le Center primitive campsites, first come-first served Flandrau State Park 1300 Summit Ave., New Ulm 507-233-1260 dnr.state.mn.us camping, swimming, hiking Frontenac State Park 29223 County 28 Blvd., Frontenac 651-345-3401 dnr.state.mn.us camping, hiking trails

Land of Memories Campground 100 Amos Owen Lane, Mankato mankatomn.gov fishing, canoeing, boat landing Kamp Dells 14842 Sakatah Lake Road, Waterville 507-362-8616 www.kampdels.com

Mill Pond/Riverside Park & Campground 227 S Front St., St. Peter Boat launch, fishing pond, playground Sakatah Lake State Park 50499 Sakatah Lake State Park Road, Waterville 507-698-7851 dnr.state.mn.us hiking, biking, camping

TRAILS+BIKING+HIKING Cannon Valley Trail 19.7-miles trail from Cannon Falls to Red Wing cannonvalleytrail.com

Courthouse Park Wilton Brideg Road, Waseca camping, walking, cross-country skiing and horseback riding trails

Cannon Wilderness Park 3471 151st St. E, Faribault co.rice.mn.us canoe launch, hiking and horseback trails

Falls Creek Park 20506 Carr Ave., Faribault 507-332-6112

City of Faribault trails 8.4 miles of trails Map: bit.ly/319fqsT City of Northfield trails 22 miles of trails Map: bit.ly/3g4b7nd City of Owatonna trails 17 miles of trails, including Buxton and Muckle ci.owatonna.mn.us/304/Trails

Goodhue-Pioneer State Trail When finished, the 47-mile trail will connect the Cannon Valley Regional and the Douglas State trails High Island Creek Park 26428 341 Lane, Henderson co.sibley.mn.us Lebanon Hills Regional Park 860 Cliff Road, Eagan, 651-554-6530

Mill Towns Trail 3-mile multi-use trail currently links Dundas and Northfield Plans to run from Faribault to Cannon Falls Rasmussen Woods 555 Stoltzman Road, Mankato mankatomn.gov hiking, wildlife Sakatah Singing Hills Trail 39-mile trail runs from Faribault to Mankato dnr.state.mn.us/state_trails/ sakatah Traverse des Sioux Trails 1851 N. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter facebook.com/TraverseTrails

Mountain biking trails Kaplan’s Woods Park, Kaplan’s Woods Parkway 1205 SW 18th St., Owatonna ci.owatonna.mn.us paved trails, boat access, swimming

River Bend will once again be contracting goats to combat invasive species on the land, like they did and saw success with last year. They will also be having sheep to graze on wild parsnip. (File photo — Faribault.com)

CONTINUED from page 5 caused issues for the center, resulting in waste backups and the need to close the bathroom. Bourn said that although it was not the most exciting project, it was necessary for the functioning of RBNC. One employee at RBNC who has been crucial in bringing different conservation projects to light is Brittany Smith. She has helped in securing countless grants for habitat management and restoration.

One current restoration project at RBNC is the removal and burning of invasive buckthorn in a kiln to produce biochar.

Smith said that superheating buckthorn reduces carbon emissions. The product biochar can also be used in soil, which is beneficial for growing plants.

Goats will also be returning to RBNC to eat invasives, also with an animal new to the Center: sheep. Along with buckthorn, Smith said the animals will be set out to graze on wild parsnip.

Another project involving local partners was the replacement of River Bend’s outdoor and indoor hydration stations, in collaboration with Rice County Public using a Health Statewide Health Improvement Partnership grant. SHIP Coordinator Amani Alam said by replacing these hydration station it encourages people to stay healthy drink water instead of sugary beverages.

She also said having the outdoor stations makes clean drinking water accessible to RBNC enthusiast.

“If you’re there enjoying the park, you’re

For the Cherry Trail realignment project, The city tore down the old worn bridge at the trailhead and reconstructed the trail around where it used to be, eliminating the need for a bridge at all. (Chloe Kucera — Faribault.com) more willing to be out and stay outside and stay active longer if you have that access to the clean water,” she said.

Bourn described the process of putting all the projects together and timing them out to be successful as like a jigsaw puzzle.

When making considerations on these projects, he said it is important to find the balance between having it be “meaningful to folks and meeting conservation needs.” 

OUTDOORS Beaver Lake County Park Steele County Road 28, Ellendale co.steele.mn.us hiking trails, boat dock, fishing pier Byllesby Park (Goodhue County) Hwy. 19, 1 mile west of Cannon Falls boat launch, picnic area Cannon Wilderness Park 3471 151st St. E, Faribault co.rice.mn.us Canoe launch, hiking and horseback trails Carleton College Cowling Arboretum One North College St., Northfield 507-222-4543 apps.carleton.edu/campus/arb Cedar Lake Regional Park 25875 Juniper Ave., New Prague 763-694-777 fishing, trails, picnic areas Courthouse Park Wilton Brideg Road, Waseca co.waseca.mn.us/Facilities Camping, walking, cross-country skiing and horseback riding trails

Covill Park 507 Nymphara Ln, Red Wing red-wing.org/facilities/facility/ details/Colvill-Park-9 Boat launch, tennis courts, volleyball, walking paths

Lake Byllesby Regional Park 8150 295th St. E., Cannon Falls co.dakota.mn.us/parks/parksTrails/ LakeByllesby Campground, boating, trailhead

Falls Creek Park 20506 Carr Avenue, Faribault ricecountymn.gov/facilities/facility/ details/Falls-Creek-Park-6 61 acres, mainly wooded, with about 3,000 feet of creek frontage

Lake Kohlmeir Beach 1550 Mosher Drive, Owatonna 507-774-7372 ci.owatonna.mn.us swimming, acquatic and trail equipment rentals

Flandrau State Park 1300 Summit Ave., New Ulm Dnr.state.mn.us Camping, swimming, hiking

Lake Washington Regional Park & Campground 47102 Washington Park Road, Kasota co.le-sueur.mn.us Camping, fishing, canoe launch, playgrounds

Frontenac State Park 29223 County 28 Blvd., Frontenac Dnr.state.mn.us Camping, hiking trails Harmony Park 79503 298th St, Clarks Grove 507-402-8733 harmonypark.com Kaplan’s Woods Park 1205 SW 18th St., Owatonna ci.owatonna.mn.us Paved trails, boat access, swimming

Linnaes Arboretum 800 W. College Ave., St. Peter gustavus.edu/arboretum interpretive center, gardens, prairie Minneopa State Park 54497 Gadwall Road, Mankato 507-386-3910 dnr.state.mn.us camping, fishing, bison herd

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Myre-Big Island State Park 19499 780th Ave., Albert Lea 507-668-7060 dnr.state.mn.us camping, hiking, canoeing

Reconciliation Park 100 N Riverfront Dr, Mankato mankatomn.gov Flower gardens, Dakota art, access to regional trail

Nerstrand Big Woods State Park 9700 170th St. E, Nerstrand 507-384-6140 dnr.state.mn.us self-guided interpretive trail, Hidden Falls waterfall

Rice Lake State Park 8485 Rose St., Owatonna 507-414-6191 dnr.state.mn.us canoeing, nature observation

Ney Nature Center 28238 Nature Center Lane, Henderson 507-357-8580 neycenter.org historic farm site, trails, wildlife

Richter Woods Park 35674 173rd Ave., Montgomery co.le-sueur.mn.us/Facilities/ Facility/Details/Richter-WoodsPark-10 wildlife, picnic shelters, firepits, basketball, volleyball, more

Okaman Park E. Elysian Lake Road, Janesville co.waseca.mn.us boat launch, walking trail

River Bend Nature Center 1000 Rustad Road, Faribault 507-32-7151 rbnc.org trails, interpretive center, picnicking

Rasmussen Woods 555 Stoltzman Road, Mankato mankatomn.gov Hiking, wildlife

Sibley Park & Farm 900 Park Lane, Mankato mankatomn.gov farm animals, playground

Rush River Park 33503 Rush River Park Road, Henderson Co.sibley.mn.us Horseback & hiking trails, swimming, camping Sakatah Lake State Park 50499 Sakatah Lake State Park Road, Waterville Dnr.state.mn.us Hiking, biking, camping Seven Mile Creek County Park Hwy. 169 south of St. Peter co.nicollet.mn.us multiuse trails with equestrian parking, boat landing Traverse Des Sioux Park 1851 N Minnesota Ave, St. Peter mnhs.org/traversedessioux Walking trails, biking trails, scenic views

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Imminent Brewing’s (L-R) Justin Holden, Jared Allerson and Laura Meyers celebrate Cannon River Pale Ale’s second place finish in this year’s Minnesota Brewers Cup competition. (Tom Nelson — Northfield News) Cannon River Pale Ale received a second place award in the American Amber, Brown and Pale Ale category at this year’s Minnesota Brewers Cup. (Tom Nelson — Northfield News)

By TOM NELSON Guest Contributor

Breweries, wineries, cideries & distilleries

Northfield breweries receive awards at 2026 Minnesota Brewers Cup

C

annon River Pale Ale, one of the flagship beers at Northfield’s Imminent Brewing, was recognized as one of the state’s top beers at this year’s Minnesota Brewers Cup. In the category for American amber, brown and pale ales, Imminent’s Cannon River Pale Ale received a second-place award. The first-place award went to Paddlefish Brewing Co.’s Red Owl Amber Ale in St. Peter, and the third-place award went to Hank and Dabs Pale Ale from Canal Park Brewing Co. in Duluth.

The Northfield connection at the 2026 Minnesota Brewers Cup also included a thirdplace finish in the porters and stouts category by Tanzenwald Brewing Co.’s Sister Midnight, an American stout.

The Minnesota Brewers Cup is a statewide, blind taste-test competition for breweries and brewpubs around the state. The event was held April 9-10 in Bloomington under the direction of the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild and showcases the innovation and mastery of craft brewing in Minnesota.

Submissions are organized into 18 different

categories based on Beer Judge Certification Program styles, and entries are judged on how well they represent those standards.

A longtime favorite on Imminent’s roster of beer offerings, Cannon River is an American pale ale that balances malt, pine and citrus flavors.

Cannon River Pale Ale and other beers are handcrafted onsite at Imminent’s brewery and taproom in downtown Northfield by brewers Justin Holden and Jared Allerson.

“We are thrilled to have Cannon River Pale Ale receive this recognition,” Imminent Brewing coowner Laura Meyers said. “I’m extremely proud of the Imminent team for their persistence in creating great beer recipes and their dedication to brewing quality products for our community to enjoy.”

Cannon River Pale Ale is available at Imminent’s taproom at 519 Division St. S, Unit 2, in Northfield and is also available for purchase in four-packs of 16-ounce cans at area liquor stores and on tap at select local restaurants and bars.

Other area breweries that received recognition at this year’s Minnesota Brewers Cup included a third-place finish by St. Peter’s Tremendous Brewing Co. in the dark lager category for MachFest and a second-place finish in the dark strong beers category by Tremendous Brewing’s Augen Aug. 

BREWERIES, WINERIES, CIDERIES & DISTILLERIES 10,000 Drops 28 Fourth St. NE, Faribault 10000drops.com Availability: Bottles Taproom: Yes

Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery and Distillery 1179 E. Pearl St., Kasota 507-931-0089 chankaskawines.com

Imminent Brewing 519 Division St. S, Northfield imminentbrewing.com Availability: Draft Taproom: Yes

Loon Liquors in Northfield 115 5th St. W., Northfield loonliquors.com Availability: Bottles Taproom: Yes

Angry Hog Brewery 500 23rd Ave. NW, Austin angryhogbrewery.com Availability: Draft Taproom: Yes

Chapel Brewing 15 Hester St., Dundas chapelbrewing.com Availability: Draft, growlers Taproom: Yes

Indian Island Winery 18018 631st Ave., Janesville indianislandwindery.com

Mineral Springs Brewery 111 N Walnut Ave, Owatonna Mineralspringsbrewery.com Availability: Draft, crowlers, growlers Taproom: Yes

August Schell’s Brewing Co. 1860 Schell Rd., New Ulm schellsbrewery.com Availability: Draft, bottles, cans, crowlers Taproom: Yes

Giesenbrau Bier Co. 1306 1st St. NE, New Prague giesenbraubierco.com Availability: Draft Taproom: Yes

Black Frost Distilling 201 1st N. St., New Ulm blackfrostdistilling.com Availability: Bottles Taproom: Yes Cannon River Winery 421 Mill St. W., Cannon Falls facebook.com/Cannon.River.Winery

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Gravity Storm Brewer 309 Main Street N, Austin facebook.com/ GravityStormBrewery Availability: Draft Taproom: Yes Half Pint Brewing Company 40099 150th St., Waseca www.halfpintbrew.com Availability: Draft, Growlers Taproom: Yes

Keepsake Cidery 4609 135th St. E, Dundas mncider.com Availability: Draft, bottles Taproom: Yes Kinney Creek Brewery 1016 7th St NW, Rochester Kinneycreekbrewery.com Availability: Draft, crowlers, growlers Taproom: Yes LocAle Brewing Company 228 Poplar St., Mankato localebrew.com Availability: Draft, cans, growlers Taproom: Yes

Montgomery Brewing Co. 306 2nd St. NW, Montgomery montgomerybrewing.com Availability: Draft, growlers Taproom: Yes Mousse Sparkling Wine Company 115 1st St E, Jordan moussewinery.com Next Chapter Winery 16945 320th St., New Prague nextchapterwinery.com

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Paddlefish Brewing 108 S. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter paddlefishbrewing.com Availability: Draft, crowlers Taproom: Yes BREW D’ETAT 230 Broadway St., Jordan brewdetatmn.com Availability: Draft, crowlers Taproom: Yes South x Southeast Minnesota Brewing Company 51146 US-52, Pine Island Sxsebrewingmn.com Availability: Draft, cans Taproom: Yes Tanzenwald Brewing Co. 103 Water St. N, Northfield tanzenwald.com Availability: Draft, growlers Taproom: Yes Three Oaks Vineyard and Winery 73505 225th St., Albert Lea threeoakwines.com

Tilion Brewing Company 432 Mill St. W, Cannon Falls tilionbrewing.com Availability: Draft, growlers Taproom: Yes Tremendous Brewing Company 227 W. Mulberry St., St. Peter tremendousbrewing.com Availability: Draft, crowlers Taproom: Yes Union Trail Brewing 23436 Union Trail, Belle Plaine uniontrailbrewing.com Availability: Draft Taproom: Yes Vintage Escapes Winery 8950 Dodd Rd., Kilkenny vintageescapeswinery.com Ward House 308 S. State St., Waseca wardhousebrewing.com Availability: Draft, growlers Taproom: Yes Whitewater Wines 10832 Fischer Hill Dr, Plainview Whitewaterwines.com

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By MOLLY PENNY Guest Contributor

Shopping A BLOOMING MAINSTAY:

The enduring charm of Zinnias Boutique

first stepped into Zinnias Boutique and Flower shop as a new sales rep for the local radio station. It was located in the old train depot on Old Highway 14 in Waseca.

