SCENE NOV 2019

NOVEMBER 2019 southernminnSCENE.com

YOUR FREE GET-OUT SOURCE TO SOUTHERN MINNESOTA

Best 20

7TH ANNUAL

19

of

SOUTHERN Minn

SHELDON THEATRE

BODEANS

NOV. 23 at 7:30 The Reminders blend soulful sounds and roots music with insightful messages and thoughtful lyrics.

THE REMINDERS

“Ten Thousand Things produces this community’s finest Shakespeare” —Minneapolis Star Tribune

NOV. 22 at 7:30 NOV. 15 & 16 at 7:30, NOV. 17 at 3 “A magnet for artists and audiences alike.”

443 W 3rd St Red Wing, MN 651-388-8700 2

– Rochester Post Bulletin

Get your tickets today!

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CONTENT

Southern minn

NOVEMBER 2019 / VOLUME 7 / ISSUE 10

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Features: 6 2019 Best of SoMinn

ABOUT

And the 102 Winners are...

7 Arts 9 Music 12 Theater 15 Bars 17 Restaurants 24 Retail Services 40 Sports/Outdoors 42 Miscellaneous

Have a story idea?

Editor Philip Weyhe - 507-645-1115 editor@southernminnSCENE.com

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HAVE A CALENDAR EVENT?

editor@southernminnSCENE.com or got to www.southernminnscene. com/calendar

THE

Scene

SoMinn’s most comprehensive

calendar of things to be SCENE.

COLUMNS: 44 An Interview with Lydia Liza

Liza talks about her new album, her life and what

it’s like making music in the current sociopolitical landscape.

46 Through A SoMinn Lens

Rooted in the Minnesota prairie.

54 SoMInn FOOD & DINING Review

Old Barn Resort - (the best kept secret in Bluff Country)

56 Album Review

Tove Lo – Sunshine Kitty Charlie XCX - Charli

57 The Bookworm Sez:

• • • •

Bosom Friends: The Intimate World of James Buchanan Full Throttle: Stories Kid Activists We Are Lost and Found

WANT TO Advertise?

Mark Nelson - 507-333-3106 mnelson@faribault.com

DECEMBER issue deadline is NOV 2ND

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Thank you for your votes and support.

Thank you

BeST Tech To Fix YouR coMpuTeR oF So Minn Scene

for voting us Best Bed and Breakfast in Southern Minnesota!

Thank you for voting us Best Technology Repair in Southern Minnesota!

it’s been an honor to serve Southern Minnesota!

At the Candlelight Inn, we specialize in creating memories. Here you’ll find elegant Victorian accommodations, culinary delights and peaceful surroundings that set the stage for a relaxing getaway less than one hour from the Twin Cities and Rochester, Minnesota.

The master craftsmanship apparent in the bed and breakfast is complemented by modern amenities that ensure a comfortable and fulfilling stay. Each room features a private bathroom, fireplace and luxurious bedding, while most rooms also offer whirlpool baths.

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Your stay includes evening appetizers, wine and sparkling cider; and a full, three-course gourmet breakfast prepared by your innkeepers, Eve and Dave Baer Look to the Candlelight for your next romantic getaway, and we promise to make it a special event.

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1293 21st Ave NW, Owatonna • 507-451-2741 www.sistersalon.net w w w. s o u t h e r N m I N n SCENE. c o m

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7TH ANNUAL

Best 20 19

of

SOUTHERN Minn

I

t was a record breaking year.

With over 110,000 votes in the 2019 Southern Minn Scene Magazine BEST of Southern Minnesota competition, we shattered the previous record participation.

Those votes came from thousands and thousands of individual voters who took the time to show some love to their favorite artists, musicians, restaurants, businesses and more in Southern Minnesota.

And that’s what this is all about. We don’t have 102 judges to judge 102 categories and every person, business or organization in our region that falls within those categories. That’s why we turn to you. That’s why we rely on your nominations, your votes. This is the BEST of SoMinn, according to the people who are a part of SoMinn. The people who frequent the restaurants, the people who attend shows, the people who get their back fixed and their teeth cleaned,

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right here, in our communities.

This absolutely IS a popularity contest.

And we’re so glad and thankful that so many people are willing to take part. It can feel silly to post on your Facebook page about your nomination or to ask friends/family/customers to vote for you. But that’s we want to see. We want to see people and organizations using this contest to engage with their loved ones, their fans and their clients. We want to see people feeling proud of themselves and others!

It might not be the Oscars, but it sure feels good to be named the BEST of anything. And we feel anyone in our home communities that is connecting enough with their audience to actually get nominations and votes for a contest like this – well, they deserve to be named the BEST!

And the 102 winners are …

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Fall Festival of the Arts in Red Wing

Twin Cities, southeast MN, western Wisconsin, and of course, many area residents gather for the event.

This awesome event showcases over 100 fine art artist booths in historic downtown Red Wing.

Highlights of the Festival include live music and dance, local food trucks, and interactive arts activities. Some of the future plans focus on growing the 2nd Annual Youth Arts Fair. Additionally, aspirations are to add an Interactive Zone, sponsored in part

by Fair Trade Books and the noon time Kiwanis; with demonstrations, games, face painting and a live graffiti painting.

Red Wing Arts is not just known for the Red Wing Arts Fall Festival. It also presents the Plein Air Festival, Summer Concerts in the Park (and for the public art around town), the Veterans Memorial, the Welcome Mural, the West End District Mural, and Pollinator Park. Too, the good folks at RWA host rotating exhibits in the Depot Gallery; as well as numerous, excel-

T

BEST ART EVENT o be voted best of anything means that we have accomplished our mission, which is to enrich lives through art and to spread the value of art within the community. It is recognition for efforts that have taken 53 years to develop. We couldn’t be prouder!” exclaimed Red Wings Arts Executive Director Emily Guida Foos.

Red Wing Arts, a non-profit arts organization, was established in 1952, in order to assist and educate local artists. Located in the historic Red Wing Depot, the establishment has been a going concern for more than a decade. The Red Wing Fall Festival was founded in 1963 and is known for its high-quality artwork. The Festival started as a small outdoor art show in Levee Park and grew over the decades to be what it is today.

The staff and volunteers of Red Wing Arts work tirelessly to bring this quality, fine arts festival to historic downtown. One day, long ago, Larry Veeder, founder of the Fall Festival, and a local professional artist/member of Red Wing Arts, invited his friends to join him; and they set-up art displays down by the river…from there the Festival continued to grow.

The Red Wing Arts Fall Festival boasts a great mix of highquality work, painting, sculptures, jewelry, crafts, ceramics, textiles, photography and more; all in a welcoming open-air market milieu.

The Festival offers distinctive original hand-made gifts, in a wide range of prices from award-winning local, regional and nationallyrecognized artists and crafters; with lots to see and do beyond the arts. The Festival occurs the second weekend in October, during the peak of the fall color season. It attracts over 16,000 visitors from the

lent artist workshops.

“Our mission is to build a community that recognizes, appreciates and celebrates the importance of artists and the power of art in our lives. We are excited to be a part of Red Wing’s extraordinary art scene,” offered Guida Foos.

Find Red Wing Arts at 418 Levee Street, Red Wing. www.redwingarts.org

Laurie Matejcek and Acrylics & Corks BEST ARTIST & ART ORGANIZATION Laurie Matejcek, owner of Acrylics and Corks, as well as Acrylics and Cookies (kid version), is approaching her five-year anniversary. “We are beyond honored to be chosen Best Art Organization (and I’m humbled to also be chosen best artist)!

I’ve been interested in art my entire life, and growing up, I never went anywhere without toting along art supplies,” commented Matejcek.

Starting her painting career at age 12, Laurie continued with art all through high school, taking every course offered and hoping someday to be an animator. But one day, a friend posted a picture on social media of a group of her and her friends holding similar paintings with the caption “We had so much fun last night!” So after a little research, Acrylics and Corks was born.

“I never imagined five years later, I would own a successful art studio; hosting parties for birthdays, brides-to-be, team building events and just a friend’s night out. I am so blessed to be living my dream and sharing my gifts with others. Thank you so much.”—Laurie Matejcek 1179 12th Avenue NW, Owatonna. www.acrylicsandcorks.com Honorable Mention Best Artist: Aaron Horkey of Mankato Honorable Mention Best Arts Organization: Red Wing Arts

By Pat Garry

Honorable Mention: Speechless Film Festival in Mankato

By Pat Garry

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Paradise Center for the Arts in Faribault BEST GALLERY As a space that inspires and celebrates creativity, the Paradise Center for the Arts was a shoo-in for Best Gallery of Southern Minnesota.

“I think the galleries are a visual representation no matter when you come to the Paradise,” said Julie Fakler, operations manager and head of visual arts at the Paradise Center. “If you come for a play or a music event, that’s not happening seven days a week, but the galleries are up all the time. They’re kind of the face of the Paradise to me.”

The Paradise Center houses three galleries, hosting a variety of visual art from masterpieces by established artists displayed in the Carlander Gallery, art created by established and emerging artists shown in the Lois Vranesh Boardroom Gallery and students’ work showcased in the Corey Lyn Creger Memorial Gallery.

With the three galleries circulating art every few months and doors open five days a week, visitors and artists continue to find inspiration at the Paradise Center.

“I think it has an impact on our daily visitors, but I think it has a huge impact on the visual artists too,” Fakler said. “They see it as somewhere they can display their work. I think it gives inspiration to people to create their own artwork. It showcases the talent in Minnesota we have.”

“I’d like to thank all of the Minnesota visual artists for showing their work here,” Fakler said. “We are very fortunate to have a huge pool of artists here in Minnesota. We are honored to have this beautiful gallery here in Faribault.”

SPAM Museum in Austin BEST MUSEUM/HISTORY CENTER The SPAM® Museum is stuffed with interactive exhibits that bring the iconic history of the SPAM® Brand to life like you’ve never seen it before! Go behind the scenes and behind the can for an experience adults and kids will savor.

Free guided tours are available on the hour every Saturday and Sunday, and anytime by request. Tours last on average around 30 minutes.

Walking tours of downtown are at 11:00 and 2:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. Tours in Spanish can be made by appointment. It is a trip for the history books; and the cookbooks.

Step aside, for pumpkin spice lattes. The fall is now SPAM® Pumpkin Spice season. Hints of cinnamon, clove, allspice and nutmeg give this new, limited edition variety a subtle sweetness.

Fry it up with waffles, hash or eggs to make the perfect breakfast or brunch pairing. You’ll be so in love with this flavor, you might start calling it pumpkin.

101 3rd Ave NE, Austin. www.spam.com Honorable Mention: Minnesota Marine Art Museum in Winona

By Pat Garry

Images 4 Life Photography of Owatonna BEST PHOTOGRAPHER “I am beyond excited to win this award again. I am so very blessed to have amazing families come back to me year after year.

Many of them are like family to me. I am honored that I was even nominated. Winning means I’m doing something right!” Owner Laura Knopik exclaimed.

Laura opened her business circa 10 years ago, and she offers many kinds of photography (family, senior, newborn, kids, weddings, business, commercial, and more). “I love to capture the special moments in peoples’ lives. It freezes just a glimpse of a moment, but it is something everyone will have and hold forever. Now that’s pretty awesome,” added Knopik.

Knopik assures her customers that she will provide them a great gallery. Her goal is for 100% completely satisfied customers; with not only the session but also with the process.

“Let’s freeze a moment in time together, so you can cherish them forever.”

103 W Rose Street, Owatonna www.images4lifephotography.com

Honorable Mention: Owatonna Arts Center

Honorable Mention: Adam Grim of Savage

By Renata Erickson

By Pat Garry

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Corks & Pints in Owatonna

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BEST SMALL MUSIC VENUE hen David Hvistendahl bought the building at the corner of Fourth Street NE and First Avenue NE in Faribault in 1996, he envisioned it as an entertainment complex.

Since the beginning of last year, that vision took one step forward and one step back. Hvistendahl’s son Jake and his business partners opened 10,000 Drops Craft Distillers with a cocktail lounge at 28 Fourth St. NE, but neighboring F-Town Brewing Co. closed in December.

But Hvistendahl took another step forward by opening a beer and wine bar, Corks & Pints, in the old F-Town space. The bar opened Feb. 9, the same night as the Flannel Formal, which will be held between Corks & Pints and 10,000 Drops.

“Everything will work better,” David Hvistendahl said. “10,000 Drops needs a partner that can serve beer and wine, so that’s what got us thinking about it.”

Eventually, he said, the goal is to get a brewery back into the build-

ing.

“That’s the best use of the space,” he said. “Everything that we’re doing will benefit the future brewer.”

That doesn’t mean Corks & Pints can’t be a Faribault mainstay, however. Hvistendahl said the bar could move into another part of the interconnected buildings, with all complementing each other.

For now, Corks & Pints and 10,000 Drops complement each other, with 10,000 Drops’ craft cocktails in one space, and beer and wine next door, connected through a separate room and outdoor patio. Corks & Pints not only serve Minnesota craft beers, with the exception of Michelob Golden Light. There is one Minnesota wine on tap and others sold by the bottle.

And music is a big part of what the venue has to offer, featuring a rather large stage for a small venue, artists are able to perform in an intimate setting, complete with string lights, stone walls, and even a couch.

Hvistendahl added that bringing in live music is one way the area can truly become an entertainment hub in town.

“We’re hoping to get more live music in here too, because there used to be a lot more of that in town and it’s kind of gone downhill,” Corks & Pints General Manager Ashley Herda said. “Most places just do DJs or karaoke now and we kind of want to cater to the fans of live music.”

Honorable Mention: Bend in the Road in Manchester

By Scene Staff

Fender Bender of Faribault BEST BAND Knocking the socks off Southern Minnesota, the rock band Fender Bender won Best Band.

Two years in the making, Fender Bender is made up of people from cities all across Southern Minnesota including Brainard, Hugo, Faribault, Eagen, Richdfield and downtown Minneapolis — and it’s a family band.

“We all are related in some way,” said Dave Thiele, guitar player, bass vocalist, and band business manager. “The lead singer is my son [Matt ‘Matty Ice’ Thiele], the rhythm guitar player is my cousin [Randy ‘Moondog’ Thiele], his son is our drummer [Luke ‘Skyfox’ Thiele], my wife’s brother [Rob ‘The Doctor’ Young] is the lead guitar player and Jess [‘Flo’ Doffing] is actually my cousin’s wife’s daughter so she’s my step-niece.

So all six of us are related.”

Gathered with family at his brother-in-law’s son’s wedding, Dave Thiele and the other band members decided to put their A d d y o u r e v e n t f o r F R E E t o t h e T I M E L I N E c a l e n d a r . G O TO w w w. s o u t h ernminn . c o m / s c ene / c a len d a r & C l i c k + A d d a n E v ent

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family musical talent to the stage.

Along with music, Fender Bender also has three lead singers to create harmonies, costume changes, light shows, eight foot tall stop lights and other car-themed props to give the best show possible.

“Every show we want to be better, we want to be more fun, we want to have more songs, we want to have more variety,” Dave Thiele said.

From country, rock, classic rock, some of today’s country and what Dave Thiele calls cross-generational music that continues to be a hit throughout the ages, Fender Bender plays what gets people dancing.

“We want people to dance, we want people to interact,” Dave Thiele said. “We’ll give them a cowbell and a drumstick and we have tumberiones. We give some stuff to the audience and try to get them engaged in what we’re doing and having fun, but really dancing — dancing for our songs — when people dance, that’s what we’re going for. Smiling people dancing — it’s hard to beat that.”

Honorable Mention: The 8th Street Band of Northfield

By Renata Erickson

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Honorable Mention: Vetter Stone Amphitheater in Mankato

By Pat Garry

musicians make this festival an experience that’s as well-rounded as bellies after a day of loading up on ribs and brisket.

Elbert leans on blues buff John Hammer to get a full line-up each year since the festival’s inception.

“We’re absolutely thrilled with our supporters,” Hammer said.

“This is something we do to give back to the community and it takes the community to lift this up and provide funding for local charities while having a great time.”

All proceeds from the music festival go to support Special Olympics, among other charities, Hammer said. “It’s a labor of love giving back to the community,” he added.

Smokin’ in Steele will take place at the Steele County Fairgrounds, 1525 S Cedar Ave., Owatonna again in summer 2020. www.smokininsteele.com Honorable Mention: Blue Collar BBQ and Arts Festival in Faribault

By Kim Hyatt

Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Red Wing BEST LARGE MUSIC VENUE “We are very grateful and honored to have won this award,” said Tribal Council President Shelley Buck. “The sacrifices of those that came before us, and the hard work of the past and current councils, have helped make this possible. It is also because of all the hard work of our team members. Our team members are the ones who interact with our customers on a daily basis and they are the ones that keep the customers coming back!” she added.

Treasure Island Resort & Casino, owned and operated by the Prairie Island Indian Community, features some of the biggest names in entertainment. The Island Event Center has a capacity for 3,000 seats, making this an intimate setting to see such performers as; The Blues Brothers, Chicago, Foreigner, and many more. “Our 16,000 seat Treasure Island Amphitheater is the newest addition to the property. The venue has state-of-the-art sound and light-enhancing, with a large stage that has hosted top entertainers such as; Willie Nelson and Journey,” explained Public Relations Manager Amy Ransom.

The upscale Tado Steakhouse features the finest seafood, bison and

Ally K of KAT 105 in Owatonna Smokin in Steele in Owatonna

BEST RADIO PERSONALITY

BEST MUSIC FESTIVAL The mouthwatering aroma enchants crowds from across the region to come and wait in queue for award-winning BBQ. But the delicious food at Smokin’ in Steele comes with a heaping side of award-winning blues. The soulful tunes give festival-goers something to groove to, which is a nice chance to burn off a few cals while calculating what tasty item to devour next.

The festival’s promoter from the very beginning, Joe Elbert, said receiving Best Music Festival in South Minnesota is “excellent,” and a recognition he is very proud of as they approach a dozen smokin’ years of BBQ and blues at the Steele County fairgrounds.

Not only are competitors cooking up ridiculously good grub, but

“Well, what an honor as well as a welcomed surprise. Being relatively new to the radio industry, I’m excited to know that people are not only listening to what I have to say, but they are also enjoying it! The list of nominees included many talented individuals and I felt privileged to even be among them. Please continue to listen as I promise to keep offering humor, personal stories, trending

Thanksgiving Day ThaNK You for voting

Buffet Thursday, Nov. 28 • Two Seatings: 11AM & 1PM

95.1 The one and aM 1080 Best Radio Station in Feast on your Southern Minnesota! holiday Favorites: Turkey, Ham, Chicken or Shrimp Scampi, Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes, Green Bean Casserole, House or Caesar salad, Dinner Rolls, Pumpkin and Apple Pie, Cheese Cake, Apple Crisp and a Non-Alcoholic Beverage.

Mimosa or Bloody Mary May Be Purchased For $3.00 With An Adult Meal.

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items, Kat Kountry app content, and of course great country music! I love radio and feel truly blessed to be part of the Townsquare Media team. I’d like to dole out giant hugs to all of my loyal listeners.

Thank you for this award.” – Ally K In January, Kat Kountry 105 went through a rebranding, that brought in some new local talent and revitalized the playlist to play all of Owatonna’s NEW country. Ally K was brought aboard in July and hit the air in August on Saturday mornings from 7-9 a.m. Kat Kountry 105 features great country artists like Luke Combs, Thomas Rhett, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, and Maren Morris.

Kat Kountry 105 delivers TWO 105-minute Music Marathons.

That’s non-stop NEW Country to start and end your workday at 9am and 4pm! Our on-air talent Mornings on Kat Kountry w/ Paisley Dunn, (6-10a) Middays with Jess @ Work (10a – 3p), and Buddy Logan on your ride home (3-7p). Kat Kountry also features a great night program Taste of Country Nights with Evan Paul.

“On behalf of Townsquare Media Owatonna/Faribault, I can’t speak more highly of Ally. She came to Kat Kountry 105 in July never having done radio before and her dedication to the craft is amazing.

She not only brings her upbeat personality to work, but great ideas and local happenings. Ally’s hard work and her ability to story-tell while being relatable, are traits that make her an amazing talent not only at Kat Kountry 105, but at Townsquare Media. Congratulations Ally!” – Paul Shea Operations Manager at Townsquare Media Faribault and Owatonna.

245 18th St SE Owatonna www.facebook.com/katkountry105 Honorable Mention: Jeff Johnson at KYMN 95.1 The One in Northfield

By Pat Garry

95.1 The One (KYMN) in Northfield BEST RADIO STATION Northfield radio station KYMN (aka 95.1 The One) keeps up with the city’s news while still immersing and interacting with the local community in an intimate way, earning it the title of Best Radio Sta-

Erin Grand of Lakeville BEST SOLO ACT

tion this year.

KYMN operates on two radio frequencies—FM 95.1 (“The One”) and AM 1080—offering the listeners an up-to-date fill on local news through the vibrant personalities of the station’s hosts.

“We are constantly trying to keep our programming relevant to our community, whether … through music, news, or our specialty shows,” said Jeff Johnson, KYMN’s owner. “We have a great lineup of talent, featuring Twin Cities veterans Teri Knight and Tim McNiff on the KYMN Morning Show, Minnesota Broadcasters Hall-of-Famer Wayne Eddy mid-mornings, Minnesota Music Coalition board member Jessica Paxton afternoons, and Wendy Nordquist anchoring the weekends.”

The station has also recently added a new specialty show this year: local writer and host Rich Larson’s “The Weekly List”, a musicfocused discussion program.

KYMN also prides itself on its diverse range of music, rotating through “over 1,000 songs”, out of an over-4,000-song playlist, every year.

“We here at KYMN are thrilled to be voted Best Radio Station,” Johnson added. “We are so happy that our listeners thought enough of us to take time to vote.”

95.1 The One/KYMN is located at 200 Division St. South, Suite 260 in Northfield. www.kymnradio.net Honorable Mention: Power 96 in Faribault

The Lakevillebased country musician Erin Grand has won herself yet another title: Best Solo Act of Southern Minnesota.

“I was so incredibly honored and excited when I was told I won Best Solo Act,” she said. “I was up against major talent and sharing this category with them was such a treat.”

An award-winning musician, Grand had started performing at her church in Lakeville—her hometown—at age seven, Grand’s musical talent soon grew into a professional career, eventually turning into her full-time job since she was twelve years old.

In 2018, she was named Female Vocalist of the Year by the Midwest Country Music Association.

Grand added that she especially enjoys performing within and around Minnesota.

“I absolutely love the state of Minnesota,” she said. The state “is full of talent, and that’s what makes it even better playing music here.”

Grand also mentioned Minnesota’s affinity for live music and local performances.

“I hope to be able to represent this category to the best of my ability and show Minnesota that I am so grateful for this award and opportunity,” Grand added. www.eringrand.com Honorable Mention: Chad Johnson in Northfield

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Eric E. Parrish of Northfield Arts Guild

T

BEST DIRECTOR here’s no place that’s more familiar to Eric E. Parrish than the theatre.