The owner Tamie Collins was busy setting up shop as she and her husband had just overhauled it into a workable storefront, she excitedly showed me the space as the rustic history of the building whispered stories of the past. Combined with the whimsy of Tamie’s floral and fashion stylings, it was clear to see that this business had all the makings to become a mainstay in the community.

Now located in the heart of historic downtown Waseca, Zinnia’s Boutique and Flower Shop saw a few separate homes before landing in its current location at 108 South State Street and has become as much a part of the local fabric as the buildings themselves. Walking through the doors of Zinnias, customers are often struck by the “eclectic and homegrown” atmosphere.

You won’t find sterile fluorescent lights here. Zinnias offers a sensory experience that makes you feel like you are in a quaint village in Europe or on a trendy urban shopping stroll, but without all the hustle and bustle. Sure, things get rowdy at Zinnias, especially when they host workshop events and fashion shows, shop hops, or the famous Waseca Specialty Shop events that Tamie is famous for spearheading.

Zinnias Boutique and Flower Shop not only stands apart as its own unique and eccentric vibe, credited to Tamie herself, but it also acts as a common tourism attraction to the area along with some of the other specialty shops including: Suburban

Furniture, Glitter and Grace, the legacy flower shop Waseca Floral, C&A Designs, Rae of Colour, Speckled Hen and Pic A Dilly.

Zinnias helps make Waseca a destination for girls’ days out and shopping adventures.

Tamie’s personal touch is evident in every detail. She is known for stocking items she truly enjoys, ranging from high-quality candies, to sassy “Blue Q” fashion socks.

I actually had a “boho chic” wedding photo shoot done in 2016 with local photographer Makayla Rae, and Zinnas provided the flowers. They were far and beyond better than the flowers I used for my own wedding! Tamie even used eucalyptus sprigs. Her passion for floral design is particularly legendary; for her own daughter’s wedding, she famously harvested over 500 peonies creating a breathtaking twelve-foot floral installation. She can take your prom, wedding, graduation party or any event, and make it something truly special and Instagram-worthy!

In a world increasingly dominated by clicks and online shopping, Zinnias reminds us why physical storefronts matter. She has a plethora of unique gifts and toys for children and babies as well as gourmet foods and elegant “last minute” gifts in addition to the floral shop and women’s clothing and accessories. urge you to step out and visit this brick and mortar shop in person. From the friendly staff to the whimsical atmosphere it is always a lovely experience. Most importantly, it is a business that grows alongside its community. As Tamie often says, “Zinnias don’t bloom by force; they thrive when the soil is respected.” In Waseca, that soil is the loyal support of neighbors, including me, and after 19 years, Zinnias is still in full, vibrant bloom. 

SHOPPING Downtown Le Sueur South Main Street, Le Sueur facebook.com/DowntownLeSueur Downtown Northfield Division Street, Northfield downtownnorthfield.org boutiques, gift shops, coffee shops, restaurants

Downtown Owatonna Cedar Avenue, Owatonna visitowatonna.org/historicdowntown boutiques, gift shops, coffee shops, restaurants

Downtown Red Wing Bush Street, Red Wing downtownredwing.org Downtown Rochester Broadway Avenue South, Rochester downtownrochestermn.com

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Downtown St. Peter Minnesota Avenue, St. Peter boutiques, gift shops, coffee shops, restaurants

Faribault Main Street Central Avenue, Faribault visitfaribault.com/historicdowntown

Downtown Waseca State Street, Waseca discoverwaseca.com

Old Town Mankato 300-800 Riverfront Dr., Mankato facebook.com/oldtownmankato

River Hills Mall 1850 Adams St, Mankato riverhillsmall.com Ultra Outlets 6750 W. Frontage Road, Medford ultraoutlets.com

YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

A LOCAL FAVORITE

Voted Best Pizza 3 years in a row!

FOR OVER 20 YEARS!

Dine inside or enjoy our patio seating!

APPETIZERS • DINE IN • TAKEOUT • DELIVERY PIZZA • OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK SALADS CHICKEN • LUNCH, DINNER & LATE-NIGHT DINING PASTA • ROTATING BEER & WINE LIST GYROS

FREE Garlic Cheesebread $

(Before taxes and fees. Not valid on online orders.) with Offer expires 06/30/2026 30 Purchase

1160 Highway 3 S, Northfield, MN 507-645-0100 | www.georgesvineyard.com

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Longtime volunteers Kim Jensch and Jim Rew run the brick ovens at Berne Wood-Fired Pizza, a weekly outdoor event series that’s become a summer tradition in West Concord over the past 12 years. (Josh LaFollette/southernminn.com)

Local attractions

ON FIRE: Berne’s summer pizza/music series

By JANE TURPIN MOORE Guest Contributor

The Organ family — Jane and Erick, plus kids Jared and Annika — helps keep Berne Wood-Fired Pizza & Concert Series going. (Courtesy photo)

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une marks the start of Berne Wood-Fired Pizza and Concert Series’ 15th season.

And if you’re asking, “What’s that?” please understand you’re a little late to this popular party — yet not alone in newly discovering this food- and music-lover’s gem tucked away 7 miles west of Pine Island and east of West Concord.

“We’re amazed each year at how many people have never heard of us before, but someone mentioned it to them, they came, and then they’re totally surprised at what we have going on out here,” said Angela Organ, event coordinator of the series.

Here’s what’s happening each Wednesday in June, July and August, and additionally on the first Saturday of August (this year, Aug. 1): steaming hot, freshly wood-fired pizzas are served in boxes to salivating customers who bring lawn/camp chairs, utensils and the means of removing their own garbage from the bucolic site after they’ve eaten their fill, enjoyed terrific music and reveled in the warmth and peacefulness of a rural summer evening.

“We’ve had such good success with our pizza that the menu rarely changes,” said Organ. “There are rotating monthly specials

but the other specialty pizzas stay the same.”

That includes a veggie pizza, “the Greek” (with chicken, mushroom, feta, Kalamata olives and artichokes), “Jennie’s BBQ chicken” and a mouth-watering bacon cheeseburger version, to name only a few. The monthly specials for 2026? Hawaiian in June, chicken/ bacon/ranch in July and bacon bleu in August.

The 14-inch beauties are priced between $23 and $28 for 2026.

From 5 to 8 p.m. on summer Wednesdays, the volunteer crew bakes hundreds of pies for eager guests, who may bring their own (alcoholic or N/A) beverages and picnic supplements of choice, or choose to purchase pop, water, potato chips and ice cream onsite.

Although she’s been involved since the beginning—she actually suggested the concept—Organ is far from the only person involved in coordinating the Berne WoodFired Pizza and Concert Series.

In fact, as many as 900 volunteers make it all happen, with the congregation of Zwingli United Church of Christ, to which Organ and her family belong, being the originators.

“Most people know us as ‘the Berne church,’” said Organ, explaining that Berne was founded by Swiss immigrants whose descendants hosted the engaging Berne Swissfest for about 60 years.

“When that festival ended, we wanted to continue doing something. I’d been to a pizza farm in Wisconsin and quickly realized they

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spend throughout the year to coordinate and implement the series—which has expanded to include a Friday morning “Coffee in the Country” event (see their website for details).

“This is definitely a centerpiece of every week of every year for us,” said Organ, who is a Pine Island High School teacher as well a busy wife and mother. “It takes hours and hours and hours every week all year long to get this ready.

“For a core group of us, it’s like another job—but we volunteer at Berne Pizza because of the joy it creates for others, and for us.”

Berne Wood-Fired Pizza and Concert Series, 23148 Cty. Hwy. 24, West Concord; email to bernepizza@gmail.com, bernepizza.org/ home-2026, Berne Wood-Fired Pizza on Facebook. 

(Courtesy photo) had no parking, no bathroom facilities, no seating—and yet hundreds of people were there,” she continued.

“I figured if it could work there, we could make it happen in Berne. And we made music a part of it the very first year.”

The Berne Wood-Fired Pizza folks improved on the Wisconsin model Organ experienced.

“We have port-a-potties with handicap accessibility and also parking,” she said.

“Accessibility is one of our big goals, both in terms of physical access as well as price.

Food is expensive but this remains a great bargain, where for under $30 you can enjoy food, entertainment and time with family or friends.”

Organ coordinates all the musical acts (which coincide with “theme nights,”

including Classic Car Cruise-Ins, Kids’ night with the Zollman Zoo, Country Night, Brew Night, etc.), which perform on a tips-only basis—because all proceeds from the foodand-drink sales support either the church or one of the several non-profit/community organizations represented by those hundreds of weekly volunteers.

“We had 28 band slots this year and there were 60 applicants for them,” said Organ. “It’s a fairly competitive process, and that says a lot about the great experience they have playing here.

“The audiences are terrific, the bands support what we’re doing and the musicians are appreciative of the tips they receive.”

Organ can’t name a specific total but knows Berne Wood-Fired Pizza and Concert

Series has raised over $100,000 for those good causes in its 15 years of operation.

Another inestimable figure is the number of hours she, her family and dozens of other Zwingli United Church of Christ volunteers

Minnesota band Collective Unconscious plays for a crowd at Berne. (Josh LaFollette/ southernminn.com)

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS Ahlmans Guns/shooting range 9525 2. 230th St., Morristown 507-685-4243 ahlmans.com Arlington Raceway 801 W Chandler St., Arlington 507-380-6998 arlingtonraceway.com Berne Wood-Fired Pizza & Concert Series 23148 County Rd 24, West Concord 507-356-4340 Concert nights Wednesday 5-9 p.m.

(June through August) Betsy-Tacy Houses 332 and 333 Center St., Mankato 507-345-9777 Book a tour at betsy-tacysociety.org Cannon Valley Farmers Market 1814 2nd Ave NW, Faribault Thursdays 4-7 p.m. (June through September) Caribou Gun Club 30649 380th St., Le Sueur 507-665-3796 caribougunclub.com gun club, hunting preserve Drive a Tank 550 Cherry St. W, Kasota 507-931-7385 driveatank.com Faribault Family Aquatic Center 1830 Alexander Dr, Faribault ci.faribault.mn.us/404/FaribaultFamily-Aquatics-Center

CHECK OUT THE

Faribault Farmers Market Central Park, Faribault Saturdays 7am-noon (June through October) Wednesdays 1:30-5:30 pm (July through September) Farmamerica 7367 360th Ave., Waseca 507-835-2052 farmamerica.org Inside Swing 685 W Bridge St., Suite 5, Owatonna insideswinggolf.com Indoor golf simulators Kasota Prairie Scenic & Natural Area 367th Ave., Kasota Park on road shoulder dnr.state.mn.us Kenyon Farmers Market First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Kenyon Third Thursday of the month 4-7 p.m. (May through October) Le Sueur Community Center 821 E. Ferry St., Le Sueur cityoflesueur.com/155/RecreationCommunity-Center Ice rink, gym, racquetball courts, golf simulator Le Sueur Farmers Market 101 N 2nd Street, Le Sueur Saturdays 8 a.m.-noon (May through October) Minnesota Zoo 13000 Zoo Blvd., Apple Valley mnzoo.org

Minnesota Sculpture Prayer Garden Off Interstate 35, Owatonna Near Cabela’s Pleasant Grove Pizza Farm 41142 160th St, Waseca 715-523-0857 pleasantgrovepizzafarm.com music, pizza, farm Owatonna Farmers Market Central Park, Owatonna 7 a.m.-noon (May through October) Riverwalk Farmers Market 419 8th St. W, Northfield 847-441-1848 Saturdays 7:30 am-12:30 pm Red Barn Farm 10063 110th St E, Northfield facebook.com/RedBarnFarmPizza River Ridge Shooting Club 47028 547th Lane, Courtland Archery and crossbow, pistol ranges, shotgun course, indoor simulator St. Olaf Natural Lands 1520 St. Olaf Ave., Northfield wp.stolaf.edu/naturallands forest, prairie, wetlands, bluebird trail St. Peter Farmers Market Corner of Mulberry Street & Minnesota Avenue, St. Peter facebook.com/stpFarmersMarket Saturdays 8:30-12:30 (May through October) Traxler’s Hunting Preserve 37699 Hunting Preserve Lane, Le Center 507-357-6940 traxlers.com

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Blues Brothers Tribute 8:00 pm

Mark Joseph & the American Soul Feat. Tom “Bones” Malone

Reverend Raven & The Chain Smokin’ Altar Boys 6:00 pm Denise La Grassa Band 4:00 pm Alex Rossi Band 2:00 pm Amy Manette Band 12:00 pm

W W W. S O U T H E R N M I N N SCENE. C O M | M AY 2 0 2 6

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Garden center, nurseries & fruit picking All-in for bloomin’ short retail season

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By JANE TURPIN MOORE Guest Contributor

F

rom April 15 ‘til mid-June, it’s easy to find Julie Donahue Zweber.

Because she, along with numerous family members and dedicated employees, is at Donahue’s Greenhouse in southwest Faribault each day, helping elated gardeners choose healthy, beautiful plants they’ll delight in during the Upper Midwest’s relatively short growing season.

Nobody wants to miss a minute of it.

“On our opening day [April 15], there was so much joy,” said Zweber, Donahue’s retail manager and a second-generation staff member.

“I received so many hugs from customers and one woman simply said, ‘Thank you for being here.’ There were a couple ladies from Mankato—one was driving her friend from a senior care center to a doctor’s appointment— and the only other place she wanted to go was Donahue’s.

“It isn’t all about sales; it’s about bringing joy into people’s lives.”

Although mid-May is typically recommended for planting in most parts of Minnesota, Donahue’s draws garden-lovers from near and far.