Parrish’s father is longtime Medford High School music and theatre teacher Rodney Parrish, and Parrish would often spend his evenings and weekends helping his dad build sets or prepare for productions. Soon, the stage kept calling him back – and this year, his dedication to it has been recognized.

Parrish is southern Minnesota’s Best Director for 2019 for his leadership and critical eye as the director of Northfield Arts Guild’s production of “Next to Normal,” another Best of Southern Minnesota winner. Parrish was involved with the

theatre throughout his childhood. As soon as Parrish turned 16 and got his license, he would drive himself to practice at the Faribault Community Theater for practices.

Parrish continued acting into adulthood, and in 2017, he performed in his first production for Northfield Arts Guild, portraying the Pirate King in “The Pirates of Penzance.”

But when Parrish discovered the Guild was set to feature “Next to Normal” in 2018, Parrish knew it was time to step off the stage and settle into the director’s chair.

“I was really excited,” Parrish said, adding that “Next to Normal” is one of his favorite productions. “It had a huge audition… It was kind of a luxury to make real choices and decisions about what kind of actors and singers I wanted in the role, which pays off. The measure of a success of a show is who comes to the audition and where you put the furniture.”

“Next to Normal” is a Tony Award-winning rock musical that centers around the Goodman family as they struggle to find normalcy in the decades after the loss of their infant son. The mother, Diana Goodman, struggles with severe

mental illness, while her husband, Dan Goodman, fights to keep the family together.

“I enjoy shows that challenge our ability to understand people and be empathetic, and I think this show does that almost perfectly,” Parrish said.

Working with a six-person cast, Parrish assembled the show for performance in summer 2018. Pulling from his decades of helping his father and his own experience, Parrish said he approached each rehearsal as a deep dive into the inner workings of the production.

“My mentor, Julianna Skluzacek, she always says, ‘Does it serve the play,’” Parrish said. “So, I think if you approach what you’re doing in the rehearsal room as an investigation of the play… I think if you walk in the room with that respect, it makes it easier.”

Parrish said he was also grateful to have worked with three of the production’s six actors, knew two of the others, and only had to become familiar with one new actor.

Ironically, the actor he did not know was Kyle Yetzer, southern Minnesota’s Best Actor for 2019 for his performance as Gabe Goodman in “Next to Normal.”

Mandie Siems of Faribault Paradise and Northfield Arts Guild BEST ACTRESS This year’s Best Actress award winner has lived much of her life onstage.

From her childhood in Austin to her current home in Northfield, Mandie Siems can’t remember a time when she wasn’t involved in some aspect of theater.

Siems has played roles with Summerset Theatre and Matchbox Children’s Theatre in Austin, Paradise Community Theater of Faribault, the Northfield Arts Guild and others throughout southern Minnesota and the greater Midwest. In each place she’s lived, Siems immersed herself immediately in the local community theater.

“It’s awesome that, being new to these theater communities, I’ve been able to connect with everyone. Seeing that I have that support in each of

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Once “Next to Normal” celebrated its final curtain call, Parrish only had one word to describe how he felt: “Relief.”

Still, Parrish believes it was the cast and music director Peter Webb who propelled the play into local popularity.

Today, Parrish teaches at Minnesota West Community and Technical College. He continues to perform and direct, even going so far as to spend summers back home with his dad in Medford, Minnesota, so he can continue to work with the Faribault’s The Merlin Players.

“It’s fun for me to do in my window of summer, to come back and give to the community that taught me to do what I do,” Parrish said.

As for the dad that inspired this career? Well, he still lets Parrish crash in his high school bedroom when he’s home, too.

The Northfield Arts Guild is located at 304 Division St. in Northfield. www.northfieldartsguild.org Honorable Mention: Shelley Fitzgerald of the Paradise in Faribault

By Samantha Stetzer

these different places makes me feel very honored, blessed and excited,” she said.

Some of Siems’ favorite roles include Penny in “Hairspray” and Fiona in “Shrek the Musical.” Recently, she’s performed in “A Christmas Wedding: The Santa Diaries 2” with the Merlin Players, “Last Train to Nibroc” with the Paradise Center for the Arts and “The Secret Garden” with the Northfield Arts Guild. The latter two productions also featured Siems’ first baby—due to be born any day now—who she hopes will grow to love acting as much as she does.

“It’s fun to think about hopefully being able to pass on my love of theater, and hopefully in years to come it can still be a family thing that we enjoy,” said Siems.

Honorable Mention: Jada LaFrance at Faribault Paradise

By Anne Kopas

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“There’s so many light-hearted moments, but there’s so many parts where you can’t help but cry,” Yetzer explained. “It’s a ground-breaking production.”

Yetzer is now a sophomore studying elementary education at Saint John’s University. He’s still involved in his theatre community and is excited to add another accolade to a career that began 16 years ago at the Happiest Place on Earth.

“That is completely insane,” Yetzer said. “I’m in shock … I didn’t expect anything like this … This is so cool to even then be nominated.”

Honorable Mention: Cody Jensen of Faribault Paradise Center for the Arts

By Samantha Stetzer

Honorable Mention: Beauty & The Beast by State Street Theater Co. in New Ulm

Kyle Yetzer of Northfield Arts Guild

By Samantha Stetzer

State Street Theater Co. in New Ulm

BEST ACTOR On a family trip to Disneyland, 4-year-old Kyle Yetzer was chosen to play Gaston at a short read-aloud production.

“Right there, I was bit by the theatre bug,” the now-20-year-old Yetzer said.

Since his debut, Yetzer continued acting in community theatre and school productions. His latest work, including playing the role of Gabe Goodman in the Northfield Arts Guild’s production of “Next to Normal” in summer 2018, has earned him the honor of Southern Minnesota’s Best Actor for 2019.

“Next to Normal,” another Best of Southern Minnesota winner, is Yetzer’s favorite show that he has been part of to date. Yetzer plays the son of a woman who is coping with his loss.

powerful enough to be named the Best Production in southern Minnesota in 2019.

Written by Brian Yorkey and Tom Kitt, “Next to Normal” follows the Goodman family as they grapple with infant loss, mental health, and grief. The production won numerous Tony awards and a Pulitzer Prize.

According to Northfield Arts Guild Education and Volunteer Manager Megan Proft, its honest, raw, and real display of mental health breaks barriers.

“It’s a heavy topic, but it is an important topic,” Proft said. “I think it was great for the guild to take on a production like this.”

The Guild’s small theatre elevated the intimacy of the production, Proft added.

Proft said the Guild is honored to receive this accolade from the community, adding that it was the work of director Eric E. Parrish and his cast that brought the characters to life. Parrish and actor Kyle Yetzer have also been honored with Best of Southern Minnesota honors for 2019 for their work on this rock musical.

“I think it was so well received by the community,” Proft said. “It was encouraging to see.”

The Northfield Arts Guild is located at 304 Division St. in Northfield. www.northfieldartsguild.org

BEST THEATER

Next to Normal by Northfield Arts Guild BEST PRODUCTION There may have only be six actors on stage, but Northfield Arts Guild’s summer 2018 performance of “Next to Normal” was

New Ulm’s community theater, State Street Theater Co, delights southern Minnesota audiences year round with plays, musicals, workshops and dramatic readings. Engaging the community is core to the theater’s mission and they actively encourage locals to audition for shows or, for the spotlight-shy, volunteer behind-the-scenes.

This connection to the local community is even threaded into their location: the theater is set on the block of New Ulm that is

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with arts organizations, including a partnership with Mankato Ballet to bring The Nutcracker to the theater.

“As successes occurred, SST has been able to attract more talented artists for their plays and musicals,” Domeier said. “Seeing the gradual metamorphosis occur has been one of my favorite parts.” www.statestreetnewulm.org Honorable Mention: Paradise Center for the Arts in Faribault

By Isabelle Wattenberg

Little Theatre of Owatonna BEST THEATER TROUPE protected and registered as a Historic Place. The building was built as a school auditorium in 1959, and when the school was put up for sale, local residents came together to establish the theater as a community performance space.

Mary Ellen Domeier is a volunteer at the theater.

“The musical talent of actors, choruses and the pit orchestra has been fantastic,” she said.

Volunteers have been heavily involved to update the theater space for more dynamic productions, she said. The theater seasons balance classics like a Charlie Brown Christmas and Rocky Horror Picture Show with locally produced plays—as well as collaborations

Best

In its 50-plus year history, the Little Theatre of Owatonna has performed around 200 plays. It’s an impressive count, especially for a community theater. Actors from throughout southern Minnesota audition for each year’s lineup of shows, which recently included “It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play,” “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” and most recently, “Native Gardens.”

But it’s impossible to pick the best show, said Victoria Bartkowiak, the theater’s executive secretary, since each performance resonates differently with different people.

Still, each show has one thing in common: the extensive support and interest in Owatonna and throughout the area that makes the theater’s continued existence possible. Since anyone (trained actor, hobbyist or newcomer) is invited to audition, each show reflects a

little piece of southern Minnesota.

“It’s an absolute honor because it’s voted on by our community, and we love that they think we’re the best,” said Bartkowiak of the Best Theater award this year.

Upcoming shows include “The Odd Couple” (February 2020), “Cat’s Cradle” (April/May 2020) and “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” (June 2020).

The Little Theatre of Owatonna is located at 560A Dunnell Dr., Owatonna. littletheatreofowatonna.org Honorable Mention: Paradise Community Theatre in Faribault

By Anne Kopas

20 19

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www.s-sm.org

Fesler-Lampert Performing Art Series THE OK FACTOR

TRIPLE ESPRESSO*

Thursday, December 5, 2019 Adults $18, Students $11

CHE APALACHE

Thursday, November 7, 2019 Adults $25, Students $15

Playful and unexpected, The OK Factor is a string duo comprised of cellist Olivia Diercks and violinist Karla Colahan. They write and perform folk-inspired music influenced by Americana and Irish fiddle styles, with www.facebook.com/theokfactor/ an artistry that reveals their classical training.

www.tripleespresso.com

www.theremindersmusic.com

Triple Espresso is a three-man comedy with a 20+ year· track record of making people laugh ‘til their cheeks hurt! The show has now entertained over 2 million people in 60+ cities in 6 countries in 3 languages, giving audiences a night at the theater unlike any they have experienced before.

THE REMINDERS

JAMES SEWELL BALLET*

The Reminders are a rare and remarkable musical duo seamlessly blending soulful sounds and roots music with insightful messages and thoughtful lyrics. The group consists of Brussels-born emcee Big Samir and Queens-born emcee/vocalist Aja Black, a collective creative force that’s hard to beat.

Minneapolis-based James Sewell Ballet has changed the dance scene by expanding notions about ballet. Their critically-acclaimed performances move and delight audiences across the country. This tour to greater Minnesota cities is a retrospective celebration of 30 years of creative information.

Monday, January 20, 2020 Adults $20, Students $12

Che Apalache is a four-man string band based in Buenos Aires with members from Argentina, Mexico and the United States. Combining instrumental prowess with tight vocal harmonies, they have created an authentic blend of genres to reflect the nature of their lives. Their music evokes images from Appalachia to the Andes.

www.cheapalache.com “This is a band to watch!” -Bela Fleck

A HIGHLY CAFFEINATED COMEDY Thursday, January 16, 2020 Adults $25, Students $15

Thursday, March 19, 2020 Adults $20, Students $12

www.jsballet.org

Online Ticket Ordering at www.s-sm.org/tickets • Fesler-Lampert Season Tickets Adults $70, Students $42 Package Discounts: Pick 4 or more shows and save 10%. Call for Group Rates. * “This activity is funded, in part, by the Minnesota State Arts Board through the arts and cultural heritage fund as appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the Legacy Amendment vote of the people of Minnesota.”

All performances begin 7:30pm in Historic Newhall Auditorium • SSM Box Office: 507-333-1620

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Froggy Bottoms River Pub & Lily PADio in Northfield BEST BAR

Whistle Binkies on the Lake

W

BEST PATIO

“

e are honored to be chosen as the best at what we do. Our customers are why we are here, and to receive their support for all of our efforts, is truly appreciated,” said Craig Kangas, manager of Whistle Binkies on the

Lake.

Owner Randy Lehman, years ago, decided to take to the roads; on a mission to visit some of the bars and restaurants available in other towns and cities. After his journey, he surmised that there was an opportunity in Rochester for something with a beer focus and great affordable food. Thus, Mr. Lehman founded Whistle Binkies. “We are known for our beer selection (over 425), great daily specials, varied menu of great food and our fantastic patio in the summertime,” Lehman explained.

The generous patio area at Binkies’ Lake location is unique in its large size, which provides an ability to host larger groups. There is also a beer garden portioned-off for hosting parties. The gaudy structure is permanent and utilizes glass-garage doors for the walls; that can be opened-up on nice days.

However, maybe the most unique part of the patio is the beautiful, peaceful and close-up view of Wood Lake. Set among beautiful flower arrangements, a sand beach, and a fire pit, the patio offers a casual and relaxing feeling.

“Our signature food items include Shepherd’s Pie, Irish Stew, Reuben Sandwich, Fish & Chips, and Noi’s Egg Rolls,” Kangas said.

Other WB popular food choices include a variety of appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, wraps, and home-made desserts. Additionally, WB prepares traditional British/Scottish dishes, including Fish & Chips, Bangers & Mash, and Scotch Eggs. And the talented Binkie’s bartenders whip up some awesome home-made Bloody Marys.

In the fall, Binkies features a week-long Oktoberfest celebration, with daily Oktober-

fest beer specials and German dinner specials. Springtime brings Bockfest to WB, which highlights a week of Bock beer specials and German dinner favorites.

Lehman is aggressive, progressive, and generous within his community. “We raise money for the Polar Plunge (Special Olympics Minnesota) with a variety of events, culminating in the Warm-up to the Polar Plunge the first Saturday in February. Events include an ice fishing tournament, volleyball tournament, pancake breakfast, turkey bowling, miniature golf on the ice and silent auction,” he explained.

Whistle Binkies is a great supporter of NAMI/SE MN; and they work year-round to raise money for their suicide prevention and awareness programs. Included is a pub crawl and Rochester’s largest Bloody Mary Bar in the spring. It all culminates in a huge anniversary party/NAMI SE MN fundraiser at the North location in June (events include silent auction, craft beer, wall of wine, kids’ games, hot air balloon rides, a variety of food/beverages, live music, airplane contest, food eating contests and much more). Last year, the WB efforts raised $75,179.

247 Woodlake Drive SE, Rochester. www.whistlebinkiespub.com

The self-described “center of the city,” Northfield’s Froggy Bottoms works hard to offer a warm, friendly environment to the area, earning them the title of Best Bar in Southern Minnesota this year.

The pub and hotel is situated right on the Cannon River, with their signature “PADio” reaching out over the water, truly immersing customers in the Northfield and Southern Minnesota environment.

Froggy Bottoms’ diverse menu and list of drinks further adds to this local cultural immersion, as well as often hosting live music performances.

In addition, the restaurant offers a host of suites (“furnished apartments”) rife with amenities, such as kitchens, showers and tubs, plus much more—truly giving new meaning to Froggy’s “homey” environment.

Froggy Bottoms’ welcoming, fun environs and undeniable charm all make it a vital, signature part of the truly unique Northfield—and Southern Minnesota—community.

F roggy Bottoms River Pub & Lily PADio is located at 309 Water St. South in Northfield. www.froggybottomsriversuites.com Honorable Mention: Reggie’s Brewhouse in Owatonna

By Nicole Collins

Honorable Mention: Froggy Bottoms in Northfield

By Pat Garry

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Laura Resler at Reggie’s Brewhouse in Owatonna BEST BARTENDER/SERVER Bartender, server Laura Resler is the pride and joy of Reggie’s Brewhouse. “I’ve been nominated for this award several times and winning is both humbling and flattering,” Resler explained.

“I’m lucky to work with some pretty amazing people that make our bar run smoothly and make the atmosphere fun,” she added.

Ron Schouweiler (and RJ) are the owners of Reggie’s Brewhouse, which has been open for nine years.

Bryce Butler is the establishment’s fearless leader, and Jess

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CONTINUED from page 15 Wilker and Garret Jeddeloh are two of the best bartending sidekicks one could ever ask for. Reggie’s offers 2 for 1s every Thursday and are sports friendly, with Minnesota games always playing on the TVs. “I truly appreciate those who voted for me and look forward to seeing you all at Battle of the Bars on November 10, to benefit the Steele County Humane Society!” Laura exclaimed.

220 N Cedar Ave, Owatonna www.facebook.com/reggies.brewhouse/?rf=194447683953507 Honorable Mention: Janie Machacek at Boonie’s Bar and Grill in Faribault

By Pat Garry

munity events, along with offering its guests a selection of rotating food vendors.

“We feel extremely honored to win this award, and are so thankful to our customers and staff and a supportive community that helps make Imminent what it is,” Myers added. “There are so many wonderful beer and cider producers in our region making fantastic beverages that we feel both honored and humbled to even be considered for this award.”

Imminent Brewing is located at 519 Division St. South, Unit 2 in Northfield. www.imminentbrewing.com

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By Nicole Collins

Tanzenwald in Northfield BEST BREWERY Born out of a Prohibition-era brewing technique revival—and a curious, motivated home-brewer—Northfield’s Tanzenwald Brewing Company came to town in 2015 and has served as a community hub ever since, winning the award this year for Best Brewery.

Owners Steve and Jenaveve Pittman had met at a California brewing company when they fully realized their wish to start their own brewing company. Shortly after, they came to Northfield, returning to their midwestern roots, to start Tanzenwald in a historic, rehabilitated Water Street building.

The Pittmans have maintained a goal of continually engaging the Northfield community, offering them new, exciting options as frequently as possible.

“I like to keep things interesting and fresh for our locals,” Steve said. “It’s great to be able to come in week after week and try brand new beers that might be out of your normal [stores].”

Tanzenwald offers a wide array of beers and beer styles. The company also distributes kegs locally.

“I hope to continue to expand our customers’ palettes,” Steve added. “This keeps me engaged with making the best beers I can. I love seeing people enjoying the beer—that’s just so rewarding.”

Tanzenwald Brewing Company is located at 103 Water St. North in Northfield. www.tanzenwald.com Honorable Mention: August Schell Brewing Company in New Ulm

By Nicole Collins

Imminent Brewing in Northfield BEST LOCAL BEER OR CIDER Imminent Brewing opened in an unconventional location: Northfield’s former National Guard Armory garage space.

But in the most unusual of places, Imminent found a way, since its opening in 2017, to become one of the city’s most vibrant hubs—which also offered some outstanding drinks, winning it Best Local Beer or Cider this year.

“The goal of Imminent, then and now, is to reflect the local flavors, art and spirit of Southern Minnesota while building community in our beautiful taproom,” said Derek Myers, Imminent’s Distribution & Taproom Manager and Owner.

Imminent prides itself on infusing its wide variety of beers with local hops, fruits and herbs.

The venue also often hosts live music performances and com-

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Loon Liquor Co. in Northfield BEST LOCAL WINE OR SPIRIT Loon Liquor Co. sprung out of a high school friendship, a jones for homemade drinks and a dedication to research and local involvement.

Northfield High School graduates and friends Simeon Rossi and Mark Schiller built on those passions to found the company, and eventually to be named Best Local Wine or Spirit this year.

“We are so honored,” said Rossi. “It is an amazing recognition of all the hard work we’ve put in over the last eight years, taking the company from a concept to producing the highest quality grain-toglass spirits, and serving exceptional scratch cocktails.”

“Local, organic & wild,” according to their website, Loon Liquor Co. is dedicated to sourcing from local and organic suppliers, and upholding a standard of sustainability that they hope will benefit the local community at large.

Their Cocktail Room also helps foster the company’s friendly, cozy environment, offering customers board games and award-winning gin and whiskey.

“We could never have expected the massive amount of support we have received from our Southern Minnesota community,” Rossi added. “Thank you so much!”

Loon Liquor Co. is located at 1325 Armstrong Rd., Suite 165, in Northfield. www.loonliquors.com Honorable Mention: 10,000 Drops Craft Distillers in Faribault

By Nicole Collins

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Mizuki Fusion in Owatonna BEST ASIAN OR MIDDLEEASTERN FOOD Mizuki Fusion sports a terrific, ambitious menu. The good folks at Mizuki offer a low-key kitchen, featuring sushi rolls, classic Japanese entrees and Thai dishes, plus lunch specials. You will find fresh foods and great prices.

Find the food at 119 W Bridge St. in Owatonna. www.mizukifusion.com Honorable Mention: Tokyo Grill in Northfield

By Pat Garry

St. Peter Food Co-op and Deli BEST VEGETARIAN FRIENDLY

I

t’s hard to imagine St. Peter today without its Co-op, but if not for some serious devotion from leaders and volunteers four decades ago, it could’ve been a very short run for the organization, making it a mere footnote in the pages of the community’s history.

Instead, the St. Peter Food Co-op is celebrating 40 years of operation, solidly situated at the community’s very foundation. It’s an attraction to residents and out-of-town guests alike; it’s a place for natural, organic and local foods, but it’s also a place for gathering and for education. Most of all, the Co-op is a representation of what community can create.

Over time, the Co-op has grown from its first location, a 1,600-square-foot former sporting goods building to its location today, a 10,000-square-foot, full-fledged grocery store and deli. And it all started with some local residents members who just wanted access to some natural foods.

“It’s really a celebration of this community, and the values that they hold dear, that they’ve been there for 40 years to support

this,” said Margo O’Brien, longtime Co-op general manager and leader. “It’s not just selling food.

This is more than selling food. It’s a gathering place; it’s welcoming; we have people from all walks of life.”

She continued, “Our little community has made some really good impacts in terms of sustainability, some of those food things that are important to us — organic, community supported agriculture, local growers, local producers. That’s a wonderful celebration that we’ve gone from that little store to having some kind of economic impact.”

Back in the late 1970s, there was a hunger for more in St. Peter, a diverse and unique community, with its fair share of residents interested in progressive ideas and initiatives.

“It was a virginal time,” O’Brien added.

O’Brien, who came to St. Peter in 1974 from Boulder, Colorado, which was at the height of the natural foods movement, was longing for natural foods and was making trips to the Twin Cities to get them. She would become pivotal to the Co-op soon after its start, but she wasn’t involved in the very beginning.

John Ramsley, a Gustavus Adolphus College dropout, got in touch with the All Co-op Assembly, an organization that aimed to start co-ops all across Minnesota. There

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was a punch list of things to do, and Ramsley got a group of people to work on them.

The idea worked in St. Peter, O’Brien thinks, because people were doing it for the right reasons. Rather than making it as a protest to mainstream agriculture and food practices, the St. Peter Food Co-op was about providing an alternative that everyone could get behind.

Since the early days, the Co-op has grown into two bigger locations, now a fullfledged grocery store and deli, right off the main drag in St. Peter. It’s thriving and has proven to be a community staple.

And now, with its excellent selection of vegetables, fruits, cheeses and sandwiches, it’s also the 2019 Southern Minn Scene Best Vegetarian winner.

Honorable Mention: Tanzenwald Brewing Company in Northfield

Old Town Bagels in Owatonna BEST BAGEL SHOP Mark and Stacy Wilson have owned Old Town Bagels for (4) years. “We feel honored that we were once again chosen as “best bagel shop”—we have the most loyal customers who make this possible.

OTB is truly a “mom & pop” establishment that is successful because of its fantastic customer base.

The Wilsons have a unique product (their infamous fresh baked bagels); and a unique menu with over 35 sandwich options.

Too, they present a full espresso-based coffee menu, smoothies, frappes, home-made sweet treats, fresh flavored cream cheeses (12), daily soup options (3-4), fresh Revol salads; a little something for everybody.

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CONTINUED from page 17 “Our place is quite small, but we offer online ordering for take-out orders at Oldtownbagels.com. We also try to post on social media, daily, with our specials and soup options for the day,” explained Stacy.

211 North S Cedar Ave, Owatonna. http://oldtownbagels.com Honorable Mention: Tandem Bagels in Northfield and Mankato

By Pat Garry

inspired cuisine, from classic brisket burgers to poutine and Korean beef sandwiches. The company prides itself on its top-notch food and customer service—and they’re excited looking to the future.

“We cannot wait to see what’s in store for the future of our cool little concept,” Heidi Kubes added.

Smoqehouse is located at 212 Division St. South in Northfield. www.smoqehouse.com Honorable Mention: Piggy Blues Bar-B-Que in Austin

By Nicole Collins

Sugar Rose Bakeshop in New Prague BEST BAKERY The pumpkin pie bars at New Prague’s bakery, Sugar Rose Bakeshop, have gained somewhat of a cult following. Encrusted with a streusel topping atop silky smooth homemade pumpkin pie mixture, they’re one of several seasonal treats offered by the bakery, tucked just off the town’s Main Street.

Sugar Rose’s bakery case changes on the daily, with offerings that range from fully decorated, multitier cakes to rustic scones and mini cheesecakes piled high with garnishes. Innovative hot and cold drinks change with the season, such as white chocolate blueberry mochas and watermelon mint lemonade.

Owner Jody Breathwaite opened the bakery because she wanted to share her love of baking with her hometown of New Prague, she said.

“My favorite part is coming up with new creations and taking it to the next level,” she said. “We love to change out ingredients, add different ingredient and pair it with our coffees.”

Sugar Rose offers dairy- and gluten-free items as well and makes custom decorated cakes on request. But perhaps the best experience is simply to head on over, and discover a new favorite treat (or three).

Located at 801 First St. SE in New Prague. www.facebook.com/sugarrosebakeshop Honorable Mention: Cakewalk in Northfield

By Isabelle Wattenberg

Smoqehouse in Northfield BEST BBQ Since its founding in Faribault in 2016, local restaurant Smoqehouse has already begun to take off. Its trendy, refreshing take on barbeque has earned it—and its owners, Heidi and Andy Kubes—the Best BBQ award this year.

Not only since its 2017 Northfield opening has it been a popular hub for both the city’s students and full-time residents, Smoqehouse has already begun to branch off from its Minnesota roots, opening locations across the country—and, most recently, their upcoming fourth location in Sarasota, Fla. “We are a faith-based company and have a strong desire to continue to grow if the right opportunity presents itself,” the Kubes family stated on Smoqehouse’s website. “We believe that doors open when the time is right.”

Smoqehouse offers a wide variety of barbeque and barbeque-

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Central Park Coffee Co. in Owatonna

people are eating the Best Burger of Southern Minnesota at Boonies Bar & Grill.

“Barabra [Weiss] and Tom [Weiss], the owners, really strive to bring in high quality products,” said Michelle Weiss, manager and Tom Weiss’s daughter. “We use only fresh meat, it’s never frozen.

Not only are they fresh, they’re black angus beef, and though we have a tiny grill, it’s flame broiled. A lot of places have a flat top and ours has grates and that makes a big difference in the burgers. When it’s dripping down your arm, it’s a good burger.”

The Weisses also get buns from a fresh bakery, slice their own tomatoes and other toppings and make a secret, special sauce that people come from miles to enjoy, but it wasn’t always a bar and grill.

“The James-Younger Gang stopped here,” Michelle Weiss said. “At the time, it was a general store. They stopped here and asked directions to the nearest hotel and that house is right down the road. The next day they tried to rob the Northfield Bank.”

With the theme of Jesse James throughout the bar and grill, off sale liquor, lottery, gambeling and more, Boonies Bar and Grill isn’t only remembered for its burgers.

“There are many generations of people that have fond memories of coming here,” said Michelle Weiss who grew up working in the family restaurant that was started in 1976. “I get people coming in here all the time saying ‘I remember when we came in here from snowmobiling’ or ‘I came here with my dad’ or ‘we played pool’ and do this or that and have a burger and everybody from an eight-year old all the way up to 80 have memories. We’re really proud to be able to serve a quality product and we hope that the generations just keep coming.”

Honorable Mention: King’s Place in Meisville

By Renata Erickson

BEST BREAKFAST/BRUNCH “Since we purchased the coffee shop in November of 2018, the Owatonna and surrounding community has been extremely supportive and encouraging. This award reinforces that support, and acknowledges the value of all the work that we’ve put into keeping Central Park Coffee Co. thriving in downtown Owatonna. We’ve poured our hearts into this venture, and it has definitely paid off! We are truly grateful for the support of our customers and downtown neighbors!” Alicia Esch exclaimed.

This is a family-owned establishment: by the Jon & Char Esch family; and operated by mother/daughter team: Char, Alicia and Krista Esch.

The family’s goal is to offer high quality coffee and menu items in an atmosphere that promotes connections with people. The gourmet waffles are a hit, with a dozen varieties offered; and the folks add a new “waffle of the month” flavor just to keep things interesting. Back by popular demand is Waffle Wednesday, when all waffles/ all day, are just $5.

There are several key menu items including fresh salads, delicious wraps and panini-grilled sandwiches; including the signature Jaycee Herby Turkey, which has just the right flavor combination to make it one of the most well-loved.

“Good conversation goes well with a great cup of coffee, and we will strive to continue to provide an inviting and welcoming place to gather. We invite you to come and linger,” Alicia commented.

113 N Cedar Ave, Owatonna. www.centralparkcoffeeco.com Honorable Mention: The Tavern of Northfield

By Pat Garry

Boonie’s Bar & Grill in Faribault BEST BURGER From snowmobilers and farmers to businesspeople and families,

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Pizzeria 201 in Montgomery BEST CATERING When Troy set out to open a pizzeria, the goal was serving good pizza — and even as Pizzeria 201 expanded their business to cater weddings graduations, and events, they’ve stayed true to this goal.

The catering arm began as a partnership with nearby Next Chapter Winery, providing classic Italian entrees for wine-paired barrel dinners: but word caught on and soon the pizzeria was catering other events and expanded their menu from lasagna to chicken, pork loin and more. The journey came full circle when Troy began getting requests for large pizza orders to feed guests at high school graduation parties and he realized he needed a way to serve fresh, hot pizza on site and at scale. Enter the mobile pizza oven: a mobile oven unit Troy bought to create Neopolitan-style pizzas in real time at events. The mobile pizza option has taken off in popularity, particularly at weddings, Troy said—about half the weddings he caters asks for pizza.

“Brides are looking for something unique and different,” he said.

“Weddings are taking place in different places, and along with that change in what they’re looking for, [there’s] often a change in type

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of menu.”

Due to the growth of Pizzeria 201’s catering business, Troy said people sometimes suggest he change the name to reflect all the menu items and experiences it offers—but, he says the restaurant’s title embodies his core mission of serving high quality pizza to his community.

“I’m not going to change my name,” he said.

“It’s Pizzeria 201, on Main Street, in Montgomery. www.pizzeria201.com Honorable Mention: Starfire Event Center in Waseca

By Isabelle Wattenberg

Teara Myers of Cakewalk in Northfield BEST CHEF Teara Myers has built a career out of making customers’ experiences special.

The Owner and Pastry Chef of CakeWalk—a Northfield custom cake and dessert bar—Myers finds a particular joy in seeing her customers happy. Especially when it comes to making cake— a large factor in her winning Best Chef this year.

From “wedding cakes to a child’s first birthday, cake is always an honor to be a part of,” she said.

“I enjoy being a part of someone’s special day and putting a smile on their face.”

Usually, the term “chef” doesn’t evoke images of pastries, Myers said. But in her case, that’s her main occupation: custom-designing cakes and pastries, along with creating her own recipes.

“I’ve learned from some of the best,” she added.

Her involvement with CakeWalk has been incredibly fulfilling to Myers.

“Not many people can say it,” she said, “but I am truly living the dream.”

Teara Myers is the Owner and Pastry Chef of CakeWalk, located at 303 Division St., Northfield. www.cakewalknorthfield.com

said on behalf of her two partners, Jackie Ohmann and Kathy Hupf.

Their background is as cheese-makers, she said.

Three years ago, the women began that business and started building a plant in Cannon Falls. They held meetings wherever they could, but they couldn’t find a coffee shop where they could meet.

“So we thought, ‘if cheese doesn’t work out, why don’t we open a coffee shop?’” she said.

Late last year, the town’s ice cream shop was closing, so the women purchased all the inventory and furnishings and worked out a lease agreement.

“We’re the only coffee shop in Cannon Falls, and we also sell ice cream,” Lufkin said. “And our ice cream is big – like one scoop is about as big as two scoops at other places.” They also serve “typical” coffee drinks. They buy their coffee from Carlson Roasting in Houston, Minn. They are in a local food peer group (with their cheese business) with the owner of that business, Bob Carlson, who helped train them on the coffee equipment and how to make the coffee drinks.

CannonBelles has about 20 employees (including the three owners), all women – a mix of high school students and adults, include four from the previous ice cream shop.

“I think the reason we won (this award) is that we LOVE this town and love everybody who walks in the door,” Lufkin said. “We want our employee to feel that they have ownership; that this is THEIR shop. They develop new drinks and come up with new ideas.”

“We want to be inclusive, part of the community, to celebrate Cannon Falls and all the amazing things they have here,” she said.

And no worries – cheese is also still in their future.

CannonBelles Coffee & Ice Cream is located at 402 West Mill Street, Cannon Falls.

More information can be found on their Facebook page and Instagram page @CannonBellesCoffee.

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3627 N CR 45 Owatonna, MN 55060

84601 Olson Drive Madelia, MN 56062

Honorable Mention: Central Park Coffee Co. in Owatonna

By Beth Forkner Moe

CannonBelles Coffee & Ice Cream in Cannon Falls has been open only since April 1, but they were named Best Coffee Shop in the region after this short time.

“We are so excited!” Deeann Lufkin, co-owner,

NOBLERV.COM The Merlin Merlin Players The Playerspresent present

Leading Ladies

Written by Ken Ludwig Directed by Julianna Skluzacek Written by y Ken Ludwig

Dir Directed by Julianna Skluzacek

Join us for the opening

Join us for the opening show of our 25th season show of our 25th season “laughtiltilyour your withaa“laugh with face facehurts” hurts”comedy. comedy.

FEATURING

By Nicole Collins

BEST COFFEE SHOP

16701 Greystone Lane Jordan, MN 55352

October 25 + 26 | November 1 + 2 · 7:30PM October 27 | November 3 · 2:00PM

Honorable Mention: Seth Lintelman of Cup N’ Saucer in Sherburn

CannonBelles Coffee & Ice Cream in Cannon Falls

1260 Lake Shady Avenue S 5060 Oronoco, MN 55976

Amber Chesney, Patrick Braucher, Pam Buschow, Faith Jameson, Chuck Larson, Carter Martin, Mark Place and Tyler Vilt Paradise Center for the Arts · 321 Central Ave, Faribault 507-332-7372 during box office hours Tue/W/F/Sat: noon-5pm · Thu: noon-8pm · 1 hr before performances Also online at paradisecenterforthearts.org

Cakewalk in Northfield BEST CUPCAKE/CAKE

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Join the InspIred Floral desIgners as they showcase ideas to make your home look fabulous for the holidays! no cost to attend, but seating is limited.

Workshops held at Brown County Museum annex 2 n. Broadway, new Ulm. • Nov 14 6 pm • Nov 15th 1 pm • Nov 16th 10:30 am th

CONTINUED from page 19 Since its founding, CakeWalk—Northfield’s custom cake and dessert bar—has put an emphasis on uniqueness.

“We throw convention out the door when we design our goodies,” they say on their website.

CakeWalk boasts an array of custom-made, tried-and-true recipes that has helped build them a cohesive local presence and earn them Best Cupcake/Cake this year.

“This award means a lot to me and my whole CakeWalk crew,” said Teara Myers, CakeWalk’s Owner and Pastry Chef. “We are always creating new cupcake flavors and ideas for the shop to keep our customers and fans coming back for more.”

Myers expressed particular gratitude to the supportive local community in helping CakeWalk flourish over the years.

“I have honestly been blessed with being surrounded by amazing customers, having phenomenal employees, supportive family and friends, and being in such a great community,” she said.

“That’s what made CakeWalk become the best!”

CakeWalk is located at 303 Division St. in Northfield. www.cakewalknorthfield.com Honorable Mention: Bluebird Cakery in Faribault

Hubbell House in Mantorville BEST FINE DINING

By Nicole Collins

“This is a tremendous honor. We know there are a lot of restaurants out there, and we are so humbled that customers choose to dine with us time and time again. We can’t say thank you enough to all of our customers, including our many regulars from the area.

They are truly part of the Hubbell House family, and they are the BEST OF Customers! We will continue to work hard to provide our customers with excellent food and a memorable experience”— Kate Pappas, Project Manager Don Pappas and Alaina Pappas-Mitchell, own The Hubbell House, and the Pappas family has owned and operated numerous restaurants since immigrating from Greece to the United States.

The building has been in the family since 1930, and the Hubbell House restaurant, as we now know it, was opened in 1946, by Paul Pappas.

Along with all the appropriate trimmings, the restaurant serves-up top-notch, delectable steaks, ribs, shrimp/scallops, chicken strips, and much more.

“We are one of Minnesota’s few remaining supper clubs and in June, we celebrated our 73rd anniversary. We offer a fine-dining experience with a laid back and historical ambiance, and take pride in engaging with, and offering excellent hospitality to our customers,” said Kate.

Located at 502 North Main Street, Mantorville. www.hubbellhouserestaurant.com

inspirednewulm.com 507.233.4350

Honorable Mention: Ole Store Restaurant in Northfield THANK YOU FOR VOTING US THE BEST RETAIL JEWELRY STORE!

By Pat Garry

As we celebrate our 100th year, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all of the continued support!

Reunion in Northfield BEST DESSERT MENU Having opened only in April, Northfield’s trendy, innovative Reunion restaurant and bar has already caused a stir around the city. And their stellar desserts have already earned them the Best Dessert Menu award for this year.

“We are honored and pleased” to win the award, said Ashley Ringlien, Director of Event Sales and Marketing for the restaurant.

Situated in its memorably industrial, historic Division Street building, Reunion upholds a dedication to supporting local businesses and organizations, partnering with CakeWalk to offer their award-winning desserts, all the while helping build a “united” local community.

“We strive to partner with local businesses to delight and exceed our guest expectations, along with supporting our community,” Ringlien added. “Thank you CakeWalk and to everyone who voted for Reunion. [It has] been a labor of love. There is something for everyone [here].”

Reunion is located at 501 Division St. South in Northfield. www.reunioneatdrinkgather.com Lauren Kozelka & Matt Kottke

Honorable Mention: Cup N’ Saucer Café in Sherburn

By Nicole Collins

Voted Best Jewelry Store in Southern Minnesota 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 & 2019

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BEST FOOD TRUCK Lola’s Food truck is an extension of the restaurant that opened in 2009. It offers a mobile solution to feeding New Ulm and surrounding areas – offering the classic-with-a-twist cuisine.

The ever-changing food truck menu is a capsule of the bistro’s offerings -- creative takes on American and homey classics, served with a sense of humor (intense aromas, thick textures, bold flavors,

Downtown Owatonna

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Lola’s Food Truck in New Ulm

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cliché spellings in the restaurant’s own words). Recent eclectic options included bahn-mi tacos and muffaletta.

“With the truck we can run a five-item menu and change it as much as we want,” owner Lacey Lueth said. “It allows seasonal items, more creativity and the venue and people are always changing,” The truck resides most nights at nights at the Hub in Mankato but travels to private events as well. The menu is a capsule of the bistro’s offerings--creative twists on American and homey classics, served with a sense of humor (“”Intense aromas, thick textures, bold flavours, cliché spellings”” is how the restaurant describes itself).

Recent eclectic options included bahn-mi tacos and muffaletta, but it changes with the seasons.” www.facebook.com/lolaanamericanbistro Honorable Mention: Maria’s Taco Hut in Northfield

By Isabelle Wattenberg

sweaty factory. Fast-forward to June 1997, and Victoria’s Italian Restaurant is born.

“It’s been 21 years and we are still going strong. I am thankful every day for my hard-working husband, my father’s invaluable guidance, direction ( and checkbook) and for my brother and sisterin-law’s gracious help. The sacrifices were the cornerstone to our success…and I would do it all over,” expressed Natalie Victoria.

Owners Sid and Natalie Victoria; along with Sam and Maria Servin, oversee operations; and the recipes have been in the family for over 30 years.

Making regular appearances on the food-starters list are the Mechi’s Chicken dinner, the Mediterranean Salad, and the very popular Blackened Salmon with Mango Salsa. The dessert menu showcases the unprecedented Salted Caramel Almond Cheesecake.

Located at 7 1st Avenue SW in Rochester. www.victoriasmn.com Honorable Mention: Pizzeria 201 in Montgomery

By Pat Garry

Daily lunch SpecialS

BreakfaSt Mon. - fri. 8-11 aM Sat. 7-11 aM, Sun. 8:30 - 11:30

M-F 3:30 – 6:30 PM

Blast Softserve in Owatonna BEST ICE CREAM “We owe so much to the customer base. The support we receive from Owatonna and the surrounding communities blows us away every year,” stated April VonRuden.

Zach and April VonRuden and Tyler and Alex Morgan are coowners of Blast Softserve. Theirs is a seasonal ice cream shop, the most popular item offered is the house-made cookie dough.

Things that separate Blast Softserve from others are their large serving sizes and the close proximity to the recreational path (which many patrons utilize to bike or walk to The Blast).

“A big thank you to our employees, whose smiles you see out the windows…rain, shine, and sometimes even snow!”— the VonRudens 206 W Rose St, Owatonna www.facebook.com/Blast-Softserve-191513700884142 Honorable Mention: Hogan Brothers in Northfield

By Pat Garry

Victoria’s Ristorante in Rochester BEST ITALIAN FOOD “To be voted Best Of is a HUGE accomplishment. We love what we do and take pride in our recipes and food. We work hard and focus our energies on providing amazing Italian cuisine and service.

At the end of the day…Mission Accomplished!” exclaimed owner Natalie Victoria.

In the summer of 1993, Natalie was an unemployed college student, laboring at a factory job. She knew nothing of the restaurant business, but she knew that anything would be better than a hot,

BIngo EvERY FRIDAY AT 7PM!

Fielder’s Choice Tap and Table in Northfield

5 BEERs 1/2APPs! PRIcE FoR $15 LATE nIghT

BEST LUNCH Fielder’s Choice Tap & Table has three reasons for being named Best Lunch, according to General Manager Michael Wiggins – its varied menu, its customer service, and its large craft beer menu.

He also gives credit to the past two people who ran the restaurant, Charles Plaetz and Craig Korvela.

“We have a pretty extensive menu,” he said. “And we’re a scratch kitchen. Nothing is pre-seasoned. We make our own sauces, and we cook our meat to order. We get our food out pretty quickly, and it’s delicious.” The menu is varied enough, he said, that five people at a table could each get something different, from flatbreads to lettuce wraps to build-your-own sandwiches to burgers and more. “We cater to a lot of people.”

“And we also handle any issues (that might come up) well,” Wiggins said. “If there’s a problem or a mistake, we just take care of it. Our management team will actually go into the dining room to address any issues.” Recently, he said, there was a $80 to-go order, where the customer wasn’t satisfied. “I drove a replacement order almost to Hwy. 52 east of Dennison, 40 miles each way, on a 90-degree day with no air conditioning (because I didn’t want the food to get cold), and there was no charge. It’s a big deal to us that we address issues right away and make people happy.”

“We’re also known for a bigger tap beer menu than anywhere else in the county,” he said. “We have 30 craft beers, with a rotating menu. We’re also expanding our wine menu.”

Wiggins said the menu changes quarterly, with guess feedback playing a big role in what goes on each menu. “We put things on that people have requested. We try to cater to our community.”

Fielder’s Choice is located at 2300 Gleason Court, Northfield. www.fielderstap.com Honorable Mention: Central Park Coffee Co. in Owatonna

By Beth Forkner Moe

BEST MEXICAN FOOD El Tequila has been family owned and serving authentic Mexican

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BeSt BlooDy’S in toWn! MonDayS

5

$

cheDDar Burger With frieS

taco tueSDayS $

2 tacoS 3.99 DeckerS $4.99 taco SalaD $5.50

FRIDAY FIsh FRY $ @ 11 aM

8.95

in a hurry?

El Tequila Mexican Restaurant in Owatonna

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DuRIng BIngo AnD vIkIng gAMEs!

7:30-9PM sAT-ThuR

call anD orDer your fooD to go 507-645-8987 large groupS WelcoMe, call-aheaD’S appreciateD

faMily-frienDly Bar & grill

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CONTINUED from page 21 food for nearly 23 years. It started as just another family with some amazing recipes. In 1996, El Tequila Mexican Family Restaurant in Faribault, MN, was opened.

Soon, Owatonna was opened, and from there, Northfield, Waseca and New Prague restaurants were opened. Now, we have been serving Southern MN for 23 years.

El Tequila is renowned for their savory, original, and authentic Mexican food and drinks. They have served well over a million orders of what is widely regarded as the best salsa in Minnesota.

The good people at El Tequila welcome everyone to any and all of their locations, because they would love to make all a part of their family.

1830 S. Cedar Avenue, Owatonna www.eltequilarestaurant.com Honorable Mention: La Plaza Fiesta in Madelia

By Pat Garry

In addition to the excellent steaks, Porterhouse features a wide variety of seafood, most of which is shipped to the restaurant fresh (never frozen) every day or every other day. In fact, Hyde says, some people come to Porterhouse just for the clam chowder, which is made fresh daily by Porterhouse’s kitchen staff.

Hyde also credits the experience Porterhouse delivers for its popularity. “We’re full service fine dining with extremely knowledgeable servers and a very low ratio of servers to tables. Servers usually won’t have more than three tables in their section at a time. That way they can be attentive without looming over customers.

Porterhouse also features a full bar with an extensive by-the-glass and by-the-bottle wine list.