“We had people here from Nebraska on opening day,” said Zweber. “Temperature-wise, it’s warmer there—they’d already mowed their lawns two or three times—so they were ready to get their plants in.

“And true gardeners can’t wait to start digging in the dirt and planting. At Donahue’s, we love helping customers put their color and plant combinations together and making suggestions.

“Our team is so knowledgeable; I just can’t say enough about our employees because we have the best team.”

To be sure, Donahue’s is loaded with everything both seasoned and aspirational gardeners could wish for in creating the garden of their summer dreams.

Furthermore, Donahue’s grows 97% of everything they sell in their own greenhouses, which means growers (including Zweber’s husband Phil, their son, four of her brothers and one nephew) work year-round to cultivate and coax the plants to their primes for this period of plant acquisition.

“We have 25,000 square feet under glass,” said Zweber, acknowledging that recent thunderstorms yielding hail have made her nervous.

Annuals, perennials (“We have everything from hostas to coral bells to day lilies—so many different perennials,” said Zweber), rose bushes, hydrangeas, vegetables, herbs, tropical pants, hundreds of hanging baskets, hibiscus and grasses are all in their inventory.

But timing is everything, both for staff nurturing the plants to their full potential during April and May and for customers hoping to get in on some Donahue’s action before it’s too late.

“Everything looks marvelous right now,” promised

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Zweber, “but we typically close by mid-June because we usually sell out of products then, and there are only a few sad-looking plants left at the very end of the season.”

Donahue’s not-so-hidden secret is that its retail outlet comprises only about onethird of its annual business.

“Two-thirds of our business is our wholesale clematis operation,” Zweber shared. “We grow and ship nearly one million clematis annually to other garden centers around the United States and Canada, and Donahue’s grows over 120 different varieties of clematis, with 100 varieties available in our store.”

It’s actually a brand: Donahue Clematis, which Zweber was gratified to spot for sale at a greenhouse in Long Island, N.Y., one during a vacation.

“We’ve done a good job of branding it [the clematis],” Zweber said. “We were visiting our daughter in Texas, and there was our Donahue Clematis. We ship all over.”

Zweber, 61, and her husband Phil have four children, two of whom have joined them in the family business.

Donahue’s Greenhouse has been a family operation from the start. Zweber is one of nine Donahue children born to Dick and Lois Donahue,

who purchased the greenhouse fin 1972 from Dick and Ruth Lehman.

“We have seven Donahues in the business and five members of the third generation involved full-time,” she noted. “We’re hopeful they’ll help carry it on into the future.”

Donahue’s full-time, year-round staff of 25 swells to 45 during the high spring season.

“Some employees have been with us for 25 to 30 years,” said Zweber, “and one man has worked with us for 40 years.

Yes, I think they feel appreciated and we try to treat everyone like family.”

That said, Zweber admits working with family isn’t always a bed of roses; it’s more like the trailing vines of clematis that Donahue’s grows so expertly, with twists, turns, eventual blooms and a diversity of colors to suit everyone’s personal taste.

“And we’re not a mega-store; we still have a small-town feel, with nice wide aisles for shopping and staff who are always willing to help load plants,” she said.

Although she’ll have only a single day off in the first six-week retail period, Zweber approaches each shift with a smile and a soaring spirit.

Promised Zweber, “When you walk through our doors after a long Minnesota winter, you’ll find a joyous, colorful place.” 

GARDEN CENTERS & NURSERIES DASA Nursery 7237 Highview Rd., Cannon Falls dasanursery.com Evergreen specialist, balled and burlapped trees, potted conifers Donahue’s Greenhouses 420 10th St. SW, Faribault donahuesclematis.com Greenhouse, outdoor area, clematis specialists, more Drummer’s Garden Center 281 St Andrews Dr #8584, Mankato drummersgardencenter.com Greenhouse, outdoor area, landscape design, more Edenvale Nursery 19244 State Hwy. 22, Mankato edenvalenursery.com Trees, shrubs, evergreens, perennials, roses, native plants, garden deco

Houston’s Greenhouse 914 Mantorville Ave N, Kasson houstonsgreenhouse.com Greenhouse, gift shop Knecht’s Nurseries and Landscaping 1601 Hwy 19 West, Northfield Knechts.net Garden center, trees, landscaping, bagged products, more Paisley Gardens 600 Division St. S., Northfield paisley-gardens.com Seeds, plants, pots, bagged products, landscaping, more Sargent’s Nursery 3352 N Service Dr, Red Wing Sargentsnursery.com Greenhouse, garden center, outdoor area, more

Souba Greenhouse 4003 Crane Creek Rd, Owatonna soubagreenhouse.com Greenhouse, outdoor area, wholesale, hay, more Traverse des Sioux 1702 US-169, St Peter tdsgardencenter.com Greenhouse, nursery, outdoor area, more Turtle Creek Nursery & Landscaping 2449 Rose St, Owatonna tcnursery.com Greenhouse, outdoor area, nursery, landscaping, more

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Thomas Gardens 917 St Paul Ave, Faribault thomasgardensmn.com Greenhouse, vegetables, bird seed, more

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FRUIT PICKING Alternative Roots Farm 11197 130th St., Madelia alternativerootsfarm.blogspot.com Apples, berries, vegetables

Irish Mountain Orchard 24214 480th Street Elysian Irishmountainorchard.com Apples, pears

Silkey Gardens 5561 115th St. E, Northfield Silkeygardens.com Apples, raspberries, blueberries

Aronia Acres 15470 355th Ave., Waseca facebook.com/purplepowersus Aronia berries

Little Hill Berry Farm 4339 320th St. W., Northfield Littlehillberryfarm.com Blueberries, strawberries

Emma Krumbee’s 311 E Enterprise Dr., Belle Plaine emmakrumbees.com/appleorchard Apples, raspberries, summer vegetables

Lorence’s Berry Farm 28625 Foliage Ave., Northfield Lorencesberryfarm.com Strawberries, raspberries, asparagus

Straight River Farm 3733 220th St. E, Faribault Straightriverfarm.com Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, apples

Firefly Berries 5542 23rd St. NE, Rochester fireflyberries.com Strawberries, blackberries, grapes Fireside Orchard & Gardens 2225 Lonsdale Blvd E, Northfield Firesideorchard.com Apples, donuts

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Minnesota Harvest Orchard 8251 Old Hwy. 169 Blvd., Jordan Minnesotaharvest.net Apples Miracle Strawberry Farm 60687 T-41, Dodge Center Miraclestrawberryfarm.com Strawberries

Trumps Orchard 1020 St Paul Ave., Faribault trumpsorchard.com Apples, plums Welsh Heritage Farms 20758 528th Ave Building 2, Lake Crystal welshheritagefarm.com Apples, jams, cheese and pie

Montgomery Orchard 15953 MN-99, Montgomery montgomeryorchard.com Apples

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W W W. S O U T H E R N M I N N SCENE. C O M | M AY 2 0 2 6

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(Left to right) Randall “Bubba” Higgins, Oliver Campion, Carter Ramirez, Macio KelseyBassett and Maya Garcia show off their boards at the Opening Jam. Since the Skate Park’s debut, the friends have been using it every week. (Carson Hughes — StPeterHerald.com)

Family friendly activities Skate Jam celebrates St. Peter Skate Park opening

T

By CARSON HUGHES Guest Contributor

A teen uses a scooter to grind on the skate park rails. (Carson Hughes — StPeterHerald.com)

14 M AY 2 0 2 6 | W W W. S O U T H E R N M I N N SCENE. C O M

he sounds of wheels rolling across concrete, the slaps of boards flipping in mid-air and shredding guitars from area punk rock bands filled the air in September, as skateboarders from around the region came together to celebrate the St. Peter Skate Park’s opening jam.

The hockey rink at Veterans Memorial Park, now moonlighting in the warmer months as a skate arena complete with halfpipes, ramps and rails was packed with an estimated 200 guests taking their turn to enjoy St. Peter’s latest recreational facility.

The sight was a dream come true for Haley Moore and dozens of skaters from around the area who have long wanted a place in St. Peter where they could strap on their helmets and take their boards for a whirl.

Since September 2023, Moore had been

spearheading a community fundraising project to convert the ice rink into a pop-up skatepark with added skateboarding accessories that can be installed from spring through the fall and wheeled out during the summer months.

With the authorization of the St. Peter Recreation and Leisure Department, Moore embarked on a fundraising campaign, partnering with local businesses and garnering more than $11,000 in grants and donations to make the Skate Park a reality.

It’s been a long time coming. As far back as 20 years ago, youth in St. Peter had been actively approaching the city for a skate park where they could ride instead of whatever secluded spot they could find to gather around town.

“Not everybody wants to play team sports like basketball and football, some kids want to ride around and if they don’t have a place to go, they’ll go to random places around St. Peter like the pavilion or over by the dog park,” said Moore.

With a skate park for the youth to call their own, Moore said skateboarders won’t have to seek those

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A skater launches off a quarterpipe, one of the many new amenities at the St. Peter Skate Park. (Carson Hughes — StPeterHerald.com) alternative sites, where they may be seen as a nuisance, and now have a place they can easily gather and find other people who share in their hobby.

“It’s a safe space, because if they’re getting together in these random places, we don’t know what they do,” Mooren added. “I can send my kid down here from a block away and I know that it’s safe here.”

The opening Skate Jam in September 2025 served as a celebration of the St. Peter Skate Park’s debut following the installation of the new equipment on Aug. 25, and the St. Peter Skate Park Association pulled out all the stops to turn the four hour event into a proper party.

Featuring musical performances from area punk rock bands and hip-hop groups like Boxed Goods, Mols T La Shawn and Flute Loops, food served hot by TNT Eats food truck and vendors like 3rd Lair Skate Shop and Northside Boards the Skate Jam had something for everyone even you weren’t a regular skateboarder.

quickly become a regular hangout for local skateboarders Like 13-year-old Carter Ramirez and 14-year-old Macio KelseyBassett.

“We used to skate at Family Fresh and it just feels good to have a skate park to go to every day,” Ramirez said.

Ramirez has been taking skating seriously for a year, while KelseyBassett has made it a passion of his for the past two, but before the St. Peter Skate Park’s opening there was a dearth of easily accessible places to test out new tricks. Not only is the park easy to walk to, it’s a place where they’re almost guaranteed to run into fellow skateboarders.

“My favorite thing is I can show up and I know there’s going to be homies there,” Kelsey Bassett said. “I know [Carter’s] going to be there, I know Oliver or Maya or Bubba is going to be there. You just say, ‘Meet at the Skate Park at this time.’”

The pair are also hopping to connect with new friends, and through events like the skate jam, which the St. Peter Skate Park Association aims to make a regular event, it’s easier than ever to connect with fellow skateboarders.

Moore said the dream for the Skate Park doesn’t end here. The association is going to continue fundraising, for new equipment, giveaways and future events. In the future, Moore sees a possibility that the demand for skateboarding could outgrow the hockey rink, and lead to a more permanent dedicated skate park space down the line. 

Ahead of the event, the St. Peter Skate Park Association had also raised $750 to giveaway free skate boards to lucky raffle winners. The giveaways which went to local youth provided up and coming skateboarders who lacked skateboards their own new opportunities to dive deep into the hobby.

Randall ”Bubba” Higgins, age 10, was among the winners. After months of borrowing skate boards from his friends or using his scooter, Higgins now has a board he can use whenever he wants and with the opening of the St. Peter Skate Park, he now has a place to skate within walking distance of his home.

Since its opening, the Skate Park has The St. Peter Skate Jam drew over 100 attendees for a night of fun and fundraising for a long-term summer skate park at the Veterans Memorial Park hockey rink. (Carson Hughes/ southernminn.com)

FAMILY FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES Adventure Bound Camping Resorts 21943 630th Ave., Austin 507-607-0620 abcamping.com/beavertrails Air Insanity Indoor Trampoline Park 1607 US-14, Rochester 507-322-6197 airinsanity.com

Chesley Skate Park 161 Jaycee Ct., Mankato 507-387-8222 mankatoymca.org

Bent River Outfitter 530 N Riverfront Dr B, Mankato 507-388-2368 bentriveroutfitter.com Bounce Town 1860 Adams St., Mankato 507-345-7737 bouncetownmankato.com Bounce World 4430 19th St NW, Rochester 507-316-0788 bounceworldmn.com Broken Paddle Guiding Co. 213 Main St. W, Wabasha 651-955-5222 brokenpaddleguiding.com kayak and stand up paddleboard tours & rentals

CHECK OUT THE

Cannon Falls Canoe and Bike Rental 615 N 5th St, Cannon Falls 507-407-4111 cannonfallscanoeand bike.com

Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota 224 Lamm St, Mankato 507-386-0279 cmsouthernmn.org Escape Challenge 6301 Bandel Rd NW, Rochester 507-722-2728 theescapechallenge.com Escape MSP 20730 Holyoke Ave SUITE 150, Lakeville 612-424-3845 escapelkv.com Flaherty’s Northfield Lanes 1700 Highway 3 S #CO, Northfield 507-645-8322 flahertysnorthfieldlanes.com

International Owl Center 126 E Cedar St,, Houston 507-896-6957 internationalowlcenter.org Jack McGowans Farm 20001 Hawkeye Ln., Mankato 507-625-2257 facebook.com/McgowanFarm J-Mo’s Bowl 1802 4th St, Faribault 507-323-8228 jmobowl.com bowling, volleyball Kato Escape 619 S Front St, Mankato 507-327-4045 katoescape.com Kerfoot Canopy Tour 30200 Scenic Byway Road, Henderson 952-873-3901 kerfootcanopytour.com zipline, aerial adventure park, sightseeing tours Lake Area Clubhouse 117 E Main St, Elysian 507-267-4611 Lonsdale Skatepark Sticha Park at Industrial and Willow Creek drives, Lonsdale Skating ramps and bowls, equipment rental

Mineral Springs Park 1025 Mineral Springs Pkwy., Owatonna ci.owatonna.mn.us disc golf, horseshoes, paved trails Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store 20430 Johnson Memorial Dr., Jordan facebook.com/MinnesotasLargest CandyStor Motokazie Supercross 7000-7462 W 195th St., Jordan 952-601-1169 motokazie.com National Eagle Center 50 Pembroke Ave, Wabasha 651-565-4989 nationaleaglecenter.org Northfield Skatepark 801 Seventh St., Northfield Owatonna Archery Range 711 N Elm St., Owatonna ci.owatonna.mn.uc 2 acres, 10 shooting lanes Owatonna Bike/ Skate Park 350 School St., Owatonna Helmets required River Rock Disc Golf Course 1025 Mineral Springs Pkwy., Owatonna 9-hole course

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River Springs Water Park 3065 St Paul Rd, Owatonna owatonna.gov/306/River-SpringsWater-Park

The 300 Club 504 North Main St., Le Sueur 507-665-6015 bowling, restaurant, bar

Sand Creek Adventures 3101 220th St W, Jordan 952.492.5333 sandcreekadventures.com

Toners Lake Karting 8747 415th Ave., Janesville 507-835-1413 tonerslakekarting.org dirt oval karting

Sibley Park Petting Zoo 900 Mound Ave, Mankato mankatomn.gov/city-services-a-z SkyDive Northstar 35493 110th St., Waseca 507-291-5867 skydivenorthstar.com SPAM Museum 101 3rd Ave NE, Austin spam.com/museum Sparetime 333 18th St. SE, Owatonna 507-451-2524 bowling, laser tag, arcades St. Peter Disc Golf Course Riverside Park, St. Peter Near the intersection of Hwy. 22 & Hwy. 169 18 holes St. Peter Skate Park Veterans Memorial Park, St. Peter Skating ramps and bowls

Waseca Skatepark 527 6th Ave. SE, Waseca ci.waseca.mn.us Winona Marine Art Museum 800 Riverview Dr, Winona mmam.org Art galleries, youth and adult programs Waseca Disc Golf Course Waseca County Courthouse Park, 31831 120th St., Waseca wasecacounty.gov/facilities/facility/ details/Courthouse-Park-11 18 holes Waseca Water Park 200 26th Ave NE, Waseca ci.waseca.mn.us/waseca-waterpark WOW! Zone 2030 Adams St., Mankato 507-625-26952030 wowzonefec.com bowling, mini golf, arcade, laser tag

W W W. S O U T H E R N M I N N SCENE. C O M | M AY 2 0 2 6

15

ABOVE: Skirts twirl as dancers perform folk dances.

UPPER RIGHT: Making music with a concertina as part of the Czech Area Concertina Club.

LOWER RIGHT: Ribbons fly on the Maypole floral wreath.

CIRCLE: The flag of Slovakia, once part of Czechoslovakia.

Art, history & music Finding history while out & about in southern Minnesota

By AUDREY KLETSCHER HELBLING Minnesota Prairie Roots

Czech out První Máj in Montgomery From colorful costumes to music, dancing, food and much more, Montgomery melds art, culture, heritage, tradition, and all things Czech into five hours of activities on Sunday, May 3, at its 8th annual První Máj celebration. That would be Czech for “the first of May.” I attended Czech May Day in Montgomery last year and discovered just one more thing to love about this small Le Sueur County town, the self-proclaimed Kolacky Capital of the World. I mean, who doesn’t love a locally-grown event which welcomes spring by raising a Maypole, music, and lots and lots of dancing?

Festivities begin at noon in Heritage Park in the heart of downtown Montgomery.

Bring your lawn chairs as seating is limited.

And come prepared to engage, enjoy and embrace Czech culture, just as I did. Inclement weather/rain out date is Saturday, May 9.

Entertainment features the Czech Area Concertina Club and the St. Paul Czech and Slovak Folk Dancers. The dancers, mostly girls and young women, whirl across the pavement in colorful Czech costumes with intricate embroidery, eyelet lace and aprons layering skirts. Ribbons fly as the dancers jump, twirl and circle to music pulsing from concertinas.

Centering the celebration is the Maypole, a debarked conifer which is raised in a well-orchestrated use of brawn, ropes, thick poles and sawhorses. Guided into a pre-dug hole, the spruce and wreath-topped pole rose skyward as I nervously watched last May. I needn’t have worried about the pole toppling. The crew has the raising down to a science. Once in place, much sorting of ribbons occurred before costumed dancers and Czech royalty circled the pole, grasping

lengthy ribbons streaming downward. Then the dancing began.

But this event stretches beyond just music and dancing. There’s Czech food available for purchase, including the beloved kolacky and other ethnic pastries, plus Czech style hot dogs, Pivo (beer) and more. Vendors also sell Czech merch and goods like May Day baskets and floral headpieces, canned vegetables, and greeting cards in a mini market.

Crafts, sidewalk chalk, and face, rock and wing mural painting round out this family-friendly celebration. I love how the Montgomery Wings Mural Walk project brings community together to paint butterfly wings which are scattered around town as a form of public art.

If you’ve never explored Montgomery, start with the První Máj gathering. Return to walk the Wings Mural Walk. While downtown, appreciate vintage signage, historic architecture, shops and small town bars. Pause to view public tributes to local veterans.

Pop into the Arts and Heritage Center of

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TOP ROW: A member of the Czech Heritage Club sports celebration buttons on his vest; As costumed dancers move, their colorful skirts swirl. SECOND ROW: Montgomery Kolacky Days royalty introduce themselves; Painting wings for the mural walk is among the hands-on activities.

THIRD ROW: Dressed in traditional costumes, dancers circle in Czech and Slovak folk dances; Among the food offerings, Czech style hot dogs. LOWER RIGHT: Downtown Montgomery with Franke’s Bakery on the left, Pizzeria 201 on the corner, right, and the festival grounds to the right in the distance.

CIRCLE: Topiaries of Czech dancers Alenka and Vlada welcome attendees to Czech May Day. Past Kolacky Days Queen Meghan Petricka created the pair.

Montgomery. Enjoy pizza, or another menu item at Pizzeria 201. Stop by Montgomery Brewing for a brew. I can vouch for the excellent pizza and beer. Don’t miss Franke’s Bakery, an old-fashioned bakery established in 1914 and source of the celebrated kolacky and other homemade baked goods. Return for Kolacky Days set for July 24-26.

Yes, I’m fond of this small town and have visited numerous times.

Montgomery, population 3,600 and located within an area tagged “the Czech triangle,” makes an ideal southern Minnesota day trip. The triangle includes neighboring New Prague, Lonsdale and Veseli. Here long ago Czech immigrants settled. Generations of descendants remain, sharing their ethnic roots during annual events like První Máj with a focus on celebrating heritage and community.  Audrey Kletscher Helbling of Faribault captures people, places and events via her detail-rich writing and photography. Find more of her work at mnprairieroots.com. She also writes award-winning poetry, short stories and creative nonfiction.

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TOP ROW: Following tradition, dancers wind ribbons around the Maypole; The crowd meets the royalty in attendance. SECOND ROW: The Czech Area Concertina Club plays traditional folk music; Dancers leap during a traditional folk dance.

THIRD ROW: The Czech Sis Kitchen sells Czech treats, including kolacky, and other baked and canned goods; A group of men raise the Maypole.

ART, HISTORY & MUSIC CENTERS Alexander Faribault House 12 First Ave. NE, Faribault Call for tours: 507-332-2121 rchistory.org

Harkin Store 66250 County Road 21, New Ulm mnhs.org/harkinstore 507-628-5591

Arts & Heritage Center 206 1st St N # 2, Montgomery sites.google.com/site/ montgomeryartsandheritage

Kenyon Area Historical Society at The Gunderson House 107 Gunderson Blvd, Kenyon 507-298-1127

Arts Center of Saint Peter 315 S Minnesota Ave., St Peter 507-931-3630 artscentersp.org

Le Sueur County Historical Society, Museum and Genealogy Center 301 Second St. NE, Elysian Phone: 507-267-4091 lesueurcountyhistory.org

Blue Earth County Historical Society 424 Warren Street, Mankato 507-345-5566 blueearthcountyhistory.com E. St. Julien Cox House 500 N Washington Ave, St. Peter nchsmn.org/visit/e-st-julien-cox-house 507-934-2160

Little Prairie School 2980 130th St E, Dundas 507-332-2121 rchistory.org Mayo Civic Center 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester mayociviccenter.com

Farmamerica 7367 360th Ave., Waseca 507-835-2052 farmamerica.org

Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center 1 Civic Center Plaza, Mankato mayoclinichealthsystemeventcenter.com

Geldner Saw Mill & Park 46542 Beaver Dam Road, Cleveland co.le-sueur.mn.us

Millersburg Schoolhouse Museum 3300 Millersburg Blvd, Faribault 952-270-8764

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Minnesota State Public School Orphanage Museum 540 West Hills Circle, Owatonna Orphanagemuseum.com 507-774-7369 Nicollet County Historical Society/ Treaty Site History Center 1851 N. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter 507-934-2160 mnhs.org/traversedessioux Northfield Arts Guild 304 Division Street, Northfield info@northfieldartsguild.org 507-645-8877 Northfield Historical Society Museum 408 Division St. S, Northfield 507-645-9268 northfieldhistory.org Paradise Center for the Arts 321 Central Ave. N, Faribault paradisecenterforthearts.org 507-332-7372 Owatonna Arts Center 435 Garden View Ln, Owatonna oacarts.org Owatonna Farmers Market Central Park, Owatonna Saturdays 7am-3pm

Ottawa Stone Church 39024 Whittier St., Le Sueur 507-267-4091

Village of Yesteryear 1431 Austin Rd, Owatonna schsmn.org/village-of-yesteryear

Red Wing Marine Museum 935 Levee Road, Red Wing 651-442-7661 RedWingMarineMuseum.com

Waseca Art Center 200 State St. N, Waseca 507-835-1701 wasecaartscouncil.org

Rice County Historical Society Museum 1814 NW Second Ave., Faribault 507-332-2121 rchistory.org

Waseca County Historical Society Museum 315 2nd Ave. NE, Waseca 507-835-7700 historical.waseca.mn.us

Sheldon Theatre 443 W 3rd St., Red Wing sheldontheatre.org

West Concord Historical Society Museum 600 W 1st St, West Concord 507-527-2628 westconcordhistoricalsociety.org

Sibley County Historical Museum 700 Main St., Henderson 507-248-3434 sibleycountyhistoricalsociety.com Steele County Historical Society Museum and Village of Yesteryear 1700 Austin Road, Owatonna 507-451-1420 steelehistorymuseum.org

W.W. Mayo House 118 N. Main St., Le Sueur 507-665-3250 mayohouse@mnhs.org

Vetter Stone Amphitheater 309 W Rock St., Mankato vetterstoneamphitheater.com

YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

sculpture offer a more tactile experience, allowing participants to shape materials with their hands.

Music is another meaningful outlet. Some seniors take up an instrument for the first time, while others return to music they enjoyed earlier in life. Singing in a choir or playing with a small group can create opportunities for social connection.

Writing, photography and crafts such as knitting or woodworking are additional ways to explore creativity. The goal is not perfection but enjoyment and personal expression.

sculpture offer a more tactile experience, allowing participants to shape materials with their hands.

Music is another meaningful outlet. Some seniors take up an instrument for the first time, while others return to music they enjoyed earlier in life. Singing in a choir or playing with a small group can create opportunities for social connection.

Writing, photography and crafts such as knitting or woodworking are additional ways to explore creativity. The goal is not perfection but enjoyment and personal expression.

CONNECTING THROUGH COMMUNITY

CONNECTING THROUGH COMMUNITY

Creative arts can be even more rewarding when shared with others. Many senior centers, libraries and community organizations offer art classes or creative workshops designed specifically for older adults.

These programs provide opportunities to learn new skills while building friendships with people who share similar interests. For some participants, the social aspect becomes just as valuable as the © ADOBE STOCK creative activity itself. Local ide-ranging, art groups, community themay fade into the background. participation in the arts may SOUTHERN MINN choose activiaters and music Art offers a powerful outlet for ensembles help reduce feelings of loneliheir interestsThrough typically welcome adults emotions. creative ex- older ness and depression while inwho want to participate.

Some pression, individuals can excreasing overall life rawing programs even organize explore are memories, celebrate satisfaction. because they hibits or performances that milestones or process life equipment allow participants FINDING THE RIGHT changes in a personal and con- to share edstructive to manyway. their work with family and CREATIVE OUTLET ry and The possibilities for creative Research hasfriends. shown regular

50+

Creative expression is often associated with childhood or professional artists, but the truth is that creativity has no age limit.

M

A BOOST FOR BRAIN AND MOOD Participating in the arts can stimulate the brain in ways that support cognitive health. Activities such as painting or making music require focus, memory and

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CONNECTING THROUGH COMMUNITY

Creative arts can be even more rewarding when shared with others.

Many senior centers, libraries and community organizations offer art classes or creative workshops designed specifically for older adults.

These programs provide opportunities to learn new skills while building friendships with people who share similar interests.

For some participants, the social aspect becomes just as valuable as the creative activity itself. Local art groups, community theaters and music ensembles typically welcome older adults who want to participate. Some programs even organize exhibits or performances that allow participants to share their work with family and friends. n

Creative arts can be even more rewarding when shared with others. Many senior centers, libraries and community abilities. organizations offer art classes Painting workshops and drawing are or creative de-popular options because they require signed minimalspecifically equipment for older adults. and can be adapted to many skill levels.

Pottery and sculpture offer These programs provide opa more tactiletoexperience, allowing portunities learn new skills participants to shape materials with while building friendships their hands. withMusic people who share similar is another meaningful interests.

For sometake particioutlet. Some seniors up an pants, the social aspect becomes just as valuable as the © ADOBE STOCK creative activity itself. Local expression are wide-ranging, art groups, community theand seniors can choose activi- aters and music ensembles ties that match their interests typically welcome older adults and abilities. who want to participate. Some Painting and drawing are programs even organize expopular options because they your hibits or performances thatfor all your insurance We are one-stop-shop require minimal equipment allow participants to share needs aswork life with progresses and can be adapted to manyandtheir family and our experienced skill levels. Pottery and agents canfriends. mold your insurance policies to

Exploring the Creative Arts

any older adults discover — or rediscover — artistic interests later in life, finding that creative activities bring joy, purpose and emotional well-being.

Exploring the arts later in life can open doors to new passions and perspectives.

With curiosity and a willingness to try something new, creative activities can add color, connection and inspiration to everyday life. Whether it’s painting, pottery, music or another art form, creative outlets can help seniors stay mentally engaged while offering a meaningful way to reflect on life experiences.

instrument for the first time, while others return to music they enjoyed earlier in life. Singing in a choir or playing with a small group can create opportunities for social connection.