But it’s those amazing Angus steaks that really draw crowds from Southern Minnesota and the Twin Cities Metro.

“It’s quite an honor to have our steaks named the best,” said Hyde.

See for yourself at 9828, 11211 205th St W, Lakeville. www.porterhousesteakandseafood.com Honorable Mention: Starfire Grill in Waseca

By Scene Staff

Bend in the Road in Manchester BEST PIZZA The flatbread pizza at Manchester pub Bend in the Road — a dozen or so varieties available every day, made with all fresh ingredients -- has built a loyal following since Gina and Jeff took over the bar a couple years ago.

The duo wanted to honor Bend’s legacy as a neighborhood bar, which has operated since the 70s, but infuse flavors inspired by their travels across the US. Gina hails from Montgomery and got her start making pizzas at the local gas station where she worked during college, but jobs took her across the U.S., from Colorado to Portland.

“When I came back I made this joke,” Gina said. “I would not be serving my community if I didn’t come back and serve pizzas.”

Gina and Jeff added a full kitchen to Bend in the Road so they could offer food with the quality to match the level the musicians that play at the bar at least twice a week. Situated on the crossroads of highway 35 and 90, Bend in the Road sits at the perfect junction for musicians traveling just about any which was, and Gina has put effort into building relationships with those in the music industry to get national acts on the pub’s stage.

“It was truly an honor to be nominated,” said Gina. “And to win?

“It made my year.” www.bend-in-the-road.business.site Honorable Mention: Pagliai’s Pizza in Mankato

By Isabelle Wattenberg

PORTERHOUSE Steak & Seafood Restaurant in Lakeville BEST PLACE FOR A STEAK Angus beef, aged a minimum of 28 days. This is the key to the best steak in Southern Minnesota, at Porterhouse Steak & Seafood.

The Lakeville establishment and its sister restaurant north of Saint Paul in Little Canada have a strong reputation for combining excellent steaks with excellent service. Porterhouse General Manager Dave Hyde is extremely proud of what they do, and when you talk to him, it shows.

“Our ribeye and tenderloin are probably our two most popular steaks,” he said. “They’re very different—the ribeye is very marbleized while the tenderloin is very lean. But both are very popular.”

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Widerholt’s Supper Club in Miesville BEST SUPPER CLUB “We take pride in our service, consistency and relationships that we have developed throughout the years with customers; many whom have turned into friends. “We’ll just keep on doing what we’ve been doing all along.”—the Wiederholts.

Jesse Wiederholt, Becky Wiederholt, and Mike & Jenny Pine, are owners of the establishment. The Supper Club has been owned and operated by the family since 1932.

Wiederholt’s is known for their consistency in service and quality of food. Some of the favorite menu selections include the Prime Rib, BBQ Ribs, Chicken Kiev, Halibut and Walleye. Each entrée includes a relish tray, garlic toast, dinner salad and warm rolls; and choice of potato.

Hosts to many large banquet parties throughout the year, including fundraisers, grooms’ dinners, anniversaries, retirement events, holiday parties and anniversaries, Wiederholts has the venue to accommodate all of them.

14535 240th St. East, Hastings. www.wiederholtssupperclub.com Honorable Mention: The Hubbell House in Mantorville

By Pat Garry

Hogan Brothers in Northfield BEST SUB/SANDWICH Hogan Brothers’ Acoustic Café was opened in Northfield in October 1991 by Greg Heymans. After seven years at 405 Division in Northfield, Hogan Brothers’ moved down the street to 415 Division.

This doubled the space, making room for their in-house bakery and increasing the capacity to serve as many as 1000 customers a day.

And that obviously need that space, since they were voted Best Sub/Sandwich in this year’s poll.

Hogan Brothers’ specializes in hot hoagie sandwiches, featuring their honey-cracked wheat bread, baked from scratch daily, and their signature special sauce. Ingredient choices include Swiss cheese, provolone cheese, mayo, lettuce special sauce (an olive oil vinaigrette), tomato, onions, and mild yellow peppers. Flatbreads include provolone cheese, guacamole, mayo, lettuce, onion, tomato, shredded carrot, and mild yellow peppers. We offer soup and sandwich specials (chili is served every day!), and coffee and espresso from Anodyne Roasters. For dessert we offer twelve flavors of ice cream and homemade cookies and rice krispie bars.

Pro tip: the restaurant’s favorite hoagie is the Combo: ham, salami, corned beef, and all of the toppings.

If it’s your birthday, come on in (with identification, of course!) and get a free half hoagie and a medium fountain drink. If you have the good fortune to travel abroad, bring in a photo of you wearing a Hogan Brothers’ t-shirt, and receive a free half hoagie.

Enjoy your lunch, or your supper, or simply time with friends, at Hogan Brothers’ Acoustic Café.

Hogan Brothers’ is located at 415 S. Division St., Northfield. www.hoganbros.com

Club 57 in Waseca BEST WINGS “We are so thrilled to have been voted Best Wings by our peers.

Our staff works really hard to always ensure quality food and service,” said Mindy Jimenez, Event Coordinator.

Club 57 is a renovated grocery warehouse that now has become a destination for locals and visitors alike. Located on the first floor of the former WJ Armstrong warehouse, it bears wood floors and beams that go back hundreds of years. An eclectic collection of memorabilia adorns the cedar walls.

Owners Gene and Bonnie Miller wanted to restore this beautiful building and save it from demolition, and after brainstorming, they decided on opening Club 57 to utilize the space.

Of course, the infamous wings are a staple at Club 57. You can order wings your way and in a variety of basket sizes (wing specials offered on Mondays). Sauce choices: Thai Chili, BBQ, Buffalo, Siracha Bourbon, Teriyaki & Tropical Habanero.

“We serve great food in a really cool environment. It’s the best place to come hang out for Happy Hour. We have room for you to spread out, among our three patios and the game room,” Jimenez explained.

204 2nd St SW, Waseca www.facebook.com/Club57

Honorable Mention: Jersey Mike’s Subs in Mankato

Honorable Mention: Smoqehouse in Northfield

By Beth Forkner Moe

By Pat Garry

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Steve’s Meat Market in Ellendale

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BEST MEAT MARKET

“

e feel very honored knowing that we have always and continue to serve all our valued customers for over 46 years. We strive to offer high-quality goods and services. It’s always fun to receive such an honor and we are humbled”— Donnavon Eaker and

Rachael Lee, co-owners.

Steve’s Meat Market is a true Minnesota family-owned business in the small town of Ellendale, one mile off the junction of I-35 and MN Hwy 30. Donnavon and her husband, Steve, started the

business in 1973, when it was just a small meat market and grocery store. Over the years they worked tirelessly at improving and expanding their own line of smoked and cured meat products. In 1995, they built onto the site and contracted USDA Inspection, so they could sell their “Award Winning” products at the wholesale levels. “All of our products are widely recognized as the leaders in continuously offering high-quality smoked meat and sausage items,” Donnavon explained.

In 2006, Steve passed away and daughter, Rachael, stepped up to take over the daily operations of continuing the family business.

Steve’s Meat Market had already won over 175 state and national awards in smoked meats competitions at that time and Rachael has continued that legacy. At this year’s AAMP Product Show in Mobile, Alabama, Rachael came home with four national awards; which adorn the store walls, making a total of circa 225.

“We offer fresh retail cuts of meats and ground beef, over 100 smoked meat and sausage link products, over 65 varieties of Midwest cheeses, fresh frozen meat and chicken products, the top-rated smoked bacon products, along with many other services and food products that complement our outstanding small business. We are

Honorable Mention: Schmidt’s Meat Market in Nicollet

By Pat Garry

Old River Valley Antique Mall in Stewartville

antiques because there is always something new to learn or items I have never seen,” Chris said.

204 South Main Street, Stewartville www.oldrivervalleyantiquemall.com

BEST ANTIQUE STORE

Honorable Mention: Past & Present Antiques & Gifts in Waseca

“Receiving this honor is important to us, as it recognizes all of the hard work that we and our dealers put in to making our shop a destination for antiques, vintage, and collectibles. We pride ourselves in having a fun and inviting store, and we are happy that SE Minnesota agreed. Thank you!”—Erik and Chris Kujath Married couple Erik and Chris Kujath collected for many years. They ultimately decided to start selling at flea markets and became dealers in a couple of shops. Their passion for buying and selling antiques led the couple to open their own business.

Open seven days a week, the mall boasts circa 30 vendors (of antiques, vintage and collectibles) with over 7,000 sq. ft. of shopping area. The Kujaths also hold an indoor/outdoor flea market in June and October.

“It’s fun to meet so many people from all walks and to hear stories of what they collect or things they remember having as a kid. I will never be bored with the

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full service, six days per week, in the retail area of the store; and are constant inspected by the USDA,” commented Donnavon.

In the early winter of 2016, Steve’s installed the first Meat Vending Machine west of the Mississippi River. In the front (outside the premises), customers can now purchase a huge variety of meat and sausage products, 24/7. The machine’s inscription reads: We MEAT your needs 24/7, and people access the machine all hours of the day and night.

Among the popular/signature items at Steve’s are: five flavors of hickory-smoked bacon (the favorite is warm bourbon-smoked bacon), hickory-smoked ham and turkey products, 14 flavors of natural casing snack sticks, 15 flavors of summer sausages, over 60 varieties of fully cooked and/or smoked link grilling products, a full line of smoked or fresh breakfast links, marinated chicken breasts, and over 20 varieties of frozen patties for the grill.

Steve’s Meat Market is celebrating its 46th anniversary of “Smokin’ Success” this year. “We look forward to serving our valued customers for many more years to come. We are especially proud to say that we are a “true Minnesota-owned family business” and we know and we certainly hope, that our customers value that today more than ever!” exclaimed Donnavon.

210 5th Avenue, Ellendale www.facebook.com/Steves-Meat-Market

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By Pat Garry

Little Professor Book Center in Owatonna BEST BOOK STORE “It was a very pleasant surprise to be named Best in southern Minnesota. It is very nice to be appreciated by my customers and community at large. It makes the long hours worthwhile. And I could not have made it without the help and support of my wife, Margie.”—John Meixner John opened his store in 1986, after his mother convinced him to start selling his huge collection of books.

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Little Professor Book center is a general bookstore for children and adults. They sell new books, except on sales like Crazy Days, when John sells used library books by the pound. The Book center also offers games(children and adult), greeting cards, children’s toys and puzzles for all ages.

“It has been wonderful to be part of the Owatonna business community and being able to help someone find just the right book or gift is great,” Meixner commented.

110 West Park Square, Owatonna. littleprofessor8@gmail.com Honorable Mention: Content Bookstore in Northfield

By Pat Garry

K&K Boutique prides itself on offering trendy duds for all sizes and styles that won’t break the bank. Run by cousins Katie and Kristian Emerson, the shop carries clothes and accessories, specializing in versatile tops and a vast selection of handbags. You can peruse and shop online or with their new app, but it’s worth a visit to the Montgomery store to meet the staff (and get their expert advice) and browse the full collection. The duo also run a Facebook group for VIP shoppers where she posts new collection items for members to get a first look at the latest additions.

“My favorite part running this Boutique I would have to say without question is helping people find something that they not only look great in but they feel great in,” Kristian said. “A day where I can help someone find something they feel amazing in or even something they would have never otherwise tried is everything for me--it honestly makes my day.”

Kristian said she was astonished and happy to win Best Boutique.

“There are so many great shops in southern Minnesota and to have even been nominated I can’t begin to tell you how grateful I am for that,” she said. “I am truly blessed.” www.k-k-online-boutique.myshopify.com Honorable Mention: Bellebrook Boutique in Owatonna

By Isabelle Wattenberg

Chiropractic Care of Owatonna

K&K Boutique in Montgomery

along with her five siblings. Upon graduating from high school, she attended Southwest State University in Marshall, MN. She graduated with honors and obtained a double major in Biology and Chemistry in December of 2001.

In January of 2004, she started her chiropractic education at Northwestern Health Sciences University in Bloomington, MN. After graduating, Dr Laura started Chiropractic Care of Owatonna in November of 2007. Dr Laura and her fiancé were married in Owatonna in 2011 and they welcomed their daughter, Cora, in 2012.

They are both excited to grow and raise their family in Owatonna, surrounded by friends and family. Dr Laura is currently an active member of Owatonna Business Women, and completed the Leadership Owatonna program. She is continually looking for ways to enhance herself both professionally and personally to become a better chiropractor and community leader within Owatonna.

605 Hillcrest Ave # 120, Owatonna. www.owatonnachiropractor.com Honorable Mention: Cannon Pointe Chiropractic

By Pat Garry

BEST CHIROPRACTOR

BEST BOUTIQUE

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Dr. Laura Seid, D.C., grew up in North Sioux City, South Dakota,

HOLIDAY FARE

Voted Best Print Shop & Graphics for Southern MN

Max invites you to

SATURDAY, NOV. 2, 2019, 10:00-2:00

Tri M Graphics’

Open House a free, family friendly event

Saturday

11.9.19 9 AM to 1 PM

625 E Main St | Owatonna

Activities include:

We Think Beyond Ink! ™

• Write and mail a letter to Santa (He may even write you back!)

• Many kid friendly activities & crafts • Pet and play with adoptable animals from the Steele County Humane Society • Receive your 2020 TRI M CALENDAR • Meet and Greet your favorite mascot • Refreshments served

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TREATY SITE HISTORY CENTER, St. Peter JURIED ART, JEWELRY & CRAFT SALE FARMERS MARKET & BAKE SALE LEFSE SAMPLES hot off the griddle FREE ADMISSION to the Treaty Site History Center

ART! FARM! LEFSE! ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE ARTS CENTER GALLERY. SHOP. CLAY CENTER. CLASSES. LIVE MUSIC & STORYTELLING. 315 S. Minnesota Avenue, Saint Peter, MN 56082 artscentersp.org | 507-931-3630 Galleries are free, wheelchair-accessible, and open Wed.-Fri. 1-5, Sat. 10-5, Sun. 1-5

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supported by 25 advanced practice providers (including Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants). There are a total of about 300 employees. “We keep our medical specialties here so people (are able to stay) in town,” he said.

The clinic has been in Owatonna since 1946, started by two boyhood friends – Dr. Frank Anderson and Dr. A.J. Olson – after their service in World War II. It became part of the Mayo Health Clinic System in 1997.

Mayo Clinic Health System – Owatonna Clinic is located at 2200 26th St. N.W., Owatonna. www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/locations/owatonna

technologies they use and talking about orthodontia: how it works, why it is important, and how having great oral health affects one’s overall health.

The offices are warm, inviting, and filled with laughter. Because of the relationships with the patients, who they consider friends, the staff looks forward to their visits as a time to catch up on their lives.

Prairie Ridge Orthodontics is located at 475 26th St. N.E. www.prairieridgeortho.com Honorable Mention: Minnesota Orthodontics in Northfield

By Beth Forkner Moe

Honorable Mention: Allina Health Northfield Clinic

By Beth Forkner Moe

Mayo Clinic Health System – Owatonna Clinic BEST CLINIC Mayo Clinic is known world-wide and revered for its innovative and often miraculous healthcare. For some, that seems intimidating, but in Southern Minnesota, many communities have their own clinic that is part of the healthcare system. Since they’re in people’s hometowns, they have a hometown feel, with providers and staff already known to family. This year’s Best Clinic is one of those, Mayo Clinic Health System’s Owatonna Clinic.

We talked to Dr. Brian Bunkers, CEO and family medicine practitioner of the Owatonna Clinic about the award and why he thinks the clinic was chosen.

“Our staff is very committed to the patients we care for,” he said.

“People feel that when they receive care at our clinic. That’s the number one thing (that gives patients satisfaction). It’s easy to feel like a number (in the health care industry).”

“People feel the personal connections with patients. (Patients) feel they have someone to advocate for their care,” Dr. Bunkers said.

They keep the personal connection, he said, because “many staff live in the communities we serve. They’re not just caring for patients, but they’re our neighbors, we see them at soccer games, at the grocery store, at church. We have a connection with people. That’s what sets us apart.”

The clinic serves people in a 20-mile radius around Owatonna, with 61 physicians, in 21 different medical specialties. They are

Prairie Ridge Orthodontics in Owatonna BEST DENTIST/ ORTHODONTIST Dr. Jeff Loveless, DDS, MS, loves his job and the communities he serves. “I am grateful to serve the community and surrounding area where I grew up—people here are exceptional.”

Prairie Ridge Orthodontics is this year’s Best Dentist/Orthodontist. “We believe that one of Dr. Loveless’s most valuable tools is his willingness to explain things in a way that everyone understands,” their website says. According to Dr. Loveless, “My goal is that every person always has their questions answered—whether it is their first or last appointment.”

Dr. Loveless’s passion for orthodontics stems from “being able to witness a person’s change in self-confidence from the creation of a beautiful smile they are proud to show the world!”

At Prairie Ridge Orthodontics, the focus is always on the individual patient – their orthodontic needs, their timeline, and their comfort.

The staff treats its patients as members of their family, gently and respectfully, while providing professional and effective treatments that create healthy, beautiful smiles their patients can be proud of. Dr. Loveless and his team believe in establishing a one-to-one relationship with each patient and the family, working with them to determine the best way to achieve the patient’s goals in an affordable and timely manner.

They also have an emphasis on patient education, explaining the

Round Barn Farm B&B Event Center in Red Wing BEST EVENT CENTER “Being voted Best of is so rewarding for us. We had a vision of making this B&B event center something special and we are very pleased with this recognition.”—Kirk & Wendy Stensrud After staying at the B&B on their wedding anniversary, the Stensruds had such a great time, that they decided to buy the place.

They saw some great potential in expanding it further, into a wedding venue.

The Stensruds offer services for wedding events, romantic getaways, and bed and breakfast visits. There is great food and hospitality, with an awesome landscaped venue to enjoy on each visit.

“We have fireplaces, jacuzzi tubs for two in all rooms, and in-room massage packages are also available,” stated Kirk.

A few, scrumptious items offered at the Round Barn are: creme brulee grapefruit, cheesy grits egg souffle, and tasty homemade

Our staff is caring, friendly, and professional.

At L.A. Nails, we are striving for perfection.

We work hard to provide excellent service in a wonderful atmosphere!

We are different! Our pedicure chairs are pipeless, high standard, sterilized equipment that eliminates 99.9% of germs, bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Voted the best nail salon in Southern MN in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018.

Thank you for voting us Best Manicure in Southern Minnesota!

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L.A. NAILS 1500 Clinton Lane Suite E Northfield, MN 55057 (507)-664-2040 Mon-Fri: 9am-8am Saturday: 9am-6pm Sunday: Closed

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banana bread. Breakfast is often served on the screen porch, so guests can enjoy the outdoors.

The 8,000 sq. ft. Victorian mansion is full of vintage decor and has lots of space for gatherings; and the historic Round Barn was built in 1914.

Located at 28650 Wildwood Lane in Red Wing. www.roundbarnfarm.com Honorable Mention: Grand Events Center in Northfield

By Pat Garry

Your Time Fitness in Le Sueur BEST FITNESS CENTER “I must be doing something right as a small business owner. I took the leap to do this full time and to follow my passion. I feel honored that people took the time to vote for Your Time Fitness,” said Owner/Trainer Kris Krause.

Kris opened six years ago, in a small studio space. In 2017, she moved to the local, historical Powerhouse and expanded to also include a second business, Aerial Affinity (offering aerial fitness classes).

Your Time Fitness’ studio is small, making the classes more hands on and personalized for everyone, whether it is a personal training session, small group training or a group class.

The studio is designed to make exercise a fun experience. Kris offers both morning and evening classes, small group training, and personal training.

“One of our favorite challenges we bring around every couple of years is The Little Black Dress Challenge; this includes six weeks of accountability, with a Little Black Dress Party to celebrate our success,” Krause explained.

Other events sponsored by YTF are Burn the Turkey and 12 Days of Christmas Bootcamp.

110 West Oak, Le Sueur. www.yourtimefitnessmn.com

“I was so honored just to be nominated; I really was,” she said. “I never thought I would win it.

Here I am, this little newbie, and I was going up against businesses that have been established a long time, and big communities.”

Why does Klecker think she won the award?

“My parents used to say I have a ‘servant’s heart’ – I really enjoy helping customers,” she said. “I always stop what I’m doing to come behind the counter to help customers. That’s who I am.”

She has seven employees, and her husband and both of her sons also help in the shop. “It’s a family business,” she said.

One service Klecker provides that most florists don’t is renting tuxedos and suits to men for formal occasions. “That’s been a really nice addition to (the) wedding (aspect of the) business,” she said. “I don’t have to carry an inventory. People just come in, pick an outfit out of catalogs, and it gets sent to us. Parents have said it’s been so helpful to have a service like this in the community.”

Klecker credits her success to the people she surrounds herself with. “I’m only as good as my employees,” she commented.

Kleckers Kreations is located at 302 N. Cedar Ave. in Owatonna. www.kleckerskreations.com

Thank You For Voting Us Best Bagel Shop!

• Bagels to go • Sandwiches • Catering • Homemade Cream Cheese • Soups • Coffee • Sweet Treats

Open for Breakfast and Lunch!

(507) 451-3193 • 211 N. Cedar Ave, Owatonna Order online NOW! www.oldtownbagels.com

Honorable Mention: Judy’s Floral Design in Northfield

By Beth Forkner Moe

Honorable Mention: Owatonna Fitness

By Pat Garry

Kleckers Kreations in Owatonna BEST FLORIST After more than 20 years working in the commercial floral shop industry, Jodi Klecker decided to make a go of it on her own about 3-1/2 years ago and has never looked back. Klecker is the owner and manager of Kleckers Kreations in Owatonna, named the Best Florist this year.

The Dork Den in Mankato BEST GAMING STORE From Joe Huber’s perspective, there’s really no better place for gaming than the Midwest.

At The Dork Den, a game shop Huber began in 2012 with former co-worker and fellow gamer-

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The Owatonna location has about 330 employees, which Lauderville said are a good representation of the city itself. Some are retired; some are career Hy-Vee employees; some are high school and young adults; and some are people with disabilities.

Why does Lauderville continue to work with the same company for so long, through relocations (different communities in Minnesota, Iowa, and South Dakota) and the long hours a retail career entail?

“I enjoy the people, and the customers, and the challenge every single day to make things good and other people’s lives better,” he said. “And I always go back to the people. We’re excited to win this award; it’s a huge honor, and we appreciate everyone’s votes. We strive hard (every day) to be the best.”

Hy-Vee Owatonna is located at 1620 S. Cedar Ave., Owatonna. www.hy-vee.com

turned-business-partner, Greg Senske, gamers create their own community and find people with passions just like them in a place created by their peers.

The Dork Den was named Best Game Shop by Southern Minnesota readers for 2019, as it was in 2018.

The shop opened in 2012, where Friesen’s Family Bakery is now located on Riverfront Drive in Mankato. In 2013, the shop moved to its current location in Old Town Mankato, still on Riverfront Drive.

The den wasn’t done expanding just yet. Six months later, it took over another storefront next to it, and it’s been occupying two spaces since. Huber said he and Senske enjoy the space The Dork Den occupies because of the atmosphere of the location.

Specializing in comics and tabletop gaming, such as Settlers of Catan, Pokémon, Magic the Gathering, and Dungeons and Dragons, The Dork Den targets gamers of all levels. The shop also offers comic books and model kits for those interested in all kinds of various gaming and fantasy entertainment.

Find your favorite games or a new passion at The Dork Den, 603 N. Riverfront Drive, Mankato. www.thedorkden.com

Honorable Mention: Mackenthun’s Fine Foods in Lonsdale and Montgomery

By Beth Forkner Moe

Honorable Mention: Games n Geek in Northfield

By Scene Staff

Uffda Shop in Red Wing BEST GIFT SHOP “We are humbled and honored to receive best of nominations!

Thank you to everyone involved in the decision”!—Arne & Sara Skyberg The Uffda Shop was opened in 1977, by Rolf and Martha Skyberg, who thought Red Wing needed a Scandinavian import shop. Being of Norwegian and Swedish descent, respectively, they traveled frequently to Scandinavia, looking for treasures and worthy vendors.

The first location was in the Armory building on Plum Street, when it was filled with retail stores. After one year, they moved to the present location at Main & Bush Streets, across from the newly renovated St. James Hotel. Now, owners Arne and Sara Skyberg, employ ten, wonderful Uffda ladies who want to help you find the perfect gift.

The Uffda Shop is known for its fun and ever-changing variety of Scandinavian goods, from jewelry to crystal, sweaters, cozy socks, hats and mittens, books, kitchen and baking gadgets and Christmas décor. They offer online shopping at www.UffdaShopOnline.com.

202 Bush Street, Red Wing. www.facebook.com/Uffda-Shop

the doors and smiling. It makes all of the hard work worth it to see how it brightens peoples’ days. For me that is what my goal is — to make people happy.”

Zweber attributes a big part of that experience to the people who work at Donahue’s.

“I do have to say we have the best staff,” Zweber said. “All of our team members here, they love gardening and they can answer all of the gardening questions when our customers come in. They’re just very knowledgeable.”

Along with employees, the Donahue family is at the heart of the business.

“It is a family owned and operated business,” Zweber said. “I have six siblings, my son, my niece, my mom, who is the original owner, Lois Donahue, and it’s family owned and operated in that we are all raising our families here, we live in the community and we really care about our community, so it is quite an honor. It makes us feel good that people appreciate our hard work. We love what we do.”

Honorable Mention: Turtle Creek Nursery & Landscaping in Owatonna

By Renata Erickson

Honorable Mention: Country Goods in Owatonna

By Pat Garry

Donahue’s Greenhouses Inc. in Faribault BEST GREENHOUSE/GARDEN CENTER A year of preparation searching for new plants, attending trade shows, and ordering and scheduling plant materials has blossomed into Donahue’s Greenhouse receiving Best Greenhouse of Southern Minnesota.

“We try to make this a happy place so when people come in, not only are they going to find all of the plants they want and need for their gardens, they’re also going to have a good experience,” Julie Donahue Zweber, retail manager and part owner said. “After our long, hard winters it’s really nice to walk in here and see all of the flowers and all of the green. My favorite part is seeing people open

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Hy-Vee in Owatonna BEST GROCERY STORE Hy-Vee’s motto is “a helpful smile in every aisle.” Apparently, they live up to that motto.

The Owatonna Store Manager Chad Lauderville said winning this year’s Best Grocery store is “Awesome!” He had no shortage of reasons why he thinks they won.

“It’s our people,” he said without hesitation. “It’s our customers and our employees. We have great people.”

“I (also) think we have a great selection of food. We’re in a great location. We have a lot of fresh food and deals, along with a variety of prices,” he said. “Right now, our ads are on fire. I’ve never seen such great deals.”

Hy-Vee’s company values, according to Lauderville, who has been with the company for more than 20 years, are honesty, caring, trustworthiness, “all the fundamentals. My employees and I try to live those every day.”

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Sisters Salon and Day Spa in Owatonna BEST HAIR SALON/ BARBER SHOP Kelli Sackett, owner of Sisters Salon & Day Spa, has been in the styling and spa industry for more than 20 years, has been a stylist and colorist for 15 years. She was inspired to provide the Owatonna and surrounding area with a full service salon and spa that rivaled the services offered in the Twin Cities but with the low key, friendly, fun touch of her hometown. She built her business slowly and methodically and each step of the way was focused on what her clients wanted and on a place where talented stylists, nail technicians, massage therapists and estheticians could be part of an incredible team and grow their skills.

“It’s exciting (to have won this award),” Sackett said. “We’ve won it (several times), and it’s good that we keep getting it. I like that.”

Sackett started Heritage Salon in 2004, then purchased the Sisters space in 2011, joining the two shops into one.

“Our staff is so friendly; everyone is great,” she said. “We have a little different setup than most salons. We have different levels/tiers of stylists. Some are right out of school and others have been in the industry for many years. (Our customers) can choose who they want to see.”

“We also focus a lot on continuing education,” Sackett said. “We have one or two training classes each month (for our staff.” She has 39 employees.

“We have great customers and a fun atmosphere,” she commented.

Sisters Salon & Day Spa is located at 1293 21st Ave. N.W., Owatonna. www.sisterssalon.net Honorable Mention: Pure Elements Salon in Owatonna

By Beth Forkner Moe

Lonsdale Hardware & Rental BEST HARDWARE STORE Russ Sirek has always dreamed of owning a hardware store, and he finally got his chance when Lonsdale Hardware & Rental, which he passed on the way to work every day, was put up for sale.

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décor and accessories to liven up any space, be it your home, cabin, or office. And while there’s a generous selection to choose from, the airy, wood-accented space makes it easy to browse and get inspired.

Nicole started her career in home furnishings in 1997, running an antiques and home decor in Owatonna’s former Arnold House hotel.

As styles and customer demand changed, she adapted her stock, adding more gifts, clothing, and kitchen items. Nicole said running Urban Loft gives her the chance to express her own individuality while helping others add character to their own spaces. And it feeds her curiosity to explore and scout for new finds.

“That [is] favorite part for me, the hunt,” she said.

Located at 303 N. Cedar Ave. in Owatonna. www.urbanloftowatonna.com/contact

Zach Spinler Construction in Owatonna Deb and Russ opened Lonsdale Hardware as its new owners in November of 2010, and since then, they have been very intentional about paying homage to the 1920s building’s history while also evolving the store’s inventory to meet the community’s needs.

Deb explained they discovered one section of the store used to be reserved for trying on ladies’ hats, and they sanded the wood floors and restored the tin ceiling in this area, converting it into a gift shop that reflects the elegance of the room’s past.

The store carries all the essentials, including tools, nuts and bolts, and paint, but the pair invested in adding a bait tank to serve residents who regularly take advantage of the area’s many lakes.

“We’re trying to meet the needs of the people that are in this area,” Deb said. This mindset led them to include hunting and fishing clothing, equipment, and even licenses. Prior to offering bait at Lonsdale, Deb said, residents had to travel to New Prague or Shield.

Russ spent 20 years in the lumber industry before buying the hardware store, so adding lumber to their offerings was a natural area for expansion. These lumber services now include just about everything you need to build or renovate a house, from shingles to siding—as well as an expert to guide customers through the process.

“Russ provides a lot of knowledge because of being in that type of business for so long,” Deb said. “He’s able to help people with ideas and the right quantities.” www.lonsdalehardware.com/about Honorable Mention: Arrow Ace Hardware and Paint in Owatonna

By Isabelle Wattenberg

BEST HOME BUILDER/ REMODELER Zach Spinler is now a three-time consecutive winner of this award.

“It’s an honor to have the town you live in support your small business. I wouldn’t be half the company I am today without the awesome clients who keep me busy” he says.

One would think that taking on projects as large and complex as a custom built home by yourself would be a fate worse than death.

Spinler, on the other hand, lives for it. He enjoys the variety of his profession. He specializes in custom homes, remodeling, additions, decks, and Metro Metal roofs. He enjoys doing most of the work himself versus hiring everything out.

If you have a need for an addition or completely new home you can find Zach Spinler Construction on Facebook or by calling 507213-4443.

Honorable Mention: Schmidt Homes Remodeling in Northfield

By Scene Staff

Urban Loft in Owatonna BEST HOME DÉCOR AND DESIGN “With strings of fairy lights beckoning window shoppers, Owatonna’s home décor boutique Urban Loft is a can’t-miss stop for visitors and locals alike. Urban Loft, which home décor and antiques expert Nicole opened last year, carries a carefully curated selection of

Honorable Mention: Suburban Furniture in Waseca

By Isabelle Wattenberg

Kottke Jewelers & Gifts in Owatonna BEST JEWELRY STORE Having had the honor of being voted Best Jewelry Store multiple times, it’s no question that Kottke Jewelers is a well-loved establishment in Owatonna. Opened by Carl Kottke in 1919, and later taken over by his son, Bill in 1965, Kottke Jewelers has been a staple in Downtown Owatonna for nearly 100 years.

Matt Kottke has now been with the business for almost five years.

He, like his father and grandfather before him, has always taken great pride in serving the community with quality engagement rings and gifts. All three generations of Kottke men have worked hard to make it the truly wonderful place it is today.

Matt Kottke says meeting with customers and families who have shopped here for generations and hearing their stories is one of his favorite parts of the job. “People have trusted our store with some of their most meaningful and significant purchases they will ever make,” he says.

Excited to celebrate their 100th Anniversary next year, Kottke’s has every intention of remaining one of Owatonna’s most trusted jewelry stores and has every intention of celebrating many more anniversaries in years to come.

Call 507-414-7287 to schedule a cognitive assessment.

When reading is easier,

learning is easier.

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in 30 different coolers.

Since 1983, 35 years of serving the best brews, Firehouse Liquor offers everyday savings. They value their seniors and always have a discount for them in mind. Can’t find the right beer you are craving?

Their staff will help you narrow down your selection. If your favorite craft isn’t in stock, they’ll do everything to get it in the store. “[They have an] amazing selection and exceptional staff,” said Tiffany Morrill Peterson, a frequent customer of Firehouse. “They are courteous and knowledgeable.”

You can find the best liquor around at 607 North Stafford Road in Dundas. www.firehouseliquor.com Honorable Mention: Cash Wise Liquor in Owatonna

By Scene Staff

Kottke Jewelers is located at 115 N Cedar Avenue in Downtown Owatonna. www.kottkeejewelers.com

A lot of people say it, but when we say it, we mean it.”

All Fur Dogs is located at 503 27th Ave. NW, Austin. www.allfurdogs.com Honorable Mention: Muddy Paws Resort in Faribault

By Anne Kopas

Honorable Mention: Chappuis Jewelry in Faribault

By Emily Kahnke

La Nails in Northfield

All Fur Dogs in Austin

BEST MANICURE

BEST KENNEL/PET HOTEL/ DOGGIE DAYCARE Being voted Best Kennel in southern Minnesota is quite a feat for a business that’s only been open for about a year and a half.

Since the dog daycare, boarding and training business opened in March 2018, owner Andy Gray said it has already cared for 834 dogs across 644 owners. Each of those dogs was treated like a member of the family, said Gray, who even plays classical music for the pups each night to help them sleep.

The facilities themselves also reflect the highest of respect for man’s best friend, with recycled rubber floors designed to be easier on dogs’ joints, artificial turf that doesn’t need weeding or mowing (and eliminates the need to clean up muddy paw prints) and a lack of any chain link fencing. After about 14 years as a professional trainer and owner of two pups himself, Gray knows how loved and valued each customer’s dogs are.

“Our motto here is: If it’s not good enough for my dog, it’s not good enough for your dog,” said Gray. “We like to go the extra mile.

Firehouse Liquor in Dundas BEST LIQUOR STORE You can’t beat great prices and a wonderful selection when it comes to beer. And at Firehouse Liquor, that’s just what you’ll get.

This year’s winner of the Best Liquor Store in Southern Minnesota holds the best selection of craft beers, ciders, and wines you can find

Thank you Voters!

Best Bike Trail

Yet another win for Best Manicure in Southern Minnesota goes to La Nails in Northfield.

Tu and Minh Quach make sure their nail salon is always in tip-top shape when it comes to customer service, salon amenities, and cleanliness. They hired and trained a staff with values that matter most—putting their customers first.

It doesn’t come as a surprise. La Nails’ invites you in right when you walk in the door. Their manicurists are interested in you and your day. The conversations are always flowing with ease from when you sit in the chair to when you pay at the counter.

Find all of your manicure and pedicure needs at 1500 Clinton Lane E in Northfield.

Honorable Mention: Sisters Salon and Days Spa in Owatonna

By Scene Staff

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The Cannon Valley Trail, a 20 mile paved recreational trail, selected as “one of the Top Ten Rail Trails in the U.S.” - Rails to Trails Conservancy

Cannon Valley Trail • 507-263-0508 825 Cannon River Ave, Cannon Falls, Mn 55009 www.cannonvalleytrail.com • info@cannonvalleytrail.com A d d y o u r e v e n t f o r F R E E t o t h e T I M E L I N E c a l e n d a r . G O TO w w w. s o u t h ernminn . c o m / s c ene / c a len d a r & C l i c k + A d d a n E v ent

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Voted Best Wings!

15% OFF

ROOm Rentals On all Remaining 2019 dates!

507-461-1387 • starfireeventcenter@wasecamac.com aj photography

204 2nd Street SW, Waseca, MN 507.833.8756

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206 2nd Ave. SW For Reservations: 507.461.1387

204 2nd Street South West, Waseca, MN 507.833.7540

Call for information & Reservations: 507.835.1146 After 4pm: 507.837.9848

ADD YOUR EVENT FOR FREE TO THE TIMELINE CALENDAR. GO TO W W W. S O U T H E R N M I N N . C O M / S C E N E / C A L E N D A R & C L I C K + A D D A N E V E N T

Thank you for Voting!

BEST CHIROPRACTOR

Voted Best Theatre Troupe of Southern MN

Chiropractic Care of Owatonna

Chiropractic • Massage Acupuncture

Home during MEA or on a no-school day?

OPEN ART

605 Hillcrest Ave. Ste. 120 Owatonna, MN 55060

507-214-2584 www.owatonnachiropractor.com Dr. Laura Seid, DC Doctor of Chiropractic

AUDITIONS THEATER Purple Door Youth Theater

Sign up for a time online

MUSIC

ThAnkS for VoTing uS BeST BreAkfAST/Brunch

By Karen Zacarías

EVENT

Presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc., a Concord Theatricals Company.

SHOW OPENS:

OCT.

18

For additional show information and the rest of our 2019-2020 Season, please visit:

Order Online at CentralParkCoffeeCo.com

Monday - Friday 6:30AM - 5:00PM • Saturday 7:00AM - 2:00PM

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LTO Box Office Hours: Open October 14-27 Mon-Wed: 5:00–6:30 p.m.

Thur-Sat: 5:30–7:30 p.m.

Sun: 12:30–2:00 p.m.

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NOVEMBER

9 9 15 16 16 23 27 30

Wine, Women and Comedy at the Paradise Center for the Arts Jivin’ Ivan and the Kings of Swing at Signature Bar and Grill

Won’t Back Down, a tribute to Tom Petty at the Paradise Center for the Arts Bruce Burniece at 10,000 Craft Distillers

Okee Dokee Brothers at Paradise Center for the Arts The Homefires at Paradise Center for the Arts Old Country Boys at Boxers Bar

t l u a b i r a F O MINNES

TA

Experiencing American Stories

Relativity at Corks and Pints

DECEMBER

5-7 34

Like us on Facebook facebook.com/FaribaultTourism/

Winterfest in downtown Faribault

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AREA RUGS:

Tying the whole room

together

SPONSORED BY

The Design Element 1711 Premier Drive Mankato, MN 507.345.8708

Ian Laird Ian is a Lighting Specialist and designer at The Design Element, located in the Mankato Design Center. He can help you with all your lighting and design needs from planning to product selection.

O

ne of the most versatile tools in the designer’s arsenal is the area rug. They come in all shapes and sizes, can be patterned or plain, can have one color or many, and can be comprised of a multitude of materials. Rugs can be either unduly delicate or defyingly durable.

Area rugs are often first defined by their materials. Like clothing, they can be made of natural fibers and synthetic fibers. Often they are a mix of both, giving the strengths of each material and eliminating many of the natural weaknesses. Even though rugs may be treated to resist staining and wear, choosing the correct fibers for ideal use takes research and experience. This is just one instance where product knowledge is key. No product exists that is the correct solution for every space.

Together with material selection comes cleaning and care of your product. Make sure you know how to clean your rug according to the type of construction and amalgamation of fibers.

Like clothing, some rugs do not take kindly to a quick clean with water. On the other hand, some rugs require water without cleaner – dish soap included. There’s a reason some rugs are inex-

pensive (or likewise very costly) and often there’s more than meets the eye.

A unique benefit that area rugs possess is the capability of making a space cohesive and autonomous. Especially in an open concept design, delineation in floor covering creates groupings where walls otherwise would be – giving you uninterrupted line-of-sight while still creating conceptual division. Each of these “islands” you create can have a different function and its own personality with coordinating furniture pieces.

Be mindful of your overall concept, though, as your negative space is just as important as your possessions! Having too many rugs next to each other can create a cluttered feel. Working with a designer to configure a furniture layout includes smaller conundrums such as these and everyone’s space is unique.

One of the newer options available in the world of rugs is vinyl. A unique reimagining of an early 1900’s concept, vintage vinyl mimics the look of linoleum rugs or felt-base rugs but uses readily available materials and printing technology. They can easily be printed in a variety of colors and sizes in each of the many patterns, making it easier to tie the rest of the design together

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after other finishes are chosen. This is particularly advantageous for updating a space on a budget.

Maybe your space just needs a light makeover with a few new pillows, throw blankets, accessories, and a vintage vinyl that coordinates. They’re also easy to clean, lightweight, and durable. But, they are their own niche look.

If you’re not finding the area rug you’re looking for, whether not finding the right size, the color that matches your décor, or the pattern that works with your upholstery, consider custom bound carpet. Having a carpet bound or serged to your specifications is a great way to bring a custom look to a space. A custom carpet area rug can be cut to a specific size, bound with a border, or just serged for a clean look. They can even be backed with a non-slip material to forgo the need

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for a rug pad if so desired. Some carpet companies even offer this service in-house, making the process even more streamlined and eliminating some of the wait-time along the way. Much of the cost is dependent on the carpet chosen, so don’t think this is out of your budget just because it has the word “custom” attached to it.

Whether it be wool or vinyl – custom or off the rack – area rugs truly can be what ties the whole room together. Their colors can inspire the pallet for the entire space; simply, their existence can be what defines an area for a specific purpose.

They can bring life to a design and keep a layout grounded. Make an appointment with The Design Element and let us show you what’s possible with an area rug in your home.

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she now calls home.

“Medical procedures can be scary, but when you’re sitting in a room full of people who are lightly snoring… you can heal together,” Jade said.

Jade Community Acupuncture Clinic is located at 103 E Third St. in Winona. www.acupuncturewinona.com Honorable Mention: Harvest Seed Acupuncture in Northfield

By Samantha Stetzer

Fireside Orchard & Gardens in Northfield BEST ORCHARD OR BERRY FARM

Jade Community Acupuncture Clinic in Winona BEST MASSAGE/ ACUPUNCTURE The daughter of Florida acupuncturists, Jade Fang remembers the treatment being a common occurrence for ailments and pain growing up.

Now, a lifelong dedication to the craft has earned Fang’s practice, Jade Community Acupuncture Clinic in Winona, Minnesota, the title of Best Massage/Acupuncture in southern Minnesota. Fang offers her services on a sliding scale of $20-$40 in a community acupuncture co-op style. The goal, Fang said, is to offer affordable medical treatment for those who need it most – without breaking the bank.

“We get people unstuck,” Fang said. “Acupuncture itself is pretty relaxing. I mean it sounds terrible, but you don’t feel the needles.

So, once I put them in you have the best nap of your life… it’s pretty peaceful.”

After earning a master’s in acupuncture, Fang went on to study the practice in China. Now a member of the Winona community for the past 10 years, Jade Clinic has assisted in many philanthropic offerings, Fang said.

It’s just one more way Fang can continue serving the community

Tone Town in Mankato BEST MUSIC STORE Since 1990, Tone Music has been the premier musical instrument store for the city of Owatonna and the surrounding areas.

Tone Music has provided musical instruments and lessons to the Southern Minnesota area for nearly 30 years. Their vast range of services includes instrument repair, rent to own, and trading: everything from guitars to trumpets and flutes -- just about any musical note you want to make. Tone Music also sells amps, sheet music, CDs, DVDs, as well as instrument accessories and supplies.

Seasoned staff is on hand to offer suggestions and guidance, so you leave with the best size and sound. A large selection of vinyl records provides inspiration and ideas. www.tonemusic.net Honorable Mention: Tune Town in Mankato

In the early 1970s, Robert Harvey left his corporate job to fulfill his lifelong vision: starting an apple orchard.

Nearly 50 years after planting that first seed, the now-90-year-old visionary’s legacy has been named Best Orchard or Berry Farm in Southern Minnesota. Robert still helps when he can, but his sons, Todd Harvey and Doug Harvey, keep Fireside Orchard & Gardens in operation.

“It’s a family affair,” Todd said.

Since its inception, the orchard has grown into a southern Minnesota destination. A new retail store was recently added to the property, and the lush gardens invite visitors to stay a while. Sweets can be purchased from the orchard, and events are welcome, Todd said.

“We have a different approach, but we do have a place where people like to come and relax,” Todd said.

As for the main autumn attraction, the orchard produces a variety of apples each season, Todd said, including Sweet Tango, Honeycrisp, Keepsake, or Regent varieties. Of course, classics like McIntosh and Cortland apples are also available.

Whatever it is that makes Fireside Orchard & Gardens the best southern Minnesota orchard, Todd said he’s happy for the recognition.

“Oh, it’s flattering,” Todd said. “We must be doing something right.”

Fireside Orchard & Gardens is located at 2225 E Lonsdale Boulevard in Northfield. www.firesideorchard.com.

Honorable Mention: Trumps Orchard in Faribault

By Samantha Stetzer

By Isabelle Wattenberg

Now open on Thursdays!

4pm-9pm Fridays 3-9pm Saturdays 12-9pm, Sundays 12-5pm.

Sunday Football at the Winery Game board - FREE TO PLAY! (Sunday noon games only) Win great prizes each quarter

Upcoming live music and events: - 11/10 - Live Music - Joyann Parker 2-5pm - 11/10 - Marine Corp Bday/Veteran’s DayFree Tasting for Veterans - 11/14 - Paint & Sip 6-8pm - 11/16 - Live Music - Jake Ilika 2-5pm Veteran Owned - Family Operated

Vintage Escapes Winery 36

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8950 Dodd Rd, Kilkenny, MN 56052

Check website for the latest on upcoming music and events www.VintageEscapesWinery.com

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Reed’s Central Auto Repair in Faribault BEST PLACE TO SERVICE A CAR

Waseca County Auto Sales BEST PLACE TO BUY A CAR “This is very humbling. We have been in business for a little over three years and really never thought we would even be on the radar.