Writing, photography and crafts such as knitting or woodworking are additional ways to explore creativity. The goal is not perfection but enjoyment and personal expression.

problem-solving, helping keep the mind active.

Creative work can reduce stress and improve mood. When people concentrate on shaping clay, mixing colors or practicing a melody, they often enter a state of deep engagement sometimes called “flow.” During these moments, worries may fade into the background. Art offers a powerful outlet for emotions. Through creative expression, individuals can explore memories, celebrate milestones or process life changes in a personal and constructive way.

Research has shown regular participation in the arts may help reduce feelings of loneliness and depression while increasing overall life satisfaction.

FINDING THE RIGHT CREATIVE OUTLET The possibilities for creative expression are wide-ranging, and seniors can choose activities that match their interests and

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W

sculpture offer a more tactile experience, allowing participants to shape materials with their hands.

Music is another meaningful outlet. Some seniors take up an instrument for the first time, while others return to music they enjoyed earlier in life. Singing in a choir or playing with a small group can create opportunities for social connection.

Writing, photography and crafts such as knitting or woodworking are additional ways to explore creativity. The goal is not perfection but enjoyment and personal expression.

hether the option. goal is treasured items is one moving to a senior Another is to digitize photoliving community, graphs and documents so relocating closer they can be shared easily with to family or simply family members.

Passing creating a safer, more manageable thoughtful decluttering along home, meaningful possessions can make transition smoother.Heircan the also be rewarding.

While letting gotake of possessions can be looms may on new life emotional, many seniors find that declutteringwhen bringsgiven a sensetoofchildren, freedom. With or other fewergrandchildren belongings to manage, they loved can focus who appreciate theirand the more ones fully on relationships, hobbies experiences that make the next stage of life history. meaningful.

Some families turn the process into aWITH storytelling opporSTART A PLAN tunity, recording memories Decluttering an entire household can connected toespecially specialfor items. feel overwhelming, those who These conversations can have lived in the same home for decades. strengthen family bonds pieces Breaking the task into manageable can make it easier. while ensuring personal hisExperts often recommend starting with a tory is preserved.

single room or even a single drawer. Setting aside short, focused time blocks — perhaps one or twoPREPARING hours at a time —FOR helps A maintain SMALLER SPACE momentum without causing fatigue. Sorting items into categories can also When moving to astreamline smaller the process. groups include homeCommon or apartment, it helpskeep, donate, recycle and discard. to sell, think carefully aboutWhen whatpossible, it may help to involve trusted family willor fitfriends comfortably in the members who can offer support space.

Before packing, and anew second perspective. seniors can reviewand thesenior layout Professional organizers move managers are increasingly available guide of their future home and to meaolder sure adultslarger through the process.

These furniture pieces. specialists understand the emotional furside of Choosing multifunctional downsizing and can help create niture or lighter, space-saving a step-by-step plan.

CONNECTING THROUGH COMMUNITY

Creative arts can be even more rewarding when shared with others. Many senior centers, libraries and community organizations offer art classes or creative workshops designed specifically for older adults.

These programs provide opportunities to learn new skills while building friendships with people who share similar interests. For some participants, the social aspect becomes just as valuable as the © ADOBE STOCK creative activity itself. Local increasingly available to guide ories can also streamline ide-ranging, art groups, community theSOUTHERN MINN olderensembles adults through the prorocess. activiCommonaters groups choose and music cess. These de keep, donate, typically sell, recy-welcome heir interests olderspecialists adults underthe emotional nd discard. Whenwho possible, want tostand participate.

Some side of y help to involve trusted downsizing and rawing are programs even organize ex-can help create y members a step-by-step plan. because theyor friends hibits or performances that can offer supportallow and aparticipants to share equipment nd PRESERVE edperspective. to many their work with family and WHAT ofessional organizers and MATTERS MOST ry and friends. r move managers are One of the biggest challenges

items can help maximize comfort and mobility.

Safety PRESERVE WHAT is another important considMATTERS MOST eration. Reducing clutter, One of the biggest challenges of downsizkeeping walkways clear and © ADOBE STOCK eliminating unnecessary furof downsizing is deciding what niture can lower the risk of falls and make daily routines to do with sentimental items.

Photographs, family heirlooms easier.

Downsizing can be a and personal keepsakes often chance to design a living carry deep meaning. he phrase “bigger is better” space that reflects current in- has Rather than trying to keep for quite some time. and priorities.

Favorite everything, seniors can focus terests endured Though it may be impossible artwork, books and personal on preserving the stories beto pinpoint precisely who stillthehave a place — hind important objects. Creat- items can coined phrase, its lesson more way. ing a small “memory box” for just in athat largercurated things tend to be

50+

Decluttering and Downsizing

For many older adults, downsizing is not simply about moving into a smaller home.

It is anopportunity to simplify daily life, reduce stress and focus on what matters most.

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ing is deciding what to do with sentimental items. Photographs, family heirlooms and personal keepsakes often carry deep meaning.

Rather than trying to keep everything, seniors can focus on preserving the stories behind important objects. Creating a small “memory box” for treasured items is one option. Another is to digitize photographs and documents so they can be shared easily with family members. Passing along meaningful possessions can also be rewarding. Heirlooms may take on new life when given to children, grandchildren or other loved ones who appreciate their history.

Some families turn the process into a storytelling opportunity, recording memories connected to special items. These conversations can strengthen family bonds while ensuring personal history is preserved.

PREPARING FOR A SMALLER SPACE

When moving to a smaller home or apartment, it helps to think carefully about what will fit comfortably in the new space.

Before packing, seniors can review the layout of their future home and measure larger furniture pieces. Choosing multifunctional furniture or lighter, space-saving items can help maximize comfort and mobility. Safety is another important consideration. Reducing clutter, keeping walkways clear and eliminating unnecessary furniture can lower the risk of falls and make daily routines easier.

Downsizing can be a chance to design a living space that reflects current interests and priorities. Favorite artwork, books and personal items can still have a place — just in a more curated way. n

How to determine if the time is right to downsize

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more valuable than smaller alternatives is applicable in numerous situations. But no adage is applicable to every situation, and in some instances people may find that bigger is not better.

Downsizing is an approach many individuals consider after turning 50. Parents who are empty nesters and others nearing retirement may wonder if the time is right to downsize from their current homes. Though that’s a strategy millions of people have adopted over time, the decision is not always so simple. Individuals over 50 who are trying to determine if downsizing is right for them can consider a host of factors before making a decision. · Monthly housing expenses: Before downsizing their homes, individuals should determine just how much they’re currently spending on housing. Individuals who have fixed rate mortgages likely know the amount of their monthly mortgage payment, but what about maintenance? Home maintenance expenses fluctuate, but a careful examination of the previous 12 months’ expenditures can give homeowners an idea of just how much they’re spending to maintain their properties. The number may be eye-opening, as Thumbtack’s “Home Care Price Index” released in the third quarter of 2024 revealed that the average annual cost to maintain a single family home reached an all-time high of $10,433. If such expenses are preventing homeowners from building

their retirement nest eggs, then it might be time to seek alternative housing. · Real estate prices: Real estate prices have skyrocketed in recent years, which can be both good and bad for current homeowners considering downsizing. Many people who downsize look to move from a single-family home into a condominium, where maintenance tasks are typically handled by a homeowners’ association (HOA).

Such communities typically charge HOA fees, which can be minimal or considerable.

In addition, the price of condominiums has risen in recent years, with the lender New American Funding reporting in early 2024 that the median sale price of a condo reached $341,000. So homeowners who want to downsize their homes may end up taking most of the profit from selling their current properties and reinvesting it in a costly condo. Some may deem that worthwhile, while others may find the cost savings of downsizing in the current market are negligible. · Emotional attachment: Downsizing may be considered with cost savings in mind, but it’s important to consider your emotional attachment to your current home.

Many homeowners over 50 raised their families in their current homes, and letting go of a property where so many memories were made can be difficult. Homeowners who are not prepared to move on from properties that are meaningful to them and their families can consider additional ways to downsize their financial obligations.

Downsizing is something many homeowners over 50 consider. Any decision regarding downsizing is best made after considering a range of variables.

YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

music they enjoyed earlier in life. Singing in a choir or playing with a small group can create opportunities for social connection.

Writing, photography and crafts such as knitting or woodworking are additional ways to explore creativity. The goal is not perfection but enjoyment and personal expression.

PEOPLE CARING ASFOR is JUST PEOPLE the IMPORTANT as PEOPLE

CONNECTING THROUGH COMMUNITY

Creative arts can be even more rewarding when shared with others. Many senior centers, libraries and community organizations offer art classes or creative workshops designed specifically for older adults.

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THE WAY YOU TREATMENT ARE THE TREATED WAY YOU YOU RECEIVE. is JUST AS ARE TREATED THE WAY YOU IMPORTANT as the JUST AS is ARE TREATED TREATMENT as AS the IMPORTANT At River’s Edge isHospital, JUST YOU RECEIVE. youIMPORTANT are more than as a the TREATMENT patient. Every person who YOU RECEIVE. TREATMENT receives care is treated with compassion and RECEIVE. At YOU River’s Edge Hospital,

respect.

You’ll than receive you are more a Physical therapists a canlevel evalof attention that patient.

Every person who 50+ uate a person’s gait, strength At River’s Edge Hospital, and coordination, then develgoes wellcare beyond your receives is treated op a personalized exercise pro- are more than a you expectations. gram designed to address At River’s Edge Hospital, with compassion and who specific challenges. Theypatient. may Every person recommend assistiveyou devices, are more a respect.

You’llthan receive such as canes or walkers,receives care is treated patient.

Every person who aislevel of attention that when additional stability with compassion and needed. In some cases, health bars in the bathroom and DIFFERENCE goes wellcare beyond your receives is treated For some individuals, workproviders may review handrails on both sides of Falls are one of the most common care health respect.

You’ll receive medications as well. Certain stairways can provide addition- ing with a physical therapist expectations. with can provide valuable support prescriptions can cause dizzi- compassion and al support. Non-slip risks mats in facing older adults. amaylevel You’ll of attention that in improving balance and ness or drowsiness, which showers and tubs can reduce respect. receive t’s why once you reach a certain age, mobility. increase fall risk. the risk of slipping on wet MAKING THE HOME SAFER goes of well beyondthat your you’ll get asked at each doctor visit Many falls occur inside the home, often a level attention whether you’ve had any falls. because of hazards that are easy to overlook. expectations.

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Balance and Fall Prevention

I

many falls can be prevented. By strengthening balance, making simple home adjustments and seeking professional guidance when needed, older adults can significantly reduce their risk.

BUILDING STRENGTH AND BALANCE

Balance often changes gradually with age due to shifts in muscle strength, vision and coordination. Regular exercise is one of the most effective ways to maintain stability.

Activities that strengthen the legs and core can improve balance and help prevent falls. Walking, gentle strength training and stretching exercises all support mobility. Programs such as tai chi and yoga are especially helpful because they emphasize slow, controlled movements that improve coordination and body awareness. Even simple exercises performed at home can make a difference. Standing on one foot while holding onto a chair, practicing heel-to-toe walking or doing seated leg lifts can gradually build strength and confidence.

Before starting a new exercise routine, it is wise to consult a health care provider, particularly for individuals with existing health conditions.

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keeping floors free of clutter can help prevent tripping. Good lighting is essential, especially in hallways, stairways and bathrooms. Installing grab bars in the bathroom and handrails on both sides of stairways can provide additional support. Non-slip mats in showers and tubs can reduce the risk of slipping on wet surfaces.

Footwear prevents falls. Shoes with nonslip soles and good support are safer than loose slippers or socks worn on smooth floors.

WHEN PROFESSIONAL HELP CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

For some individuals, working with a physical therapist can provide valuable support in improving balance and mobility.

Physical therapists can evaluate a person’s gait, strength and coordination, then develop a personalized exercise program designed to address specific challenges. They may recommend assistive devices, such as canes or walkers, when additional stability is needed. In some cases, health care providers may review medications as well. Certain prescriptions can cause dizziness or drowsiness, which may increase fall risk. n

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1900 North Sunrise Drive | 507-931-2200 www.REHC.org

1900 North Sunrise Drive | 507-931-2200 www.REHC.org

1900 North Sunrise Drive | 507-931-2200 www.REHC.org 1900 North Sunrise Drive | 507-931-2200 www.REHC.org

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create opportunities for social

T

connection.

Writing, photography and crafts such as knitting or woodworking are additional ways to explore creativity. The goal is not perfection but enjoyment and personal expression.

oday, a growing body of research supports what many people have experienced for years: Regular time outdoors can benefit physical and mental health.

For older adults, nature does not have to mean long hikes or rugged adventures. Even brief moments outside — tending a garden, sitting on a porch or walking through a neighborhood park — can help refresh the mind and strengthen the body.

CONNECTING THROUGH COMMUNITY

Creative arts can be even more rewarding when shared with others. Many senior centers, libraries and community organizations offer art classes or creative workshops designed specifically for older adults.

These programs provide opportunities to learn new skills while building friendships with people who share similar interests. For some participants, the social aspect becomes just as valuable as the © ADOBE STOCK creative activity itself. Local garden paths, a daily walk can nd attention in the presSOUTHERN MINN ide-ranging, art groups, community thesupport cardiovascular health moment. These sensory choose activiaters and music ensembles and help maintain endurance. riences are one reason is another popuoor time is often recomheir interests typicallyGardening welcome older adults lar option.

Digging, planting ded as a simple mindfulwho want to participate.

Some and watering involve light practice. rawing are programs even organize exphysical activity that keeps because they hibits or performances that ENTLE MOVEMENT muscles engaged while providing a sense of accomplishD PHYSICAL HEALTH equipment allow participants to share tdoor ment.with Sunlight plays aand role in ed toactivities many provide their work family rtunities for movement, wellness. Exposure to natural ry and friends. h is essential for mainlight helps the body produce

FRESH AIR FOR THE MIND

Natural settings offer a break from the constant stimulation of daily life. Studies have found that time outdoors can improve mood, reduce stress and sharpen mental focus.

Green spaces, in particular, appear to support mental clarity. The combination of natural light, fresh air and quiet surroundings can help calm the nervous system and encourage relaxation. Many people report that worries feel more manageable after even a short walk outside. © ADOBE STOCK Nature can stimulate the senses in gentle ways.