We work day in and day out to be up front, honest and hard working for our customers…and I have met some absolutely wonderful people in the last three years!” owner Jacob Dougherty exclaimed.

After 12 years as a pipefitter/pipe welder, Jacob was tired of being on the road and away from home. Having always wanted to own his own business, Dougherty cashed in his savings and opened the business.

Dougherty provides used vehicle sales and a service department; which handles anything from an oil change to replacing a motor. All of the vehicles go through a strenuous safety inspection.

“Our loyalty and honesty to our customers has made us successful thus far. Hard work, determination, and honesty, make anything possible. Oh, and come visit Harley, our family dog; he’s here at work nearly every day,” Dougherty said.

1421 South State Street, Waseca. www.wasecacountyauto.com Honorable Mention: Harry Brown’s Family Automotive in Faribault

By Pat Garry

After more than 20 years working on cars, it’s no surprise that Reed Rimpila of Reed’s Central Auto Repair has earned the trust of enough customers to earn the title of Best Place to Service a Car. Rimpila’s automotive career began right out of high school—but after a decade of working for others, he knew it was time to open his own business to ensure he could give his customers the best service possible in his hometown, getting things fixed correctly the first time. His Faribault shop is a one-man operation, where he does a little of everything that’s needed to keep a car in working order: tires, brakes, oil, steering, suspension and more. His business philosophy is simple, he said: give people reliable service without pushing them to spend extra cash, and they’ll keep coming back.

“It means a lot,” Rimpila said of the honor. “I’m just a one-person shop, and I didn’t think I could compete with all of the other businesses. It makes me feel good to do good work and have people trust me.”

Reed’s Central Auto Repair is located at 505 Central Ave. N., Faribault. reedscentralautorepair.com Honorable Mention: Ron’s Repair in Owatonna

By Anne Kopas

Tri M Graphics in Owatonna BEST PRINT SHOP/GRAPHICS “In this digital age, Tri M Graphics understands the value of tactile and in-person experiences, offering printing services that range from photos to event banners, customized invitations, and more. Offering everything from graphic design to binding and finishing, they’ve created a one-stop shop for personal and professional printing needs.

The company was founded in 1981, and was initially a part time project run out of the garage of founder Jon Jensen, where he printed calendars for school fundraisers.

From there it evolved into a full service printing company—although it remains family-run (Michael Jensen, Jon’s son, joined the company after graduating college and now serves as President) and stays true to its roots: Tri M gets involved in the community, hosting photography contests and participating in local craft fairs.

Michael Jensen said what he most enjoys about the business is learning clients’ goals and helping play a part in achieving them.

“The printing is important, but almost all printed pieces have a goal in mind to increase sales, membership or communication,” he said.

“It is fun when clients come back and share with us how their event was a success.” www.trimgraphics.com Honorable Mention: Kik Graphics in Blooming Prairie

By Isabelle Wattenberg

Rachel Springer in Owatonna BEST REALTOR Rachel Springer-Gasner, of ReMax Realty, has been a full time realtor in the Owatonna community since 2015. Inspired

by HGTV’s House Hunters (and missing her hometown as she worked as a flight attendant based out of Phoenix, Arizona), Rachel enrolled in classes at Kaplan Real Estate and shortly thereafter earned her license.

Working with clients to find their home in Owatonna is equally rewarding whether they are long-time residents or moving from out of town, Rachel said.

“I love that this is where I grew up, and plan to be, and I get to sell that to clients!” Rachel said.

“It is very exciting working with an out of town, or out of state client

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Voted Best Arts orgAnizAtion!

Thank you for voting for us!

Acrylics and Corks Your only locally owned Paint & sip studio

A Vo lso , B te Ar est d ti st !

1179 12th Ave NW, Owatonna, MN

507-318-9401

www.acrylicsandcorks.com

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CONTINUED from page 37 that I get to be a part of bringing them to Southern Minnesota and I can tell its a right fit for them and they will be happy here. I also love that my clients become friends, and I get to see them around town.” www.remax.com/real-estate-agents/owatonna-mn-55060-rachelspringer-id30071604.html Honorable Mention: Sandra McConn Halla in Owatonna

By Isabelle Wattenberg

storage sheds and garage sales, which is in turn another aspect of their business –helping families deal –in a timely manner -with all the things accumulated over a lifetime and “saving it from trash.”

SIFT carries a wide variety of household items, tools and a big selection of furniture, with weekly specials based on how long product has been in the store.

Inventory changes daily and owners Doug and Mary Klatt advise customers that many of their items are one-of-a-kind. What’s on the shelf today may not be there tomorrow.

“Walking through the store brings back many childhood memories for people,” said Doug Klatt. “They find vintage items just like what they remember from grandma’s house.”

For the Klatts, it’s fun to hear people talking about special things they are looking for, like a particular pair of salt and pepper shakers or a vintage knick knack, and then be able to find it for them. They keep a detailed notebook of special requests, and the system works.

Visit SIFT at 26 Red Wing Ave. in Kenyon and see why loyal customers go back time after time. www.sift4you.com Honorable Mention: Used-A-Bit Shoppe in Northfield

By Scene Staff

Noble RV in Owatonna, Rochester and Madelia

Honorable Mention: Kristi’s Clothing in Owatonna

By Samantha Stetzer

BEST RV DEALER “We love being involved in each community and are excited to be voted the “Best Of”; which makes us feel like we’re doing a good job taking care of our loyal customers in the area,” said Pat Noble.

Noble RV is owned by brothers Mike and Pat Noble. They opened the Owatonna dealership in 2006, after Pat purchased an old popup camper and couldn’t find a local RV dealership to service it.

Their dealerships are all equipped with sales, service and parts departments. In addition, Noble RV offers consignment, warranty repairs/maintenance, and more.

Noble RV is known for its extensive PDI (pre-delivery inspection) and is the only RV dealer in Minnesota with an exclusive RV Warranty Forever, which is included with the purchase of any RV three years or newer.

“When we started, we had zero experience in the industry. We started with nothing and have grown to one of the premier RV dealership chains in the Midwest. We care about our employees and customers,” said Mike Noble.

Find Noble RV at 1260 Lake Shady Avenue South in Rochester, and other locations. www.noblerv.com Honorable Mention: Joe’s Camper Sales in New Ulm

By Pat Garry

Farmers Feed & Pet Supply in Owatonna BEST SPECIALTY STORE Sixty plus-years strong, Farmers Feed & Pet Supply is an Owatonna institution, providing not only pet food, toys, bath and bed accessories, but also a wealth of knowledge about pet health and contentment. Owner Patricia Klecker first started working for the store’s second generation family owner Bernie Moe in 2013, and when Bernie decided to retire a few years later, she took it over.

“I love helping people with their animals,” Patricia said. “And “I always wanted when I was young to have a job where I could bring my dog with me.”

Patricia owns 36 animals, including horses, cows, goats, chickens, a hamster and a chinchilla—so she understands the bond between pet and owner.

“If you have happy animals you have happy owners,” she said.

“My priority is only selling great products—I don’t sell products I wouldn’t feed to my own animal.” Often she does in fact test out new brands of feed with her own animals before deciding whether or not to carry it at Farmers Feed & Supply.

“I want a really good, quality product so that customers trust what they’re giving their pets,” she said. www.facebook.com/616NCedar Honorable Mention: Hat Chic Clothing Co. in Owatonna

By Isabelle Wattenberg

Rare Pair Inc. in Northfield BEST STORE FRONT

SIFT Thrift Store BEST SECOND HAND STORE Need to affordably outfit a new household in a day? Done!

Searching for that elusive antique item? Here it is. It’s easy to see how SIFT Thrift Store in Kenyon earned the title of Best Second Hand Store (for the third year in a row).

The majority of SIFT’s product comes from purchasing estates,

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“We’re on a corner of an old historic building in historic Northfield,” Finger explained. “The building gets photographed a lot because it’s a beautiful building downtown. We’re fortunate enough to be on the main floor.”

Every few weeks, Finger and her team change the look of The Rare Pair’s windows. Finger used to search flea markets for props, but she now offers trades to diminish her stock piles and keep the window rotations fresh. Often, customers will offer their old suitcases and antiques for display in the locally-famous window.

“We work hard to have some appealing and eye-catching displays,” Finger said.

And for another year, it seems as though all that hard work has paid off.

The Rare Pair is located at 401 S Division St. #G in Northfield. www.rarepair.com

Someone once said it was all about location – and one Northfield shop owner just may agree.

The hard work of storeowner Krin Finger and her design team, Debbie Butterfield and Juley Jenkinson, has earned the store bragging rights as the Best Store Front in southern Minnesota once again in 2019. The Rare Pair opened as a shoe store in 1977, and Finger, a self-proclaimed proud townie, purchased the store in 1991. Today, the store sells comfortable shoes and clothing for men and women.

While the stylings in the store may be turning heads, it’s the creations that line the store’s five first-floor windows that make The Rare Pair the subject of budding photographers.

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Haute Skin Spa & Tanning in Owatonna BEST TANNING SALON Haute has been revolutionizing the tanning industry in Southern Minnesota since 2011. Thanks to their quality products and exceptional customer service, it’s no wonder that Haute Tanning has been a consistent front-runner and winner in this category for years. With their diverse assortment of services and products, Haute is forever changing and challenging the norm of tanning.

It’s no secret that the staff at Haute are passionate about what they do and the products they sell. Owner Cole Johnson said that he is very fussy about the products he sells. “If I wouldn’t use it, I wouldn’t sell it.” From the natural skin care products to their fragrances, Haute stands by its products, some of which are locally made.

Spray tans, sun beds, and spa services are just the tip of the iceberg when you walk into either location.

Haute Tanning has locations in both Downtown Owatonna and Faribault. www.experiencehaute.com Honorable Mention: Ultra Beach at Waseca

By Scene Staff

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In addition, Aldrich doesn’t have a travel charge for clients within the Northfield area and also sells computers, networking equipment, printers and offers installation set-up and configuration.

“This award is a great honor,” he said. “There are a lot of other companies in the area that do similar work and to be voted is a huge honor and I appreciate it.”

Alrich’s services include: Mac and Windows integration, Apple maintenance and upgrades, iOS issues, Apple server management and installation, PC hardware repairs, virus/adware removal, small business IT management, networking and wireless networking, printing installation and configuration, backup solutions and services, software installation, data migration for Windows and Mac, data recovery and mobile device management deployment.

You can find Aldrich Technology Consulting, LLC at 427 Division St. S. aldrichtechmn.com.

Honorable Mention: The Computer Store of Owatonna

By Scene Staff

Mecca Tattoo in Mankato BEST TATTOO PARLOR Located in downtown, historic Mankato, Mecca Tattoo is artistowned, which means designs are custom-created and crafted to stay bright and detailed. Owner Megan Hoogland opened the parlor in 2011 and inks designs alongside six other tattoo artists, each of whom add their own creative lens to guide customers to their ideal design.

The parlor offers walk-ins as well as consultations so tattoo artists and customer can spend time aligning on ideas and direction. The artists regularly attend tattoo conventions to continue learning and evolving their styles and skills. Hoogland said serving her customers is incredibly gratifying, and the award reflects the positive reputation and relationships she and her crew have built.

“I’m truly honored to have people trusting me with what I do,” she said. “It’s awesome to be recognized for our work, especially since all of our artists take pride in their work.” www.meccatattoo.com

Honorable Mention: Sollid Yoga in Owatonna

By Samantha Stetzer

Honorable Mention: Kinship Collective Tattoo in Northfield

By Isabelle Wattenberg

BEST TECHNOLOGY REPAIR With more than 16 service to offer to clients in need of technology assistance it’s easy to understand why Aldrich Technology Consulting, LLC has been awarded Best Technology Repair.

Owner Chad Aldrich has been in the information technology field for 18 years and is a certified Apple technician. He began his business three and one half years ago and recently moved offices to downtown Northfield.

“I will pretty much do anything with computers that clients need done,” he said. “I work with residential, business or nonprofit organizations, offer phone support and remote or onsite service.”

Best 20

Owatonna Veterinary Hospital in Owatonna

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BEST VET

Aldrich Technology Consulting, LLC in Northfield

Amy Machacek Shonka purchased HeartWork Studio in 2005, just five years after she began teaching yoga. Today, she continues to teach, pulling from more than two decades of experience in health and fitness.

Yoga is different than many forms of exercise because it focuses on the breath as well as how the body is moving,” Machacek Shonka said. “It has been around for thousands of years and continues to grow in its popularity.”

With 20 instructors, the studio offers weekly classes and specialty events. Attendees can choose from monthly packages and drop-in options to cater to their fitness goals.

In 2008, Machacek Shonka began a yoga teacher training school at HeartWork Studio. Since then, hundreds of students from across the globe have been trained at HeartWork. For those national and international visitors, HeartWork Studio is like nothing else, Machacek Shonka said.

“We love serving southern Minnesota. When people visit the studio from all over the world, we hear the same thing over and over, ‘This studio is like nowhere else in the world, and the people who take classes here are the nicest and most welcoming people anywhere,’” Machacek Shonka said. “We are proud of this area and the amazing people who attend classes here.”

HeartWork Studio is located at 101 W. 5th St. in Northfield. www.heartworkyoga.com

Owatonna Vet has been healing and saving pets for over 40 years.

The clinic has 10 staff members on hand to oversee the pooches and paws that come through its doors, focusing on small animal care that includes cats, dogs, birds, turtles and more. Owatonna Vet offers surgery as well as regular check-ups and consultations to keep our four legged (or beaked or scaled) friends happy and healthy. But the hospital is active in the community, participating in fundraisers for the Steele County Humane Society and local youth camps. They also use their Facebook page not only to engage and update followers, but to share information about cats for adoption and missing pet notices.

Penny Gute, a Veterinary Technician who has worked at OVH since 1982, said the hospital is proud to receive the honor of best Vet Hospital in southern Minnesota.

“Our lives revolve around our love and dedication for all animals,” she said. “We strive every single day to provide compassionate caring care to our clients and their beloved pets.” www.owatonnaveterinaryhospital.com

of

SOUTHERN Minn

Honorable Mention: Waseca-Clarks Grove Veterinary

By Isabelle Wattenberg

HeartWork Studio in Northfield BEST YOGA STUDIO With more than 35 barre and yoga classes, there’s something for every fitness level at HeartWork Studio.

The fitness center has been named Best Yoga Studio in southern Minnesota for 2019.

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he said. “This was a community effort of immense proportions. It wasn’t a small task, but with the help of 22 on-site contractors this effort came together and produced what you see here today. The best part about what was accomplished here is that of those 22 contractors, 19 of them were from within 60 miles of Waseca and five of them were from right here in Waseca.”

Next to speak was the field’s namesake. Tink Larson, a local baseball legend, was afforded a little more time and made a point to say that he couldn’t possibly name everyone who played a part in the reconstruction of the grandstand, but he tried.

“There were more than 500 individuals or organizations that helped in this effort,” he said. “But I’d be remiss to not mention the fact that without Duane Rathmann leading the fundraising effort, this wouldn’t be happening today.”

The first game played at the revitalized facilty, which features a large, netted bleacher area behind home plate, concession areas, a large electronic scoreboard, and more, was a Waseca High School contest on April 6, 2019. Since that time, Tink has stepped right back into its place in the community, serving as the primary for all spring, summer and fall ball.

Honorable Mention: North Alexander Park in Faribault

By Scene Staff

Tink Larson Community Field in Waseca

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BEST BALLPARK t was standing room only at the new Tink Larson Community Field grandstand on a Saturday afternoon in August 2018.

It was the grand reopening of a community treasure after a fire devastated it two years prior.

The $1.85 million project was funded thanks to $800,000 in insurance money, $350,000 in state funds, $100,000 from the Minnesota Twins and many private donations. The cost to the city of Waseca was around $200,000, roughly 11%.

Mayor Roy Srp sang the national anthem, and then he took the time to remind Waseca of who it is.

“This is our community,” Srp said. “Capital O-U-R. We’ve been through a lot.

Quad/Graphics and Brown Printing going away and also this grandstand burning down in April of 2016.

We’ve had our downs, but we’ve also had a lot of positives. This community always perseveres and we will continue to persevere.”

Dan Stenzel, project manager with Kraus Anderson, said that he’d never been part of a project like the one in Waseca.

“This wasn’t a project,”

at Hiller’s for the past three years, said she sees plenty of visitors stopping by to pick up beer for a fishing trip, or sitting down for a swig of whisky to warm up after a long ice fishing or snowmobiling outing.

The hospitality of Hiller and company has earned the business the title of “Best Bait and Tackle Store” two years in row.

“We’re super excited and honored that it’s our second year,” said Hawks. “It’s always great to hear that people like coming here. It makes all of our hard work worth it.”

Hiller’s Last Call Liquor & Bait is located at 8890 Morristown Blvd., Morristown. tinyurl.com/hillerslastcall Honorable Mention: John’s Bait and Tackle in Faribault

By Anne Kopas

Cannon Valley Bike Trail Hiller’s Last Call Liquor and Bait in Morristown BEST BAIT AND TACKLE STORE This Morristown shop combines two seemingly separate yet actually complimentary sets of products: bait and liquor. Attracting a steady mix of locals and travelers, Hiller’s Last Call has served as a one-stop shop since 2013, when owner John Hiller made the switch from construction worker to business owner.

The shop offers a range of tackle and live bait, connected to an off-sale liquor store and bar. Bartender Tara Hawks, who has worked

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BEST BIKE TRAIL For 100 years, the Chicago Great Western railroad shipped passengers from Red Wing to Mankato, Minnesota. But when the railway announced its closure in 1983, active citizens partnered with the Minnesota Parks Foundation to create 2019’s Best Bike Trial in southern Minnesota.

Completed in 1992, the Cannon Valley Trail is nearly 20 miles long and features a variety of Minnesotan ecosystems. Bikers and hikers are treated to prairielands, former camps, archaeological sites, observation areas, the Cannon River, a turtle preserve, bluffs, and scenic overlooks along the trail.

The only downside to the trail is deciding which time of the year is the best time to explore it. Trailgoers can enjoy early spring hikes filled with lush wildflowers, but snowshoers and skiers can argue that

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winter is the best time to enjoy the trail’s twists and turns.

Today, the Cannon Valley Trail is maintained by donations and annual memberships. The park is not part of the state trail system and relies on community support.

A $25 annual pass or a $5 daily pass is required to use the trail.

The Cannon Valley Bike Trail has three access points in Cannon Falls, Welch, and Red Wing. www.cannonvalleytrail.com Honorable Mention: Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail

By Samantha Stetzer

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bor Day,” Corchran says. “We like to give all of our guests a personalized experience.” They do a great job of providing this. They know most everything from the kids’ and parents’ names to the types of ice cream they like best.

The staff also get involved in the activities they host on the weekends. Slime Slip and Slides, Bingo, and DJ’s on the dancefloor are just a taste of the fun to be had a Kiesler’s. The kids are able to be kids and play on the playground outdoors and not using electronics, and the parents are able to relax at their site or by the pool.

Corchran and staff are dedicated to their work, and they make themselves available at all hours. “it’s the relationships we have with our customers that’s important to us, and we do all that we can to make sure they have a great experience.”

Kiesler’s Campground and RV Resort is located at 14360 Old Highway 14 in Waseca. www.kieslers.com Honorable Mention: Kamp Dels in Waterville

By Scene Staff our parks to be safe an enjoyable for every person of every age.”

You can head on over to Clear Lake Park and rent a watercraft from noon to 6 p.m. every weekend beginning Memorial Day weekend. Rentals start as low as $5 per hour with other options such as punch cards well.

Clear Lake Park is located at 1000 8th Ave NE in Waseca. www.ci.waseca.mn.us

Spare Time Entertainment in Owatonna BEST BOWLING ALLEY From kids to local nonprofits, Spare Time Entertainment bowled a strike when it comes to impacting the community, leading to their win of Best Bowling Alley in Southern Minnesota.

“There’s a lot to offer, which is really nice,” Assistant Manager Roxanne Ascheman said. “The kids have a lot of fun with the arcade games and then they get to pick out prizes with their tickets if they win and laser tag is a big hit too. It’s kinda fun to go back in the black light room and play different games.”

While the bowling alley is the busiest in the fall and winter, families, teams and organizations bowl with Spare Time Entertainment year round. Spare Time Entertainment also does events and catering, including weddings.

“We do Park and Rec and they come in and take up all of our lanes every Monday and they have a blast,” Ascheman said, “and then we host Special Olympics and high school bowling, so that really helps the high schoolers. They come out and practice a lot and it just gets people interested in bowling.”

Spare Time Entertainment also hosts a Big Brothers Big Sisters bowling event every year and supports community benefits by donating passes for birthday packages.

“Every time we try to create a memorable experience for every guest,” Ascheman said. “We want people to walk away happy and say they had the best time or that they had a really great birthday party and that’s really our niche — to create a memorable experience every time.”

Honorable Mention: Faribowl Bowling Center/Bashers Bar & Grill in Faribault

By Renata Erickson

Kiesler’s Campground & RV Resort in Waseca BEST CAMPGROUND Looking for the perfect southern Minnesota campground with the ideal mix of relaxation and fun? Look no further than Kiesler’s in Waseca. First opened by Kal and Barb in 1972, the campground has been kept in the family for three generations.

Kristi Corchran is currently overseeing the campground.

“I think what sets us apart from other campgrounds in the area is we offer planned activities every weekend from Memorial Day through La-

Honorable Mention: Lake Kohlmier Beach in Owatonna

By Scene Staff

Owatonna Country Club BEST GOLF COURSE Rolling rivers sneak through 140 acres of sprawling hills and forest clusters: the gentle landscape makes up the Owatonna Golf Course, which provides challenges and rewards to golfers of all levels.

With eighteen holes that demand accuracy while revealing arresting scenery, the course — updated in 2010 — encourages community, offering several ongoing leagues, and casual competition, with yearly tournaments and special events like Father/Child day and the City Open, which invites any Owatonna resident to participate. The Straight River Bar and Grill serves up pre- and post-game drinks and snacks, including happy hours and weekend brunch.

Dan Jacott is the County Club’s General Manager. He said what makes the Country Club a great experience is a combination of management that cares deeply about their membership, hard-working staff that are passionate about the work they do, and a membership that takes pride in being part of the Club.

“The membership is outstanding,” he said. “The membership cares so much for the Club and the city, and it shows.” www.owatonnacc.com Honorable Mention: Red Wing Golf Course

By Isabelle Wattenberg

BEST PLACE TO SWIM

Waseca Community Education Kayak/Canoe BEST KAYAK/CANOE Rental The city of Waseca and Community Education have combined in an effort to bring new fun and excitement to Clear Lake Park.