The sound of birds, the movement of BRINGING NATURE outdoors while meeting neighleaves the wind or the smell of flowers bors and building socialinties.

CLOSER TO HOME can ground attention in the present Not everyone has easy access Some people and bringsoil elements moment.

These sensory experiences are one Fresh flowto forests or large parks, but na- of nature indoors. outdoor time is often recommended ture can still be part of daily ers, houseplantsreason and natural a simple life. light from open as windows canmindfulness practice.

50+

Healthy Aging and the Outdoors Balconies, patios and small yards can be transformed into inviting outdoor spaces with potted plants, comfortable seating or a bird feeder. Even a few minutes spent sitting outside with a cup of coffee or tea can create a restorative pause. Community gardens and local green spaces provide additional opportunities to connect with the

help maintain that sense of connection throughoutGENTLE the day.

MOVEMENT Incorporating nature into evAND PHYSICAL HEALTH eryday routines does not require major changes.

A short Outdoor activities provide opportuniwalk, a momentties in the forgarden movement, which is essential for or a quiet seat beneath a tree strength, balance and mobility. maintaining can offer surprising benefits.

Walking is one of the most accessible forms Over time, these small habits can support greater clarity, vitality and overall well-being.

vitamin time D, which supports Spending in nature has long been bone health and immune Spending time outassociatedfunction. with a sense of calm and renewal. doors during daylight hours

ng strength, balance and lity. Walking is one of the accessible forms of exeror many seniors. Whethn sidewalks, trails or

can regulate sleep patterns.

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Led by Wendy Bongers, M.D. our clinic is rooted in the belief that healing happens best when joy, restoration, and compassion are part of the journey. Whether you’re coming in for a skin check, aesthetic care, or a moment of peace in our dedicated wellness room, you’ll find a space that uplifts, encourages, and treats you like family.

Offering:

BRINGING NATURE CLOSER TO HOME

Not everyone has easy access to forests or large parks, but nature can still be part of daily life.

Balconies, patios and small yards can be transformed into inviting outdoor spaces with potted plants, comfortable seating or a bird feeder. Even a few minutes spent sitting outside with a cup of coffee or tea can create a restorative pause. Community gardens and local green spaces provide additional opportunities to connect with the outdoors while meeting neighbors and building social ties.

Some people bring elements of nature indoors. Fresh flowers, houseplants and natural light from open windows can help maintain that sense of connection throughout the day.

Incorporating nature into everyday routines does not require major changes.

A short walk, a moment in the garden or a quiet seat beneath a tree can offer surprising benefits. Over time, these small habits can support greater clarity, vitality and overall well-being. n

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of exercise for many seniors. Whether on sidewalks, trails or garden paths, a daily walk can support cardiovascular health and help maintain endurance.

Gardening is another popular option.

Digging, planting and watering involve light physical activity that keeps muscles engaged while providing a sense of accomplishment.

Sunlight plays a role in wellness. Exposure to natural light helps the body produce vitamin D, which supports bone health and immune function. Spending time outdoors during daylight hours can regulate sleep patterns.

Schedule your skin check today

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Scan the QR code to reserve your spot, or call Lindsay at (507) 931-8545.

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PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO. THURSDAY, APR 30 Ray Coudret & Curt Johnson - Northfield-- 5-9 p.m., Grand Event Center, 316 Washington St., Northfield. Featuring Ray Coudret on guitar and vocals with Curt Johnson on piano.

Gallop with the Guild - Northfield-5:30 p.m., Reunion, 501 Division St. S., Northfield. Signature

Celtic Music with Laura MacKenzie - Owatonna-- 6 p.m., Owatonna Public Library, 105 N. Elm St, Owatonna. A lively journey through Celtic music played on an extraordinary collection of

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

22 years. In all of those years Jana has gone from a general assignment reporter to hosting Breaking The News, weeknights at 6:30 p.m. Jana’s reason for journalism? Because the truth, still, has to matter.

traditional wind-powered instruments. Enjoy the sounds of wooden flutes, whistles, concertina, a variety of bagpipes, gemshorn, and voice as we explore musical traditions from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Northern Spain, France, the Isle of Man, and Cape Breton.

FRIDAY, MAY 01

cocktails, buffet, bluegrass music with Tractorhead, picture taking area with Derby inspired hats. A chance to rise money for the arts locally.

CHECK OUT THE SCENE CALENDAR ONLINE FOR ADDITIONAL HAPPENINGS!

Convocation with Jana Shortal - Northfield-10:50-11:50 a.m., Skinner Memorial Chapel, 405 1st St. E. Jana Shortal has worked as a journalist for KARE 11 news in Minneapolis for

Hazarardous Histories with Nathan Hale - Waseca-- 2 p.m., Waseca Public Library, 408 N. State ST. In this action-packed event, kids will explore the wild and weird sides of American history through storytelling, games, crafts, and creative challenges inspired by the graphic novel series by Nathan Hale.

Bill McGrath & Friends - Dundas-- 5-8 p.m., Keepsake Cidery, 135th St. East, Dundas. Some acoustic tunes at the cidery.

Oliver Books & the Big Big World - Henderson-- 7 p.m., River Bottom Tavern & Brewhouse, 510 Main St., Henderson. Rochester-based musical project led by singer-songwriter and producer Oliver Books. Known for a warm, vintage 60s/70s pop-folk sound, the 7-piece band plays energetic, layered arrangements. They debuted in August 2024 and are active in the local, regional music scene, including performances at Porch Fest.

Melissa Schulz - Northfield-- 7-10 p.m., Flaherty’s Northfield Lanes, 1700 Highway 3 S. A classically trained pianist and vocalist and an in-demand performer across southern Minnesota and northern Iowa. A 2007 Luther College graduate with a degree in music performance and education, she brings both technical skill and versatility to every show.

SATURDAY, MAY 02 The Rustic Mamas Market - Owatonna-- 8

24 M AY 2 0 2 6 | W W W. S O U T H E R N M I N N SCENE. C O M

a.m.-3 p.m., Four Seasons Centre, 1525 S. Elm Ave., Owatonna. An upscale market that you will find everything from candles, jewelry, boutiques, wood works, barn wood creations, iron creations, flipped and restored furniture, repurposed, vintage, foodies, and so much more.

Dwarf Trout Lily Hike - Nerstrand-9-10 a.m., Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, 9700 170th St. E, Nerstrand. A naturalist-led hike to look for spring ephemeral wildflowers including the rare Dwarf Trout Lily at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park. A slow 1-mile round trip on some uneven terrain. Come dressed for the weather and wearing sturdy shoes/hiking boots.

Register online.

May Makers & Crafters Market - Faribault-10 a.m.-3 p.m., Faribault American Legion, 112 5th St. NE. 50+ talented makers, crafters, and small business vendors with it. Come spend the day browsing unique, handmade, and one-of-a-kind finds you won’t see in big box stores. Enjoy a buildyour-own succulent plant section.

Trainwreck Duet - Le Sueur County-- 2-5 p.m., Union Trail Brewing, 23436 Union Trail, Belle Plaine. Piano acoustic duo featuring: Trent Shaw guitar and Tim Schommer piano.

Free Ranger - Dundas-4-6 p.m., Keepsake Cidery, 135th St. East, Dundas. Fresh, unique

YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

sound forged in blues & rock on harmonica and a variety of guitars and world percussion instruments.

Never boring with a mix of blues, swing, rock covers and originals.

Kentucky Derby Party - Kilkenny-- 4-7 p.m., Vintage Escapes Winery & Vineyard, 8950 Dodd Rd., Kilkenny. An exciting afternoon of southern charm, stylish flair, and race-day fun. Mint juleps available; best dressed contest; best hat contest; fun “betting” raffle with prizes; live music and great food. Live music with Chris Holm, plus Twisted Chicken Food Truck.

Imminent Standards Trio Northfield-- 5-7 p.m., Imminent Brewing, 519 Division Street South Unit 2.

Featuring Northfield trombonist JC Sanford, joined by special guests Mark Urness on bass and Cory Healey on drums.

tonna.

Angel grew up listening to her mom sing in an 80s rock band.

She has a strong background and love for rock music and has grown to love country as well. Angel has taken her two favorite genre’s and mixed them into a more rock country style.

Doug Traxler Le Sueur-- 6-9 p.m., The Bar & Grill, 130 S. Main St., Le Sueur. Tunes from a long-time local musician.

KillinTime Kasota-- 8 p.m., The Blue Moon Bar & Grill, 300 S. Webster St., Kasota. Brad and Mark, as KillinTime, will be entertaining you.

Come out and enjoy country, 50s, and a variety of other music genres.

SUNDAY, MAY 03

Kentucky Derby Day Party - Owatonna-- 5 p.m., Grapeful Wine Bar, 306 N. Cedar Ave., Suite 2, Owatonna. An evening of high-stakes fun, Southern charm, and the finest sips in Owatonna.

The signature sip: The Prosecco Mint Julep; the “Best Hat” live contest; blind draw.

Carnival of the Animals - Owatonna-- 3 p.m., Owatonna Arts Center, 435 Garden View Ln, Owatonna. A live chamber ensemble, playing SaintSaëns’ short, humorous musical suite, plus a screening of early sci-fi silent film, “A Trip to the Moon,” with a live performance of a new original score by Christa Rübsam. Scan for more info.

THURSDAY, MAY 07 Steele County Art Exhibition - Owatonna-- 1-5 p.m., Owatonna Arts Center, 435 Garden View Ln, Owatonna.

Residents of Steele County will show off their finest works. Show runs through May. Thomas Kent Author Talk Northfield-- 7-8:30 p.m., Content Bookstore, 314 Division St. S, Northfield.

This beguiling historical romantasy debut blends dark academia with the glamour of Bridgerton, as a scholar of magic investigates her sister’s murder — perfect for fans of Heather Fawcett and H. G. Parry.

The Sound of All of Us - St. Peter-- 7 p.m., The nearly 60 singers of the Saint Peter Community Choir perform their spring 2026 concerts. The program theme is community identity under the direction of Emily Bruflat. Takes place 7 p.m. Thursday, May 7 and 2 p.m. Sunday, May 10.

John Jorgenson Bluegrass Band - Faribault-7:30 p.m., Shattuck-St. Mary’s, Faribault. A bluegrass supergroup featuring John Jorgenson (guitar, mandolin, vocals), Herb Pedersen (banjo, guitar, vocals), Mark Fain (bass), and Patrick Sauber (gui-

Nate Boots & Ryan Rader - St. Peter-- 4-7 p.m., Patrick’s on Third, 125 S. Third St., St. Peter. First Patrick’s appearance by this new collaboration between two of our area’s finest.

tar, vocals).

Together, they deliver masterful musicianship, impeccable harmonies, and songs that blend bluegrass with West Coast folk rock influences.

FRIDAY, MAY 08 Art Vandalay - Northfield-6-9 p.m., Imminent Brewing, 519 Division Street South Unit 2. A Twin Cities-based band that blends the vintage sounds of The Band and the modern vibe of The Black Keys, creating a laid-back “Americana sound with a sprinkling of folk, pop, and jazz”.

Mother Coyote Henderson-- 7 p.m., River Bottom Tavern & Brewhouse, 510 Main St., Henderson.

Mother Coyote is the musical moniker for South Dakota-born, Minnesota-based singer-songwriter Andriana Lehr, shifting her sound from earlier Americana work into moody, atmospheric alt-pop. Her music explores themes of transformation, motherhood, healing, and spiritual introspection, often with dark, soulful arrangements.

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June 12, 2026 • Minnesota Square Park, st. peter, MN

country roads

Dennis Curley Sings the Music of John Denver.

Indigo Moon - Janesville-- 5:30-8:30 p.m., Indian Island Winery, 18010 631st Ave, Janesville.

Performing all your favorites from the 60s to present day music.

The Sunshine Boys - Owatonna-6-7:30 p.m., Little Theatre of Owatonna, 560 Dunnell Dr # A, Owatonna. Al and Willie as “Lewis and Clark” were top-billed vaudevillians for over forty years. Now they aren’t even speaking. When CBS requests them for a “History of Comedy” retrospective, a grudging reunion brings the two back together, along with a flood of memories, miseries, and laughs. The story follows the attempt by a young theatrical agent to re-unite his elderly uncle, a former vaudevillian great, with his long-time stage partner for a TV reunion. Shows 6 p.m. May 1-2, plus 12:30 p.m. May 3.

Angel Val - Owatonna-- 6-8 p.m., Mineral Springs Brewery, 210 N. Oak Ave., Suite 1, Owa-

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7:30pm

TUESDAY, MAY 05 Cinco de Mayo Party - Waseca-- 4-7 p.m., The Mill Event Center, 310 2nd Ave SW, Waseca. Margarita Mngle: drink specials, games/activities, and food available from Lucia’s Cocina.

geoff elvee trio John Denver & original songs, along with stories of spending time with John Denver.

6:00pm

lisa murphy John Denver Acoustic Show.

5:00pm WEDNESDAY, MAY 06 Bike Night with Swamp Kings - Kasota-- 6-9 p.m., Prairie Saloon & Grill, 140 N. Webster St., Kasota. An opportunity to gather the bikes.

Swamp Kings will hit the stage and provide the music.

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whiskey grace 4:00pm

THIS IS A FREE EVENT!

FOOD TRUCKS & BEVERAGES AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE. DON’T FORGET TO BRING YOUR LAWN CHAIRS!

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May Market - Nerstrand-- 9 a.m.-1 p.m., WildWood, 315 Main St., Nerstrand. Rain or shine, this small town market boasts over 40 vendors both in and outside, live outdoor music, delicious eats, bevs, treats and more.

Elton John with Strings - Faribault-- 7:30 p.m., Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave N, Faribault. Presented by Mick Sterling, a unique love letter for and to anyone who is a true Elton John fan, especially of the masterpiece symphonic songs of Elton’s most prolific and influential period.

Tickets online.

SATURDAY, MAY 09 Spring Barn Sale - Faribault-9 a.m.-5 p.m., Crabby Wren, 17857 Cannon City Blvd., Faribault.

A weekend of antiques, farm primitives and home made goods, including Tam’s Jam’s, goat milk soap from Whispering creek farm, jewelry by Tulla Belle and pure maple syrup from Pipers Sugar Bush.

Other than being homemade, the goods are 95% vintage. Takes place May 7-9.

Urban Flea Market - Faribault-- 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 15 3rd Ave. SW, 15 3rd Ave. SW, Faribault. A new property for the market will offer truckload deals along with amazing vendor items.

Have an event?

Send details to editor@southernminnscene.com

Ilan Busin Le Sueur County-- 1-4 p.m., Union Trail Brewing, 23436 Union Trail, Belle Plaine. A rancher and country singer based in southern Minnesota, where the rolling farmland and open skies inspire his timeless sound. With a voice as deep and steady as the prairie wind, Ilan channels the spirit of legends like Colter Wall and Johnny Cash, delivering classic country songs rooted in hard work, heartache, and the rugged beauty of rural life.

Minneapolis Jazz Guitar Duo - Dundas-- 4-7 p.m., Keepsake Cidery, 135th St. East, Dundas.

Minneapolis Jazz Guitar Duo (MJGD) consists of David Martin and Serdar G. The duo plays their interpretations of jazz standards.

Fred the Bear - Owatonna-- 6-8 p.m., Mineral Springs Brewery, 210 N. Oak Ave., Suite 1, Owatonna. 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 through personal crafted lyrics and driving rhythms. Mixed within their originals is a blend of music from other Midwest artists, currently touring groups and classic bands.

Pinnacle Pro Wrestling Waseca-- 6-10 p.m., The Mill Event Center, 310 2nd Ave SW, Waseca. Crowning the first ever PPW Women’s Champion. Paul Virk vs Kit Sackett for the PPW Heavyweight Championship.

Royal Flavuh vs The Revolution for the PPW Tag Team Championship. Tickets online.

J-Mo On The Beat Northfield-7-10 p.m., Flaherty’s Northfield Lanes, 1700 Highway 3 S. A Liberian singer-songwriter who dabbles in 50s rock n roll music with his group, The J-Lighters.

Mrs. Moxie’s Drag Bingo Faribault-- 7 p.m., A fun and fabulous night.

4 Down/6 Across - Dundas-- 4-6 p.m., Keepsake Cidery, 135th St. East, Dundas. Tunes from Traci Buckle and Mark Fischer.

GREAT BURGERS GREATER PIZZA VESELI, MN

Jivin Ivan and the Kings of Swing - Faribault-- 7-10 p.m., Signature Bar & Grill, 201 Central Ave. N, Faribault. Vintage tunes with a timeless beat. Swinging times will be had with one of the hottest bands around.

Submit your event to be listed on this calendar.

Do you want to submit an event to this calendar?

Send details to editor@ southernminnscene.com

Chad Johnson Trio - Janesville-- 5:30-8:30 p.m., Indian Island Winery, 18010 631st Ave, Janesville.

Playing rock, Americana, and country.

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

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Stop in and see our FEBRUARY EVENTS SePTeMbeR eVenTS APRIL EVENTS daily weekly Stop in see Stopand in and and see specials. ourdaily daily specials our specials

Sept 23 - Porch pot creation event. by hillside garden center 2-4 pm.

Sept 30 - Czechfest Music all afternoon Czech foods for sale.

Octoberfest beers and corn hole tournament 1-5.

Mondays Mondays 5 pm pm -- 11 am am

Tuesday Tuesday -- Saturday Saturday 11:30 11:30 am am -- 1:00 1:00 am am HAPPY HAPPY HOUR HOUR M-F // // 33 pm pm -- 66 pm pm On/Off On/Off Sale Sale Available Available

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Mike Fugazzi with Brady Moryn - Kasota-7-10 p.m., Prairie Saloon & Grill, 140 N. Webster St., Kasota. Acoustic hits.

SUNDAY, MAY 10 Mother’s Day Brunch - Janesville-11 a.m.-1 p.m., A festive brunch to celebrate mothers, plus music from Melissa Schulz. Tickets online.

Mother’s Day Plant Bar St. Peter-12 p.m., Paddlefish Brewing, 108 S. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter. Pick & Plant: grab a pot, pick your plant, and we’ll help you put it all together. All included: Paddleish has the dirt, the decor, and the green thumb advice. Sip while you work: grab a pint (or a soda) and get creative.

Mother’s Day & Mimosas - Kilkenny-- 12-6 p.m., Vintage Escapes Winery & Vineyard, 8950 Dodd Rd., Kilkenny. Great wine, delicious food, live

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music, and a peaceful setting to unwind and enjoy time together.

Bruce Burniece provides the soundtrack. Flavored wine mimosas on special.

Spring Clothing Swap - St. Peter-1-5 p.m., The Capitol Room, 419 S. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter. Drop-off/swap takes place the whole four hours. Staff will take your items at the entry & place them in the “swap” areas, then you can start browsing. Limited try-on areas will be available.

Swap is on the honor system — be generous with what you drop off, take away what speaks to you.

Mother’s Day Line Dancing and Cocktails - St. Peter-1-3 p.m., Tremendous Brewing Co., 228 W. Mulberry St., St. Peter. Burn off those brunch calories with some fun, easy-tofollow line dancing on Mother’s Day. Start off with warm-up dances and progress to more intricate dances if you’d like. Dance to pop and country music. Tickets online.

Kit Kildahl & Blue Earth St. Peter-- 4-7 p.m., Patrick’s on Third, 125 S. Third St., St. Peter. Kit Kildahl on guitar, harp and vocals; John Tubbs (Harrison Street Band) on upright bass; Mic McCormick (founder of the Minnesota Barking Ducks) on guitar.

TUESDAY, MAY 12

Park from June through October, plus 12-3 p.m.

Wednesdays from July-September.The Kenyon Farmers Market runs 4-7 p.m. the first and third Thursday of each month in the First Lutheran Church parking lot from June through October.

Minneapolis-based guitarist and composer Harris, a longtime pillar of the Twin Cities jazz scene.

Poetry Night - Northfield-7-8:30 p.m., Content Bookstore, 314 Division St. S, Northfield. featuring the latest issue of the Minnesota literary magazine “Lost Lake Folk Opera: Winter of ICE.” Six poets will read pieces published in this issue or in Content’s chapbook, “Words to Meet the Moment.” Becky Boling, Larry Gavin, D.E. (Doug) Green, Rob Hardy, Audrey Kletscher Helbling, Dougie Padilla.

FRIDAY, MAY 15 KAVE - Dundas-4:30-6:30 p.m., Chapel Brewing, 15 Hester St, Dundas. Dynamic duo KAVE (Kevin Clements on bass & Dave Hagedorn on vibes) brings their well-seasoned musicianship and talent to Chapel. Kevin’s retired from flying planes and Dave from directing St. Olaf jazz students, and we’re lucky they’ve joined forces as musicians.

Free Ranger - Dundas-5-8 p.m., Keepsake Cidery, 135th St. East, Dundas. Fresh, unique sound forged in blues & rock on harmonica and a variety of guitars and world percussion instruments. Never boring with a mix of blues, swing, rock covers and originals.

Mike Fugazzi - Northfield-- 7-10 p.m., Flaherty’s Northfield Lanes, 1700 Highway 3 S. A dynamic harmonica player and vocalist with over 20 years of experience pushing the instrument beyond its traditional role. Known for his lyrical phrasing, soulful tone, and technical precision, he seamlessly blends harmonica into rock, blues, and country music — whether as a melodic lead, a rhythmic accent, or an atmospheric texture.

SATURDAY, MAY 16 Farmers Markets - SoMinn Scene Region-- 7 a.m.-1 p.m., The Owatonna Farmers Market runs 7 a.m. to noon Saturdays in Central Park from May to October.

The Riverwalk Market Fair in Northfield takes place 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays in Bridge Square from May 16 to Oct. 25.The Northfield Farmers Market takes place 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays, plus 9-11 a.m. Saturdays at Riverside Park from May to October.The Waseca County Farmers Market runs 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays at the Waseca County Fairgrounds from June through October.

The Le Sueur Farmers Market runs 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays on N. Second Street from June through October.The Le Center Farmers Market runs 4-7 p.m. Wednesdays at Courthouse Park June through September.The St. Peter Farmers Market runs 8:30 a.m. to noon Saturdays in the Co-op parking lot from June through October.The Faribault Farmers Market runs 7 a.m. to noon Saturdays in Central

Jeff Christ - Le Sueur-- 6-9 p.m., The Bar & Grill, 130 S. Main St., Le Sueur.

Acoustic guitar tunes.

John PayCheck - Elko New Market-- 8 p.m., The Doublewide, 421 Saint Joseph St., Elko New Market. a country singer-songwriter carving out his own lane in country music. Backed by his band, The Cavalry, bringing two-step country, barroom ballads, and Saturday-night songs to dancehalls, beer joints, and theaters across the U.S.

THURSDAY, MAY 14 Ray Coudret & Curt Johnson Northfield-- 5-9 p.m., Grand Event Center, 316 Washington St., Northfield. Featuring Ray Coudret on guitar and vocals with Curt Johnson on piano.

Zacc Harris Trio Northfield-- 7-8:30 p.m., Imminent Brewing, 519 Division Street South Unit 2. An evening of modern jazz with the

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NintenTones - St. Peter-- 7 p.m., Tremendous Brewing Co., 228 W. Mulberry St., St. Peter. This video game jazz orchestra performs jazz-infused video game melodies that span the past 40 years of gaming.

Mark Ross & The Three-Nineteen - Henderson-- 7 p.m., River Bottom Tavern & Brewhouse, 510 Main St., Henderson. A Northfield-based Americana/alt-rock band known for 90s-influenced, lyrically driven music with big, melodic choruses. Led by singer-songwriter Mark Ross, the group blends country, rock, and indie influences, featuring releases like the 2021 debut The Unreal Deal and the 2024 single “Where the Lonely Ends.”

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4-H Garage Sale - Waseca-- 7 a.m.-2 p.m., Waseca County Fairgrounds. The largest sale of the Waseca City-Wide Garage Sale Weekend. Whether you are looking for hidden treasures or everyday essentials, organizers have something for everyone.

Takes place May 15-17. Remaining items will be heavily marked down Sunday.

Riverside Rendezvous & History Festival Faribault-- 9 a.m.-5 p.m., North Alexander Park, 1816 2nd Ave NW, Faribault. Experience the fur trade like you’re really there. This living history event is a chance to see the trades, tradition, and history of the 18th and 19th century come alive.

Experience demonstrators, reenactors, music, food, and fun while learning about what life was like in the 18th and 19th centuries. Tickets online. Takes place May 16-17.

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CONTINUED from page 27 Bike Safety Rodeo St. Peter-10 a.m.-12 p.m., River’s Edge Hospital & Clinic, 1900 N. Sunrise Drive, St. Peter. Free youth bike helmets, bike safety course, bike tune-up area, activities.

Syttende Mai - Owatonna-- 1-4 p.m., Steele County Historical Society, 1700 Austin Rd., Owatonna. Norway’s Constitution Day, a national holiday celebrating the signing of the Norwegian Constitution on May 17, 1814, at Eidsvoll.

It is characterized by massive children’s parades (barnetog), traditional bunad costumes, musical performances, and festivities.

Beaver Fest - Northfield-- 1-3 p.m., Lyman Lakes, Carleton College.

An annual event hosted by the Carleton Sustainability Office in celebration of one of the environment’s most important and most interesting mammals, the beaver. Come on down if you would like to learn more about this fantastic creature, or if you would just like to spend some time with sustainability-minded people.

Joel Ward - Owatonna-- 6:30-8:30 p.m., Mineral Springs Brewery, 210 N. Oak Ave., Suite 1, Owatonna. Joel Ward is a soul singing, acoustic guitar pickin’, lyric writing, fool for music out of Rochester.

Comedy Under The Bridge Faribault-- 7-10 p.m., 10,000 Drops, 28 4th St NE, Faribault.

Why not come out and enjoy some comedy?

Multiple headliners on tap. Tickets online.

Hip-Hop Show - St. Peter-7:30 p.m., Patrick’s on Third, 125 S. Third St., St. Peter. Minneapolis hip-hop artist N3RD4KING; Saint Paul rapper Mookie The Magician; Dark atmospheric hip-hop artist ianchri$t.

21+ event.

The Unsinkable Molly Brown - Northfield-7:30 p.m., Northfield Arts Guild Theater, 411 Third Street West. This legendary American rises above her impoverished beginnings and proves you can’t keep a woman down in a revitalized version of the classic tale.

Music and lyrics by Meredith Wilson. Book and new lyrics by Dick Scanlan. Based on the original book

by Rickard Morris. Directed by Rachel Haider. Tickets online. Shows 7:30 p.m. May 15-16, May 22-23 and May 29-30, plus 2 p.m. May 17, 24 and 31.

The Music of Alabama - Faribault-- 7:30 p.m., Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave N, Faribault. Based in Minnesota, this band is a topnotch group of musicians having fun with the great hits of the iconic country band, Alabama! The harmonies and instrumentation of “Roll On” creates memories of some of the greatest songs of all time including: “Dixieland Delight,” “Roll On,” “If You’re Gonna Play in Texas,” “Feels so Right,” “Love in The First Degree,” and many more. Tickets online.

SW, Waseca.

Gather to share stories, music, and memories in celebration of Steve’s life and the impact he had on so many.

Roll-In Janesville-- 7 p.m., Indian Island Winery, 18010 631st Ave, Janesville.

Bring your classic car, tractor, motorcycle, or other unique vehicle, or just bring your family to come and check them all out. Melissa Schulz will proved music.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 20 Bike Night with Bill Litzau - Kasota-- 6-9 p.m., Prairie Saloon & Grill, 140 N. Webster St., Kasota. An opportunity to gather the bikes. Swamp Kings will hit the stage and provide the music.

FRIDAY, MAY 22 Bruce Bednarchuk - Janesville-6-8:30 p.m., Indian Island Winery, 18010 631st Ave, Janesville. Composer, arranger, studio musician.

Saltydog Henderson-- 7 p.m., River Bottom Tavern & Brewhouse, 510 Main St., Henderson. a Duluth-based funk jam collective whose improvisational spirit takes both audience and band on an adventurous musical journey.

Blending playfully crafted, folk-driven originals with eclectic influences ranging from Talking Heads and The Band to classic country and jam-band staples, their sound is as funky and unpredictable as it is soulful.