With the ever growing popularity in kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding, it was a no brainer for Waseca to add this sort of program to their community.

These rentals give people an inexpensive chance to get out on the water during the summer.

As young as 10 or as old as 60, there’s no stopping the fun to be had out on clear lake with one of their watercraft choices. Some people, despite owning their own kayak, have been renting from here just because of sheer convenience.

“We want people to have fun in the most affordable and convenient way.” Said Park Director Brad Dushaw “We’re committed for

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Faribault Family Aquatic Center Voted Best Municipal Swimming Pool, Faribault Family Aquatic Center offers many amenities for all ages and abilities, such as two large flume slides, climbing walls, and many activities, like the sand pit play area for little ones. The Center offers an hour daily for lap swim and parent/child swim before it opens up for open swim.

To ensure the safety of the Aquatic Center’s patrons, lifeguards are on duty during open hours. Also at the Aquatic Center, you’ll find a set of clean locker rooms for your convenience, as well as a concession stand to fill your belly after a full day of fun in the water.

The Aquatic Center is closed for the 2018 season, but keep an eye on their website for details on the 2019 season. If you are looking for somewhere to swim during the cold winter months, including a pool for lap swimming, check out the Faribault Community Center pool.

The Faribault Family Aquatic Center is located at 1830 Alexander Dr. in Faribault.

Honorable Mention: River Springs Water Park in Owatonna

By Scene Staff

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Welch Village BEST SKI SLOPE Are you an Olympic-level skier or snowboarder? Never been on a slope in your life? Want your kids you learn as soon as they can? No matter what, you need look no further than Welch Village, Southern MN Scene’s 2019 winner for Best Ski Slope, as it was in 2018.

Welch Village is actual two hills—East and West—with a multitude of slopes ranging from easy to double-black diamond difficult, so there’s something for skiers and snowboarders of all

St. James Hotel in Red Wing

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BEST HOTEL

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e are honored and humbled to see that our hard work to make the St. James Hotel the best hotel in Minnesota, is being recognized. We work every day to provide the finest guest service, genuine memorable experiences, and inspiring a connection to our rich, local history through our iconic, boutique hotel—Marilyne Bouteiller, director of sales & marketing.

The St. James Hotel opened on Thanksgiving Day, 1875, after a group of 11 civic-minded businessmen recognized the need for a first-class lodging establishment in Red Wing, which was the wheat-

trading center of the world at that time. Architects from the Minnesota firm of E.P. Bassford, outfitted the four-story Italianate structure in grand style with handsome furnishings, Brussels carpets in the lobby and English velvet carpet in the second-floor ladies’ parlor.

On opening night, guests marveled at the hotel’s modern features, including steam heat, hot and cold running water, gas on every floor and a state-of-the-art kitchen.

Overnight, the St. James became the hub of Red Wing. The first floor included three timeless dining rooms, a kitchen, office and baggage storage; while the lower level featured a parlor, billiard hall, barber shop, public baths and four water closets. The second floor featured a ladies’ parlor, a bridal suite and two ladies’ water closets. An elegant ballroom occupied the fourth floor.

Located within walking distance from the Red Wing Depot and the steamboat docks, the historic hotel was booked to capacity every night with travelers and boarders. The St. James’ chefs developed such a renowned reputation that the railroad adjusted its timetables to allow passengers to disembark and enjoy dinners there. Luminaries, such as President Rutherford B. Hayes, were among the more famous guests.

Today, the St. James is owned by the Red Wing Shoe Company.

Riverwalk Market Fair in Northfield BEST FARMERS MARKET There are lots of charming things about Northfield, and many of them can be found in its downtown.

One of those things occurs every Saturday morning, from the beginning of June until mid-October.

Just having closed up its sixth year, the Riverwalk Market Fair blends

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skill levels. Featuring a vertical rise of 360 feet from the valley floor to the summit, this premier ski area has plenty of challenges and thrills in its 60 runs.

If you’re new to skiing and snowboarding, Welch Village offers affordable equipment rentals and lessons for both adults and children. They also offer multi-day ski programs for kids looking to get more serious about skiing.

Not interested in getting cold? In the summer months some of Welch Village’s slopes turn into mountain biking trails as well.

Try out the slopes at 26685 County 7 Blvd, Welch. www.welchvillage.com Honorable Mention: Mount Kato

By Scene Staff

“Our historic Minnesota hotel continues to offer guests a blend of old-world service, luxurious amenities and culinary delights that it provided opening day over 140 years ago,” said Bouteiller.

St. James Hotel is a full-service property, boasting 67 unique rooms, 3 restaurants, 3 bars, 17,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event spaces, a coffee shop, a flower shop, day spas and a hair salon.

The Port restaurant is known for its prohibition cocktail, its steak and its seafood specialties. Jimmy’s is an English pub, known for its extensive bourbon selection and classic fish & chips. The Veranda is known for its light fairs and beautiful outdoor patio, which oversees the Mississippi River.

The historic hotel hosts several events throughout the year; from a Masquerade Dinner in October, to holidays festivities, Murder Mystery event, Cup Cake & Wine celebrations, and much more.

Check the SJH event calendar regularly for a full schedule.

Located at 406 Main Street in Red Wing. www.st-james-hotel.com Honorable Mention: Arch House River Inn in Northfield

By Pat Garry

the charm, the vitality of the arts, great local farmers and food artisans into one event.

It’s the diversity of the market, organizers say, that makes a venue where the community can celebrate its talents and have fun together.

So come for the food, and stay for the arts. Or come for the arts, and stay for the food. Either way, come check out the event that was named this year’s best farmer’s market, and won last year’s best art fair by our readers. www.riverwalkmarketfair.org Honorable Mention: Owatonna Farmers Market

By Scene Staff

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wheel begins to turn. Fairs are a pretty big deal and anticipated year round in rural America. However, in Steele County, the last food truck is barely able to make it out of the parking lot before planning for the next event takes place.

Recognized as the biggest county fair in Minnesota, the Steele County Free Fair brings over 2,000 animals in competition, more than 7,000 exhibits and a wide-ranging itinerary filled with live performances for each day. It is not hard to understand why it is recognized as the Best Community Event.

And beyond all of the flashing lights, greasy food and crying babies are people behind the scenes who made it all happen.

The Steele County Free Fair is a marriage between bucolic charm and big-time entertainment. www.scff.org Honorable Mention: Defeat of Jesse James in Northfield

By Scene Staff

Candlelight Inn Bed & Breakfast in Red Wing

and families’ lives,” Stanford said.

130 E Vine St, Owatonna www.learningrx.com/Owatonna Honorable Mention: Berne Wood-Fired Pizza & Concert Series in West Concord

BEST BED & BREAKFAST “This tremendous honor bestowed on us means everything to us, and as a married couple who shares the day-to-day duties of owning and managing an Inn, we are thrilled that our guests find our B & B so very special”—Dave and Eve Baer Opening a B&B has been a life-long dream of Eve’s. In 2017, after they were married, the Baers found a B&B residence in Country Living Magazine in Red Wing. Upon trekking to Red Wing and staying as guests at the Candlelight Inn, Dave and Eve, by happenstance, found out the Candlelight was for sale. Eve had quickly fallen in love with the warmth of the home, and the rest is history.

Already known for providing a five-star experience, the B&B offers three-course breakfasts, unique rooms, an historic Victorian experience, local guides, fresh unlimited coffee, snacks on arrival, superior hospitality, and custom accommodations.

Popular Items: cranberry orange scones; home-made cinnamon rolls; wild rice bacon quiche; warm apple pear soup.

Located at 818 W 3rd Street, Red Wing. www.candlelightinn-redwing.com Honorable Mention: Historic Hutchinson House B&B in Faribault

By Pat Garry

By Pat Garry

Northfield BEST DOWNTOWN Northfield is known as a hub for arts and culture. This town has a historic, famous and endearing feel, complete with easy access to shops, restaurants and parks. Downtown Northfield has a uniquely peaceful vibe – its leisurely atmosphere makes visitors want to linger and causes residents to continue calling it home.

Bridge Square is almost something that would be seen in a movie, and Division Street hosts multiple unique shops and restaurants.

Parking, which is normally an issue in small towns, is easy to find.

But it’s the friendly residents that make this place interesting.

Frequent events are held downtown, boasting happy people with a genuine interest in supporting the town’s wellbeing. The Arts Guild shows off its gallery and hosts frequent performances. The Riverwalk Market Fair, held each Saturday through the summer, brings out the best in local products, and those who enjoy biking will love the bikefriendly roads.

The environment is clean and landscaped, and the convenient location of the restaurants and music venues is perfect for a night out on the town. There is always something for everyone to find and love about downtown Northfield.

Honorable Mention: Red Wing

By Scene Staff

Learning Rx in Owatonna BEST KEPT SECRET

Steele County Free Fair in Owatonna BEST COMMUNITY EVENT County fairs represent tradition and small town living. And for some, the preparation happens many weeks before the first Ferris

“At LearningRX, we identify weak skills that may be making learning and life harder than it needs to be, then strengthen those skills using fun, challenging mental exercises. We are different than tutoring in that we get to the root cause of the learning struggle rather than reteaching the same information,” said LearningRx owner Darci Stanford.

LearningRx Owatonna has been opened for 2.5 years. Ms. Stanford opened the center while her son was going through the program in the Twin Cities. With a background in child development it was a natural fit. She was impressed with the science behind it and the incredible results.

The Owatonna team has helped dozens of clients excel by training their brains to be faster and more efficient learners. Winning best kept secret will hopefully mean we will be less of a secret and give us the opportunity to help more people think faster, learn easier and perform better in school, work and life! “It’s been an amazing experience getting to see the positive impact this work has on individuals

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Northwoods Cinema 10 in Owatonna BEST MOVIE THEATER Northwoods Cinema 10 in Owatonna is simply a great place to see a movie.

Tickets are affordable and 10 screens gives the Owatonna and surrounding communities plenty of options each week. The heated luxury recliner chairs in the theater are so comfortable, it is a real challenge to stay awake.

Other amenities include advance ticket sales, stadium seating (to go along with the luxury recliners), digital sound, audio description, closed caption devices, handicap accessibility and a birthday party room. Of course, the theater offers popcorn, candy and all the other most popular concession items, too.

300 Allan Ave, Owatonna www.cectheatres.com/theatre/?tid=70 Honorable Mention: Cannon Valley Cinema 10 in Dundas

By Pat Garry

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Lydia Liza - Photo

by Zoe Prinds-Flash.

unity of music and care for each other’s ideas. It was such a romantic time. There was such a catharsis and an understanding that it was a beautiful thing to have a drive to create every day. My dad always said, “make something every day,” and I still live by that. Whether I’ve written a poem or doodled something or had a verse to a song.

I had a friend named Rose show me how to read guitar “tabs” when I was 14, and graciously gave me one of her guitars, and I just took off running. I never stopped learning. I taught myself all of my favorite songs. I never really learned how to read notation or music, I just kept listening and trying and deciding if things sounded good or not. I still to this day don’t feel like it’s something I do or don’t want to do, it’s a sort of “have-to” output. But I’m not sure I want to be involved in the overarching music ecosystem. I have a really hard time with the narcissism I’ve seen it put in people’s heads, which is super easy to fall into when people are staring at you doe-eyed and cheering after every song. I just want it to be something I forever love to do and have to do, feel safe to do, feel driven to do, listeners or not.

How did Bomba de Luz come together? Were you all friends first? Did you come together with the intention of starting a band?

By the time I was 15, I had a handful of pretty bad songs, and I called upon all the guys I knew from local schools who could play. I don’t think I was even very good friends with them, I just wanted to give it a shot, and we ended up all really loving working together.

Can you tell me about the inspiration for the song, Howl at the Moon?

That song is so special to me, it was one of those five-minutesongs that just rushed through me -- which sounds so fucking annoying and pretentious -- (but I do think theres an ethereal element to writing). I wrote it about my best friend in the whole world, Zeynep -- she was an exchange student from Turkey when I was a sophomore in highschool. We were absolutely inseparable. I don’t know STILL if I’ve recovered from her leaving. The song was just about how much I wanted her to come home to me so we could keep having bike rides on the Mississippi. She kept me living really authentically and wildly, because I knew she was going to leave, so we were constantly doing something. And I had just started getting really depressed (later to be diagnosed with clinical depression), and she kept me feeling like there was something out there to continue to seek. Just a little love letter to my best friend. :)

An interview with

Lydia Liza

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Story by Sarah Osterbauer Contributing Writer t doesn’t take long to figure out that Lydia Liza is not a typical 24 year old. With her unforgettable-thick-as-molasses alto and gift for crafting songs, she’s an almost 10 year veteran of the Twin Cities music scene. During which, she’s had a viral hit, gotten sober and performed alongside a slew of notable artists. After making waves with her band, Bomba De Luz as a high schooler, Lydia was awarded a full ride scholarship to attend the now defunct McNally Smith College of Music. Undeterred, she continued to make music, collaborating with other local artists, and now, releasing her first solo album Of Unsound Mind on September 13th. We connected with her via email to find out more about her new album, her life and what it’s like to make music in the current socio political landscape.

Tell me how you got your start in music. You taught yourself how to play guitar at 14? What sparked that interest? When did you “find your voice”? You have one of the best voices to come out of the Twin Cities - someone I would say could sing anything. When did you say to yourself, this is what I want to do? Was there an “ah ha!” moment?

Okay first of all, thank you so much for the kind words. Seriously.

When I was a kid, my family and I always sat around our dining room table just doing whatever creative pursuit we were after at the time. We’d all usually draw together or something, mom might write, my little sisters might read, my dad and I would draw, and we would just absolutely blast music. I think that freedom to be always helped me feel myself and feel safe, and like my ideas were valid, and it was all tied together under this

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Tell me about the songs on the new album. When did you write the songs? How long have you been working on them? I interviewed Justin Courtney Pierre about his new (solo) album and it sounded like you two met via the interwebs and you appeared in his music vid now he’s on your new single. Can you give me the details about how you met him and what it’s been like working together? Who else did you collaborate with and what’s the most important quality in a bandmate or someone you collaborate with?

I know Jillian Rae was involved in one of your videos too.

To me the music community here seems, for the most part really supportive in a way that other cities are not. How do you feel about the community and do you feel the familial vibe that seems to be apparent to outsiders?

Yes! Some songs were written [in the] Bomba de Luz days, but most were written in-and-after drinking. They always say for someone’s “debut” record it takes them (insert however -old-they-are-inyears) to write. So this record took me 24 years. And it’s about my life until now.

Justin hand-to-god was a hero of mine when I was a kid. I remember the day I got the “commit this to memory” by motion city CD. I listened to it religiously. I cried so much to “make out kids” and “feels like rain”. I had been with a friend and he said his friend Justin was looking for a guitarist and backup singer, and my jaw dropped, and I auditioned and somehow I got the gig. I don’t think I got the gig because I’m any good at guitar. Justin says it’s because I’m a weirdo, but a weirdo just like him. We just got along really well and challenge each other the way friends should. I am so lucky to have him and his little family in my life, my life has become so much richer for it.

I collaborated with a lot of people I really wanted to collaborate with. The band I have now are people I hand-picked because I loved what they did. Jillian Rae is one of the most incredibly loving and generous friends I’ve ever had.

I think you’re right about the community, there is a genuine care.

It’s very close and very small and very colorful.

For the new album, did most of these songs come to you post sobriety? Or some before, some after? What did your creative process look like, before and after becoming sober, if it changed at all?

My favorite thing about getting sober is how much quieter my inner critic became. It is so much less harsh when it is there. I read this really wonderful book called “Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert where

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she talks about showing up for your art -- whatever that avenue may be -- and giving it the respect it deserves. So I try to show up for it every day, even if that means sitting at a notebook. I have to write every day, a song or not, or I can tell my brain is a lot more sheepish about working for me.

Before I got sober I couldn’t even sit with myself or my thoughts or my ideas. I think when I got sober the vision became clear again, and goals became so much more attainable, and ideas were set in motion, and it was all easier. I don’t know if that makes sense.

What was it like having a song go viral? (re: Baby It’s Cold Outside Rewrite) It had to be wild to be on CNN. How much did that bolster your career if at all? What expectations did you have coming out of all that national coverage? Were those expectations met?

Going viral was a lot more stressful than I can explain. It felt like everything hinged on it. And at the time I was actually drinking a lot, unsure of my path, unsure of everything, and it gave me this false hope everything’d change. It didn’t. It didn’t massively bolster my career - mostly people were mad. But we got to donate a lot of money. That’s all that mattered, that’s all that matters. I’m happy to front the people who are angry every fricken holiday season, though.

You talked about this a little in the City Pages story, but if you feel comfortable talking about it more, can you elaborate on the struggles you had as a young musician playing notable venues and being around “adults” all the time. If you could go back to that time and give yourself some advice, what would you say or what would you do differently?

Yeah, man.

I had a hard time reckoning with the lack of safety I was afforded. I was constantly surrounded by adults, and drinking, and my age was misjudged and I was made to feel a lot older than I was. Being expected to act a certain age when you’re seriously just not there yet was a lot for me. I lost most of my highschool friends. I would have told myself to come back home to myself more. To have kept my friends. To keep it cool. To have drank less. To start fucking meditating or something. I was a massively anxious kid and it’s taken me until now, and still, to get even close to a handle on it. And to be surrounded by nearly 30 year olds when you’re sixteen is a massive age-shock. They’re dealing with parenthood and adult relationships and I thought I had to grow up so much faster than I really did. In actuality, nothing was being asked of me. No one was asking anything of me. But I felt this massive pressure of some big “ask”, and I didn’t afford myself innocence. That wasn’t very good for my self-worth, the way I saw myself, my confidence, anything. I constantly thought I was behind, when I really was comparing myself to literal adults when I was a literal kid. But I didn’t even get that

large-scale-national-scope shit. I cannot imagine how child stars feel, but I feel an ache when I think about it.

You decided to do a kickstarter for your album, how did you come to that decision and do you think that’s a good (business) model for artists to use to get things made?

A kickstarter wasn’t necessarily what I wanted to do, because I don’t like to ask for help, they’re a huge risk, yadda yadda. It can also sometimes get a bad rap. But I thought I’d for this one-time, ask for help and promise a better result than people were expecting by spending as long as I was comfortable on it, spending the money well, putting it back into the community, paying my friends, and making it this huge effort that was shared among many. I don’t think it’s a very good business model. But the people that love you want to see you do what you love to do, and if they can, they’re going to trust you and take that risk with you. And the rest of it is a massive act of gratitude; the packaging, the shipping, the communicatingdirectly-with-your-supporters, it’s a symbiotic relationship that has to be handled really lovingly and carefully. And if you’ve got gratitude and respect, you’ll have no problem doing that -- if you realize deeply and truly what people are doing for you, you’ll give that much effort right back. I would be nothing without the nurturing and patience and love and care I have been afforded, and for that I am massively grateful.

How does it feel to be making music in 2019, Trump era, #metoo era?

Do you feel empowered?

Do you feel a responsibility to comment on the societal things that are happening? Do you feel discouraged? What do you think the role of an artist is in times like these?

Re: #metoo, I think call-out culture is important. I think cancel culture is dangerous. I’d like to focus in on some sort of restorative justice, but we’re just not there yet and as a culture we’ve got no fucking idea what accountability looks like.

I think putting any sort of pressure on yourself to be the next free-wheeling Bob Dylan is toxic to your own self, too. I just write what I like and hope people connect, and as an individual, I try to constantly seek accountability and care and compassion in my relationships. I haven’t been good at it. I’m a selfish addict trying to retrain this wild brain that picked up all kinds of shitty coping mechanisms. I’m still not good at it, but we should all constantly seek to be better, and seek accountability, and face the scary, heavy, head-and-heartpounding stuff. Every person you meet has a trigger, a trauma, had an alcoholic parent or an abusive relationship, and all we can do is try to be tender to that, and in turn be tender to ourselves through navigating that.

It goes without saying that women put up with a lot of crap in the music industry and even as things appear to be turning around

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(slowly), there are obviously still obstacles to overcome. How do you handle mansplainers, misogyny, or men you encounter who try to make you feel less than? What can men do to be better allies for women?

Fuck, I literally just started this quest this year.

Even just identifying misogyny was really hard for me in the beginning. I think a lot of men genuinely don’t know., which makes it so hard to change those behaviors. I think I’m still guilty of a whole lot of smiling-and-nodding. And the search to find how to hold my abusers accountable has been difficult too, because women make so much space for men… Because our safety is threatened when we’re trying to hold others accountable. Recently my mantra’s been “It is not your job to make him feel comfortable.” But it’s rampant. And men gotta do a lot of educating for themselves. I genuinely think there should be a lot more hand-holding by men for men, a lot more men-calling-men-out out, women are tired. We’ve put in a fuck ton of foot work.

Where is your favorite venue to play and why?

I think anyone you ask this question to is going to say First fucking Avenue mainroom! The history.

The staff. The ~ambiance~.

Will you be playing any venues in Southern MN in support of the new album?

I sure hope so. I’ll keep you posted.

You played Big Turn Music Fest this year in Red Wing. Can you tell me how that went for you and if there are any notable differences between your Twin Cities fans and the fans in the outskirts of MN? I love Big Turn, I love Red Wing. I don’t think there’s a huge difference.

What do you want people to know about the new album? Is there a clear theme or message you want to get across?

I just want people to connect with it. There’s no story, no beautiful mythology to it. I didn’t leave my life and run to a cabin. I got sober because I had to, and a lot of people have to. It’s called Of

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Unsound Mind... because who isn’t of unsound mind!?

Are there any particularly great stories about recording the new album? Something funny that happened during the process or something really cool that happened by accident or without trying? Maybe a song was supposed to sound one way but went another.

The song “Starting to Choke” used to be a jazz ballad. Then I joined Justin Courtney Pierre’s band and got pop punk flowing through me. (Who am I kidding, it was always there). So I pulled on some influences like Brand New and Fall Out Boy and all of those influences and came into rehearsal today and I said, “guys, I’m sorry, but Starting to Choke is a pop punk song,” and we played it, and it was, and so it became, and so now it shall be, and also with you.

What are your plans for the future? Do you see yourself in the market for a big record deal?

I’m at the 20-something age where I’m absolutely positive I need to leave the country, backpack, lose myself, find myself, be myself, move to a different state, go back to college, drop out again, get more tattoos, cover up some tattoos, make new friends, reorient, settle down while going crazy. It’s a new story every day. I can’t keep track.

I’m restless and I haven’t started and I’m already over it because I’ve been at it. I don’t know about record deals. I don’t know anything. I just want to have a farm with a couple cows, and fifteen dogs, and a big window over my sink where my horses can peak in and give me forehead kisses while I do the dishes.

Who would your dream collaboration be with? Any musician, songwriter or singer (someone alive that you could actually work with if the opportunity rose).

Neko Case, Lissie, Miley Cyrus. I want to be surrounded by empowered women who empower women. Babes supporting babes.

Of Unsound Mind is out now, wherever you digest music.