THURSDAY, MAY 21

Smokescreen - Waterville-- 8 p.m., Classic’s Pub, 125 3rd St. S., Waterville. A lively threepiece covering a rich blend of rock and country favorites across multiple decades. Though rooted in Southern rock, their repertoire spans everything from classic rock anthems to country-tinged hits — making their shows engaging and genre-spanning.

RCHS Spring Flea Market - Faribault-- 8-11 p.m., Rice County Historical Society, 1814 NW 2nd Ave., Faribault. Tons of vendors and a great atmosphere. Entrance and parking to the flea market is free to all.

SUNDAY, MAY 17

Simon Cropp - Kilkenny-- 2-5 p.m., Vintage Escapes Winery & Vineyard, 8950 Dodd Rd., Kilkenny. Great tunes in a beautiful setting.

The Steve McLoone Memorial Fest - Waseca-- 3-6 p.m., The Mill Event Center, 310 2nd Ave

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Splash Pad Ribbon Cutting - Faribault-- 3:306 p.m., Viaduct Park, Faribault. The splash pad is turned on for the summer. The open house will include splashing, live music by Eclipse, lemonade and dirty soda, popcorn and cookies, giant games and more.

Ilan Bustin Northfield-- 5-9 p.m., Grand Event Center, 316 Washington St., Northfield. A rancher and country singer based in southern Minnesota, where the rolling farmland and open skies inspire his timeless sound. With a voice as deep and steady as the prairie wind, Ilan channels the spirit of legends like Colter Wall and Johnny Cash, delivering classic country songs rooted in hard work, heartache, and the rugged beauty of rural life.

Food As Storytelling - Northfield-- 7-8:30 p.m., Content Bookstore, 314 Division St. S, Northfield.

Best-selling cookbook writer Stephanie Hansen and novelist Kurt Johnson celebrate their new novel, “The Moon Tavern,” a culinary love story with recipes. A collaboration that draws on memories that include a romantic lunch of grilled fresh anchovies in the fifteenth-century ghost town of Lastovo, the lasting ruins of a bombed Dubrovnik, local cold-pressed olive oil sold in plastic Pepsi bottles, and delicious, never-bottled wines.

AZBY - Waseca-- 8-11:30 p.m., The Mill Event Center, 310 2nd Ave SW, Waseca. 70s classic rock and 90s alternative, and they’ll be gearing this show around the holiday season.

Thundergoat and Bad Idea - St. Peter-- 8 p.m., Tremendous Brewing Co., 228 W. Mulberry St., St. Peter. Intergalactic doom metal collides with Twin Cities hardcore in St Peter, and you’d best be ready. Free show.

SATURDAY, MAY 23

Nephuncle - St. Peter-- 2-3 p.m., Arts Center of Saint Peter, 315 S. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter.

Playing their new 10-song album. These original songs combine a bit of pop, folk, and rock with an alternative vibe. Admission is free Miller Denn - Le Sueur County-- 2-5 p.m., Union Trail Brewing, 23436 Union Trail, Belle Plaine. Playing acoustic country and pop music.

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Tractorhead - Dundas-- 4-7 p.m., Keepsake Cidery, 135th St. East, Dundas. Americana with a bluegrass twist.

dance, food. Artists, creatives, culture-bearers, chefs, vendors, youth, and volunteers. There will be many ways to jump in and make your unique mark this year. Free attendance and parking.

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

Pumpers in the Park - Northfield-5-10 p.m., Pulling water out of the Cannon River and pumping it right back in with colored light streams, after dark. In addition to the classic apparatus on display, there will be a spray house for the kids, picture opportunities in the cab of a fire truck, and food available for purchase.

Mark Cameron Band Owatonna-- 6:308:30 p.m., Mineral Springs Brewery, 210 N. Oak Ave., Suite 1, Owatonna.

Minnesota based singer, songwriter and guitarist Mark Cameron has been active in live music for over thirty years. Mark began his performing career in the rich folk-rock scene of the early 1970s and brought this influence into several bands he founded during the 1980s and 1990s. Today his focus is centered on crafting original Blues songs with strong melodies and memorable lyrics.

The Unsinkable Molly Brown - Northfield-7:30 p.m., Northfield Arts Guild Theater, 411 Third Street West. This legendary American rises above her impoverished beginnings and proves you can’t keep a woman down in a revitalized version of the classic tale. Music and lyrics by Meredith Wilson.

Book and new lyrics by Dick Scanlan. Based on the original book by Rickard Morris. Directed by Rachel Haider. Tickets online. Shows 7:30 p.m. May 22-23 and 29-30, plus 2 p.m. May 24 and 31.

so many more! Joe likes to play an eclectic mix of originals and covers!

Wildrose Fox - Dundas-- 4-6 p.m., Chapel Brewing, 15 Hester St, Dundas. Kaitlin Robertson’s original poetic country songs meet Sandberg’s ethereal guitar & Mueller’s intimate drums.

SUNDAY, MAY 24

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

Bullypulpit Bluegrass - St. Peter-- 4-7 p.m., Patrick’s on Third, 125 S. Third St., St. Peter. Traditional Bluegrass for your listening pleasure.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 27

Country Open Dance - Le Sueur County-- 6-9 p.m., Next Chapter Winery, 16945 320th St., New Prague. Songs will be geared towards line dancing and country two-step, however, there is no DJ, just a playlist that’s wide open for your song requests.

Have something you love? Add it to the mix.

Bike Night with ATA Duo - Kasota-- 6-9 p.m., Prairie Saloon & Grill, 140 N. Webster St., Kasota. An opportunity to gather the bikes. Swamp Kings will hit the stage and provide the music.

FRIDAY, MAY 29

The Gated Community - Henderson-- 7 p.m., River Bottom Tavern & Brewhouse, 510 Main St., Henderson.

A Minnesota-based indie rock band known for sharp songwriting, tight musicianship, and a sound that blends wit with emotional punch. Drawing from alternative rock, power pop, and a touch of Americana grit, the band crafts songs that feel both cleverly observant and deeply human.

SATURDAY, MAY 30 Festival of Nations St. Peter-1-5 p.m., Nicollet County Fairgrounds, 400 Union St., St. Peter.

An annual celebration of culture and community.

Music, art,

The Unsinkable Molly Brown - Northfield-7:30 p.m., Northfield Arts Guild Theater, 411 Third Street West. This legendary American rises above her impoverished beginnings and proves you can’t keep a woman down in a revitalized version of the classic tale. Music and lyrics by Meredith Wilson.

Book and new lyrics by Dick Scanlan. Based on the original book by Rickard Morris. Directed by Rachel Haider. Tickets online. Shows 7:30 p.m. May 29-30, plus 2 p.m. May 31.

SUNDAY, MAY 31

Pocket Lounge - St. Peter-- 4-7 p.m., Patrick’s on Third, 125 S. Third St., St. Peter. A funk fusion trio with special guest Joe Weckwerth.

Cannon Valley Regional Orchestra - Northfield-- 7 p.m., St. John’s Lutheran Church, 500 3rd St. W., Northfield. Playing “It’s Showtime,” conducted by Paul Niemisto and featuring tenor Bryan Reed.

Be Independent

Shop Locally Owned Business Tim Howe - Northfield-- 7-10 p.m., Flaherty’s Northfield Lanes, 1700 Highway 3 S. Minneapolis-based musician Tim Howe is a versatile singer, guitarist, and looping artist known for his eclectic blend of acoustic hits, heartfelt originals, and crowd-pleasing covers.

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Spring Into Summer - Owatonna-- 11 a.m.10:30 p.m., Steele County Fairgrounds, 18th St SE, Owatonna. A lively and free community celebration that kicks off the summer season with a weekend full of fun, entertainment, food, and games, bringing together friends, families, and fair fans of all ages. The weekend features something for everyone from competitive and casual activities to tasty eats and spirited fundraisers.

Joe Tutewohl - Dundas-- 5-8 p.m., Keepsake Cidery, 135th St. East, Dundas. A love for folk, alternative/indie rock and lo fi pop. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Elliott Smith, Radiohead, Bright Eyes, Jeff Buckley, Iron & Wine, Sufjan Stevens and

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One-stOp BOOk shOp

Books • magazines • comics • cards • games LOOkIng fOr sOmethIng specIaL? specIaL Orders are never a prOBLem fOr LIttLe prOfessOr. LITTLE PROFESSOR

BOOK CENTER

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2026 READER S

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D R A

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Time to make your

nominations!

CE AW

Nominate your favorites for Best of SoMINN SCENE 2026!

Nominate now through May 4th

Nominate your favorites to be eligible for a free gift card chosen at random. scan or visit southernminnscene.com to start nominating today!

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Voting begins May 20th YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

Regional Managing Editor We’re seeking a dynamic Regional Managing Editor to lead our newsroom into the digital future while maintaining our commitment to exceptional community journalism.

This role combines traditional editorial excellence with digital innovation, audience engagement, and multiplatform storytelling across our nine Southern Minnesota publications.

The ideal candidate will be a strategic leader who understands both the fundamentals of quality journalism and the evolving digital landscape that connects news organizations with modern audiences.

Key Responsibilities Editorial Leadership & Content Strategy · Edit and enhance stories, columns, and community content across all platforms with focus on digital-first publishing · Develop and implement content strategies that serve both print and digital audiences Digital Innovation & Audience Development · Lead digital content strategy including social media, newsletters, and website optimization · Develop audience engagement initiatives to grow readership and community connection · Implement SEO best practices and analytics-driven content decisions · Explore emerging digital storytelling formats (video, podcasts, interactive content) Team Leadership & Development · Supervise and mentor editorial team of 12+ staff members · Provide coaching and professional development focused on digital skills and modern journalism practices · Foster collaborative newsroom culture that embraces innovation while respecting community journalism values

Benefits: 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible spending account Health insurance

Operations & Community Engagement · Collaborate with pagination team on print layout while prioritizing digital content flow · Manage day-to-day community communications across multiple channels · Build and maintain relationships with community leaders, sources, and readers Required Qualifications · Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, or related field · 5+ years of editorial experience with leadership responsibilities · Strong editing skills with attention to detail and AP style proficiency · Demonstrated experience with digital publishing platforms and content management systems · Understanding of social media strategy and audience engagement · Knowledge of media law, ethics, and journalistic standards What We Offer · Competitive salary up to $75,000 For immediate consideration, please send cover letter explaining your vision for community journalism in the digital age. Resume highlighting relevant editorial and leadership experience. Three professional references.

Portfolio of editing work and any digital initiatives you’ve led to Kevin True, General Manager at kevin.true@apgsomn.com

Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Parental leave Retirement plan Vision insurance

Local Area Reporter The Faribault Daily News (a division of Adams MultiMedia) is seeking an enthusiastic and energetic journalist to cover communities in the Faribault area. The ideal candidate will have a command of basic news writing and AP style and be able to produce a variety of compelling but quick stories that cover a range of topics, from government to crime to human interest.

We’re looking for someone who is tech savvy, can write for the web and social media and enjoys taking photos. This is a full-time position with a fast -paced but flexible schedule.

For immediate consideration, please send cover letter, resume and examples of your writing to Kevin True, General Manager at kevin.true@apgsomn.com

We’re

L likeCAL you

Contact General Manager Kevin True at 507-333-3130 or kevin.true@apgsomn.com if you have any questions before applying.

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MICK STERLING PRESENTS ELTON JOHN WITH STRINGS FRIDAY, MAY 8TH AT 7:30 PM

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

GALLERY EXHIBITION

NOW THROUGH - JUNE 13 SPONSORED BY SOUTHERN HEIGHTS AND K&M HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING Carlander Family Gallery – Rocky Casillas Aguirre Lois Vranesh Gallery PCA Members Show K&M Gallery - Jessica Prill, Ivete Vaz, PCA Members Show Creger Lyn Creger Memorial Gallery – WEM Students

WOMEN WHO CARE ENDOWMENT AND PARADISE FUNDRAISER OOH LA LA!! COME TO LE PARTI FOR WOMEN WHO CARE! SATURDAY, MAY 2ND 7:00 PM

In the fashion of 100 Women Who Care, your entry to the event is your $100 charitable donation to the Faribault Foundation.

Donations from the

“Elton John with Strings” is a unique love letter for and to anyone who is a true Elton John fan, especially of the masterpiece symphonic songs of Elton’s most prolific and influential period. Featuring Peter Guertin on Piano, Steve Lehto on guitar, and Mick Sterling on vocals! Elton with Strings is fueled by a spectacular String Quartet providing the orchestral feel of songs such as “Levon,” “Madman Across The Water,” “Border Song,” “Your Song,” and more! Don’t miss this incredible and beautiful show of beloved Elton John songs.

MEMBER: $21.50, NON-MEMBER: $26.50, STUDENT: $16.50 (INCLUDES A $1.50 PROCESSING FEE) SPONSORED BY ROSEMARIE MARRACCINI

CLASSIC 1980S GOLF MOVIE AT THE PARADISE!

Join us for a special screening of the 1980 classic, Golf movie starring Chevy Chase, Bill Murray, and the pesky gopher, on Friday, May 15 at 7:30 PM as we gear up for our Swing Fore the Arts Golf Tournament on Thursday, June 11 at the Faribault Country Club! Tickets are $10 (price includes a $1.50 processing fee). When you register for the Swing Fore the Arts Golf Tournament, you will receive two free tickets to this classic comedy! The film is rated R. Grab your friends and enjoy a fun night at the movies in celebration of the arts and the game of golf!

ROLL ON: THE MUSIC OF ALABAMA

SATURDAY, MAY 16TH AT 7:30 PM

Based in Minnesota, this band is a top-notch group of musicians having fun with the great hits of the iconic country band, Alabama! The harmonies and instrumentation of “Roll On” creates memories of some of the greatest songs of all time including: “Dixieland Delight,” “Roll On,” “If You’re Gonna Play in Texas,” “Feels so Right,” “Love in The First Degree,” and many more! Be thrilled by the American country and Southern rock sounds that made Alabama’s music hit the charts with 40 #1 hits!

MEMBER: $24.50, NON-MEMBER: $28.50, STUDENT: $18.50 (INCLUDES A $1.50 PROCESSING FEE) SPONSORED BY FARIBAULT ACE HARDWARE

event will be shared with the Women Who Care Endowment and The Paradise Center for the Arts.

Entertainment provided by Eclipse! Enjoy Divine Divas, a tribute to music’s most powerful women!

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

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