SMS

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Abandoned farmhouse along MN State Hwy 19 in Redwood County.

LOWER LEFT: Autumn, black and white field in SW MN. BOTTOM LEFT: Barn and truck near Delhi, Redwood County MN.

Through a SoMinn Lens:

Photos and text by Audrey Kletscher Helbling www.mnprairieroots.com audrey@mnprairieroots.com

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grew up in southern Minnesota, just not the part of southern Minnesota familiar to most. My childhood farm site sits outside Vesta, west of Redwood Falls, which is west of New Ulm, which is west of Mankato. That’s my usual explanation for my home region, often considered the middle of nowhere.

But this agricultural area is somewhere. This place of small towns and farms still holds my heart, even though I left decades ago. This place shaped me as a person, a writer and a photographer. Here I learned the value of family, of community, of the land, of hard work. I connected to the land through working the land.

When you live in a simple setting devoid of distractions, you notice the nuances. The wind howling around the corner of a woodframe farmhouse during a blizzard. Heat waves rising off a cornfield in July. The scent of earth at spring planting and fall harvest.

The taste of sunshine in garden-ripened tomatoes. The sandpaper roughness of a cow’s tongue licking your hand.

I remain forever rooted in the prairie. You can see it in my photos—in the subjects I photograph and how I photograph them. I shoot overall scenes, then zoom in. Sort of like the prairie. At first glance, it appears vast and unvaried. Up close, not.

In my creative nonfiction, fiction, poetry and blog posts, I write with a strong sense of place. My personal blog of 10 years celebrates my roots in its name, Minnesota Prairie Roots. In 2014, readers of Southern Minn Scene selected me as the Best Local Blog/Blogger, a category no longer part of this annual competition. I appreciated the honor.

My primary professional joy, though, comes not via accolades, but rather in the creative process. The crafting of words. The capturing of a photo. I strive to tell a story in images and in words that embodies the spirit of my beloved southwestern Minnesota prairie, of me. SMS To see more of the prairie influence on Faribault freelancer Audrey Kletscher Helbling’s creative work, visit her blog at https://mnprairieroots.com.

ADDTIONAL PHOTOS pages 48-49

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Close-up of abandoned grain elevator in Seaforth.

Shingling a barn, rural SW MN.

Sign once posted outside Audrey’s hometown of Vesta.

Cornfield close-up north of Lamberton.

BELOW: Pick-up in field near Delhi.

School bus near Morgan, MN. A d d y o u r e v e n t f o r F R E E t o t h e T I M E L I N E c a l e n d a r . G O TO w w w. s o u t h ernminn . c o m / s c ene / c a len d a r & C l i c k + A d d a n E v ent

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TOP: Sign at event in Vesta Community Hall.

King Koin Launderette sign in downtown Sleepy Eye, MN.

ABOVE: Sign on convenience store door in Morgan, MN.

Highway outside Morgan, MN.

Evan, MN.

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Refurbished theater marquee in downtown Sleepy Eye.

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Sleepy Eye, MN water tower.

TOP TO BOTTOM: Water fight at community celebration, Vesta, MN. Old fence post, north of Lamberton.

Sculpture of Chief Sleepy Eye in Sleepy Eye, MN. Laura Look-a-Like Contest, Walnut Grove, MN. 2013.

Swedes Forest Town Hall, rural Belview, MN.

Bin at Meadowland Farmers Co-op in Vesta.

Rural SW Minnesota, sunset & power lines.

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THE Calendar Compiled

By Anne Kopas editor@southernminnscene.com

single, “Toolmaster of Brainerd”, was named by City Pages as one of Minnesota’s 50 Greatest Hits, and that group was included by nationally influential radio station The Current in its 2017 list of 893 Most Essential Musical Artists of All Time. Opening this special concert at 7 pm is Matt Arthur, from Ellendale, Minnesota is a one of a kind singer of gospel, traditional folk and blues, and Johhny Cash type country music. Tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for kids or a family rate no more than $50 total. www.facebook.com/musicspaceowatonna/

Bob Dylan and His Band 8 p.m. October 24 Mankato Civic Center Arena, Mankato Legendary singer-songwriter Bob Dylan heads back to his home state as part of this year’s tour. Dylan began making his name in the 1960s, with the release of his self-titled debut album in 1962. From there, his songs such as “Blowin’ in the Wind” became synonymous with the civil rights and anti-war movements of the era, tackling politics with a folk sensibility. Over the decades, he’s amassed a score of awards, most notably the Nobel Prize in Literature (2016). Here’s a chance to see Dylan return to his roots (or come close, at least) — though he’s lived much of his life elsewhere, he was born in Duluth and spent his childhood in Hibbing, giving Minnesota the chance to claim him as one of its own. mankatociviccenter.com

Holiday Fare: Art, Food, Lefse!

10 a.m. November 2 Treaty Site History Center, St. Peter Whether you claim Scandinavian heritage or not, there’s little more Minnesotan than lefse. Head to St. Peter for this annual holiday tradition, switching locations to the Nicollet County Historical Society’s headquarters at the Treaty Site History Center this year. Shop for locally made crafts and art (pottery, jewelry, ornaments and anything else you can think of), fresh farm produce, baked goods, and more, plus all the free lefse samples you can eat. And all the lefse you can take home to your family before running out of freezer space. While you’re there, check out the museum and learn some local history, enjoy some outdoor trail walks, and get involved in other community activities. artscentersp.org/home/holiday-fare

Max Weinberg’s Jukebox 7:30 p.m. November 2 Sheldon Theatre, Red Wing

Matt Wilson & His Orchestra 8 p.m. October 25 The Music Space of Owatonna, Owatonna The amazing concerts from top caliber internationally known musicians in Owatonna at The Music Space of Owatonna continue this fall with a really unique concert on Friday Oct. 25. Matt Wilson & His Orchestra. That one. The guy from Trip Shakespeare. Trip Shakespeare’s

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Here’s one show that’s more like a party than a concert. Max Weinberg and his four-piece band perform all their music from real-time audience requests chosen from a video display. With more than 300 songs on the menu — the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen and more rock classics — everyone will get to hear one of their favorites in this unique interactive experience, with no one going home lamenting that the band skipped the best songs. Weinberg himself was the longtime drummer for Springsteen’s E Street Band, earning him a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014, and has also appeared on late night TV with Conan O’Brien. sheldontheatre.org

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Tonic Sol-fa 4 p.m. November 3, Northfield Middle School Auditorium, Northfield Formed at St. John’s University, this four-man a capella group has made its name as one of the state’s most highly acclaimed vocal acts.

The group has recorded more than 20 live and studio albums of both Christmas tunes, covers and original music — everything from The Temptations to The Killers to the “Scooby-Doo” theme. The St. Paulbased group has toured throughout the world, but this Northfield concert supports a special cause: proceeds benefit Ruth’s House of Hope, a Faribault nonprofit that provides housing for women and children in crisis situations. reverbnation.com/tonicsolfa/shows

Blue Earth’s Annual Holiday Sampler November 8-9 Green Giant Statue Park, Blue Earth Bring on the holidays with Blue Earth’s citywide sampler event, an annual town tradition. Spend the weekend shopping special sales at local businesses and enjoying goodies and activities like trolley rides,

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community meals, open museums and a prize drawing around downtown. Holiday cheer begins Friday night with strolling carolers.

On Saturday, Santa comes to town for the annual laying of the scarf to keep the Green Giant statue warm throughout the winter. (He’ll also be around to greet the kids, so don’t forget the camera.) blueearthchamber.com

Rochester City Jazz Fest November 9-10, Gray Duck Theatre & Castle Community, Rochester Head to Rochester for a weekend of jazz with local and regional performers, featuring both new talent and old favorites. This year’s lineup includes H3O, the JC Sanford Trio, Loud Mouth Brass, Lucia Sarmiente 5tet, Constellation Band, Les Fields and the Turkey River All Stars, LaSonya and 2 O’Clock Jump, and more, bringing a wide range of jazz and funk styles to the stage. On Saturday, father/sons trio H3O performs a live accompaniment to silent Charlie Chaplin films in addition to a set of original music. On Sunday, the rest of the bands play a full set of shows afternoon to evening on two different stages, so there’s bound to be a little something for everyone.

snowshoe or cross-country ski along the John Turner Candlelight Snowshoe Trail, or take a sleigh ride (weather permitting). Afterward, head inside to warm up in the tasting room with music, wood-fired appetizers and, of course, mulled wine. Morgan Creek Winery will also be releasing its 2018 Saint Wenceslaus wine, so attendees can be among the first visitors to try it. No matter the weather, embrace the cheer and merriment of the season with soft lights, good company and local wine. morgancreekvineyards.com

mytownmymusic.com/event/rochester-city-jazz-fest

The Beach Boys: 12 Sides of Summer 8 p.m. November 15 Treasure Island Resort and Casino, Welch

Great River Road Holiday Harvest November 9-10, various wineries

Wine, Women and Comedy with Jen Kober 6:30 p.m. November 9 Paradise Center for the Arts, Faribault Jen Kober has stormed onto the national stage with her unique blend of stand-up, storytelling and improvised rock-n-roll comedy. Now, she’s bringing her best hour of comedy to Faribault for an evening of high-energy hilarity. Kober has recently taken her comedy from the stage to the screen, landing appearances in films and several television shows, including “The Middle,” “The Mindy Project,” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” She earned NPR’s 2017 Snap Judgement Comedic Performance of the Year award for her viral “Girl Scout Cookie Caper” story. In 2018, she followed up with a Comedic Performance of the Year award for her story “How I Was Saved By Waffles.” The event also features a pre-performance wine tasting, though we promise the show will be funny whether or not you partake. paradisecenterforthearts.org

Celebrate the fall harvest and beginning of the holiday season by exploring some of the region’s best wineries. The Great River Road Wine Trail hugs the Mississippi River, spanning from the Cannon River Winery (Cannon Falls) in the north to Eagles Landing Winery (Marquette, Iowa) in the south. Other southern Minnesota spots along the trail include Garvin Heights Vineyards (Winona), Riverview Vineyard & Winery (La Crescent), Falconer Vineyards Winery (Red Wing) and Flower Valley Vineyard (Red Wing). Ticket holders receive a wine trail glass and six-bottle tote, along with wine samples and food pairings at each stop. Stop at just one or two, or try to visit all in one weekend to sample the best of southern Minnesota’s scenic vineyards. greatriverroadwinetrail.org/events/holiday-harvest

Christmas Candlelight Wine Tasting

There’s no need to buy plane tickets to bring those California good vibrations to your Minnesota autumn. The Beach Boys are touring with their decades years of hits for a night of classic surfer rock. Since their garage-band origins in the early 1960s, the Beach Boys have sold over 100 million records (earning them the title of one of the world’s bestselling bands of all time) and have had 36 US Top 40 hits, including “Surfin’ USA,” “Be True to Your School,” “I Get Around” and “Good Vibrations.” Spend an evening enjoying the sounds of iconic rock ‘n’ roll, enjoying the throwback surfer sounds, pretending you’re on the beach. ticasino.com

The Winter’s Tale November 15-17 Sheldon Theatre, Red Wing The acclaimed Twin Cities theater company Ten Thousand Things presents a unique take on William Shakespeare’s classic “The Winter’s Tale,” a magical story of loss, redemption, renewal and forgiveness.

Rather than experiencing the story played out onstage like a traditional play, actors perform on the floor inside a circle of chairs with minimal sets, accompanied by live orchestral music that brings extra life and drama to the show. The dynamic, intimate lights-on format

6:30-9 p.m. November 15 Morgan Creek Vineyards, New Ulm Don your warmest coat and mittens and explore the vineyard via

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Winona ArtWalk

encourages a new level of imagination and engagement with the actors and story. Limited seating is available, so be sure to get tickets early so you don’t miss this one-of-a-kind theater-going experience.

10 a.m.-4 p.m. November 23, Winona

sheldontheatre.org

Explore scenic Winona and take in the area’s best art at the annual ArtWalk. Artists and creators from around the area showcase their work each year in local galleries and studios. For art enthusiasts, it’s an opportunity to see what local artists have been up to over the past year. Plus, it’s not too early to be thinking about your holiday shopping — each artist will have works for sale, so here’s an opportunity to support local artists while checking a gift or two off your list before things get busier in December. Check the website closer to the event date for a detailed list of exhibitors and other participating businesses.

Once Upon a Mattress November 20-24 Frank Bridges Theatre, Austin This is the classic fairy tale of “The Princess and the Pea” like you’ve never seen it, with more romantic, raucous shenanigans than ever before. In this modern interpretation of the familiar story, Prince Dauntless is beginning to lose hope of ever finding a bride--until the arrival of the unconventional Princess Winnifred. This comedy musical journeys through royal courtships and royal comeuppances to a hilarity-filled romance that may change the way you look at fairy tales forever. Some material may not be suitable for young children.

riverartsalliance.org

riverland.edu/student-life/fine-arts/theatre/current-season

Southeast Minnesota A Capella Festival Southern Minnesota Christmas Festival 11 a.m.-3 p.m. November 16 Mankato Civic Center, Mankato Bring in the holidays with an afternoon of merriment for kids and adults alike. Get started on your gift list or get some new ideas for your holiday parties with more than 50 vendor and craft booths.

For the little ones, there will be crafts, games and photos with Santa Claus, all accompanied by live music. Plus, support families in need by bringing a new, unwrapped toy to donate to Toys for Tots at the dor (this is your “ticket”). It’s a great way to get some shopping done before that Black Friday rush. facebook.com/mnxmasfest

11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. November 23 Mayo Civic Center, Rochester

Fairmont Glows Festival 4 p.m. November 22, Fairmont Fairmont’s annual holiday festival brings light to the long winter nights. Bring the kids to watch Santa and Mrs. Claus ride in from the North Pole and land at the Fairmont Municipal Airport (cameras highly recommended). Later in the evening, downtown comes to life for the Glows Parade — a bright, sparkling display of light, color and holiday cheer. Stick around for the pre- and post-parade activities, like a hot stew dinner, live music, hot chocolate and other fun and games scattered throughout downtown. While you’re there, bring the wish lists for some holiday sales at local businesses. This will be the 30th year of the parade and celebration.

The ninth annual Southeast Minnesota A Capella Festival gathers the area’s best high school, college, community and professional a capella singers for a day of workshops and kid-friendly public performances. This year’s theme is “Music Through the Ages.” Check the website for the lineup of concerts throughout the day; advance tickets are required. Back by popular demand this year is headliner “Six Appeal,” Minneapolis’ own six-part a capella group. Formed in 2006, the group has released two studio albums and have performed alongside nationally known artists including Andy Grammer.

It’s an opportunity to hear some of the area’s best vocal musicians — no instruments here! mayociviccenter.com

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SoMinn Food & Dining

Review

N 54

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pat garry JOURNALIST – COPYWRITER – EDITOR – FEATURE WRITER My experience spans 19-years, and I will apply my skills to help beef-up any lifeless copy within your website, brochure, press release, catalog, etc. - patgarry@charter.net

estled in Bluff Country, on the Root River between Preston and Lanesboro, the Old Barn Resort is the place to make lasting memories all year round. The Resort celebrates its 30-year anniversary in 2020. It was originally a farm, which has existed for 135 years; and the Barn itself has stood for quite some time.

Owners Travis Dundore and Eric Brenna run a close-knit employee-driven establishment. “We choose to run our kitchen with a team effort, as there are many people who deserve credit. The folks prepping food and doing dishes play a role that is just as important

American fare: smoked meats, burgers, steaks and sandwiches. Though the Old Barn is rapidly becoming famous for its scrumptious burgers, the fan favorite still remains the smoked ribs (prepared with brushed-on house-made BBQ or house-made honey chipotle BBQ sauce). It’s usually a “full-house” on Wednesdays, when the guys feature the celebrated ribs at a-buck-a-bone. “We also do a Fun Burger on Saturdays.

The chefs have some fun and make a different burger each Saturday; and the customers love it,” Dundore said.

A few more of the signature items highlighted are: the Old Barn Burger; all the essentials – cottage bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion and cheese. It’s a classic with great flavor. Chicken Strips; hand-cut and hand-dipped in housemade beer batter. Ribeye Steak; it’s a 12-oz. hand-cut steak – marinated with

as the person cooking,” explained Dundore. The Old Barn Resort serves lunch and dinner. They offer classic

love and grilled to the customer’s liking.

The Old Barn’s delectable cuisine is scripted on an extensive menu. Some of

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the choices include Starters: loaded fries, chicken strips, deep-fried pickles, onion rings, cheese curds, and more; Burgers, Sandwiches, Wraps: big bleu burger, mushroom swiss burger, bacon/cheese, haystack; smoked BBQ pork sandwich, veggie melt, bacon/ lettuce/tomato, crispy cod filet, French dip, Philly cheese steak; chicken/bacon/ ranch wrap, buffalo chicken wrap, Asian wrap, Caesar wrap; Dinner Entrees: (served with garlic toast, potato, and veggie of the day); smoked ribs, pork plate, cod, smoked beef, chopped sirloin, ribeye steak, smothered chicken breast. Also, the restaurant offers a comprehensive kids’ menu, along with plenty of delicious sides and salads.

Dundore and Brenna are proud of the complete venue they have developed. There are many things that make the Old Barn Resort a unique and beautiful property in southern Minnesota. “Our team members are some of the best. The pride and passion they have for The Barn is amazing. That is portrayed every single day. And certainly our customers are very important to the Resort. Not just because they are customers, but because of the love they show for this place,” Dundore remarked. The Barn is beautiful and the ambiance is second to none. What makes the business so special is the history and natural beauty that the Resort offers. It is a 135-year-old farm, converted to a true Minnesota camping resort. After all, where else can one pull in, park, and not have to get back in the car until returning home? “We are in a valley that offers so much natural beauty. The Root River bike trail flows right through our property, connecting us to all of the surrounding communities. The restaurant and bar are just footsteps away. We have an 18-hole golf course right on site, which was voted one of the best in Bluff Country,” explained Dundore. The Root River itself also flows through the property and offers some of the best trout fishing in the state; and of course there is plenty of canoeing and kayaking. There is a stage inside the Barn that was not being utilized to its fullest; so the guys introduced live band nights a couple of years ago. It has been a huge hit and there is no charge. It is simply designed for the guests’ entertainment. (Lunch and dinner served seven days a week; 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Restaurant hours change during the resort seasons, so it is best to call (507) 467-2512 with any questions). For additional information, please visit https://www.barnresort. com/.

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| NOVEMBER 2019

55

ALBUM REVIEW

By Daniel G. Moir editor@southernminnscene.com

Tove Lo Sunshine Kitty

udacious and Melodic, these two extraordinary album releases deserve significant respect and attention among the very best releases of 2019.

Charlie XCX Charli

Make no mistake, 2019’s most vibrant and creative music is coming from strong female musicians with aggressive pro-feminist ideals and messages. This is especially evident in the new releases from a pair of forceful European artists, Sweden’s Tove Lo and her English counterpart, Charli XCX. While both singers are certainly separate individuals with vigorous personalities and viewpoints, these albums are inextricably linked seemingly as companions, and serve as guides for assertive, non-compromising artists who follow.

While not formally associated or planned, the two independent releases by the former collaborators (Charli XCX was previously featured on the 2018 Tove Lo song “Bitches”), work to compliment each other’s albums and make an overall seamless musical experience.

Charli XCX may have better melodic tendencies, but Lo possesses the more unique voice. Both play to their respective strengths consistently throughout. Album production and mixes on both releases is vibrant, warm and imaginatively rendered.

Sunshine Kitty and Charli utilize a variety of collaborators throughout, but none of the guests ever overshadow the main artist, instead serving as enhancers on the mate-

A

Sunshine Kitty Album Grade: B+/ACharli Album Grade: A

rial. The Twin Cities’ own Lizzo is especially notable on Charli’s “Blame It On Your Love” as the talented rapper drops wildly clever rhymes with a musical panache that shows just how much she deserves her new-found national popularity.

Although both albums are built heavily on dance-oriented electronic music, Charli XCX is the more “futurist” of the duo. Tracks like “Click” and “Shake It” take bold risks while striving to establish new directions within the genre. Like any set of experiments, they succeed to varying effect. While the hip-hop influenced “Click” is innovative and daring, “Shake It” comes up as more of an incomplete mess. A nice try, but…

Throughout Charli, the artist matches her audacity with a sense of sensitive introspection. Songs like “White Mercedes” balance self-doubt and insecurity against a supremely confident melody and an emotionally delivered vocal. It is heartfelt and honest. While she possesses an engaging vocal quality, XCX utilizes an auto-tune effect wrapping around her melodies to great success. This is best realized in “Warm.” The song is an auditory tour de force that deserves inclusion on many of the “best of 2019” playlists yet to be created. A song of unrequited love, Charli XCX trades verses with guest artists HAIM to devastating effect before all four singers blend their voices into a spine-tingling final chorus.

If Charli XCX’s path is sweetly nuanced and emotionally subtle, Tove Lo’s approach is more like blunt force trauma. After a brief spoken intro, Sunshine Kitty opens with the direct “Glad He’s Gone.” Addressing a girlfriend, Lo pulls no punches in her post

break-up advice. Her lyrics are both blunt and sexually graphic. While some may find Lo’s uncompromising attack to be “uncomfortable” or even “depraved”, that is to miss the point. What unites both Tove Lo and Charli XCX is their willingness to approach their subject material in the exact same way their male counterparts did years ago. They don’t let their (or anyone else’s) gender get in the way of anything. Lo makes this point specifically in describing a lover in such terms on the song “Bad As The Boys.”

Sunshine Kitty’s “Mistaken” uses the fiery Lo’s emotive vocals to fully covey the insecurity of worry that comes with the feeling that she perhaps doesn’t quite measure up to the former flame of her current lover.

Of the two, Lo has the more distinct vocal ability, and while emotionally similar to the sentiments XCX expressed in “White Mercedes,” she is able to really sell the emotion in a more convincing manner. Lo pairs this emotion with the hopeful life-long invitation of joining her partner on “Anywhere U Go” to close her album. For two artists willing to use their platforms in such an imaginative and challenging way, you would be wise to join them on their respective journeys.

Bottom Line: Two imaginative European artists release exciting, non-compromisingly honest albums that rank among the best releases of this year.

Innovative and melodic, Sunshine Kitty and Charli are confident, triumphant successes.

Daniel G. Moir has forgotten more about music than all the rest of us know combined. Reach him at editor@ southernminnscene.com

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THE BOOKWORM SEZ By Terri Schlichenmeyer

Bosom Friends:

The Intimate World of James Buchanan & William Rufus King

by Thomas J. Balcerski Tethered by a cord.

That’s what people think when they see you and your closest pal: that you’re tethered by some sort of invisible cord.

You think alike, talk alike, you sometimes mirror each other’s actions. Where there’s one, there’s the other even, as in the new book “Bosom Friends”

by Thomas J. Balcerski, when you’re often poles apart.

In the years prior to the Civil War, our nation’s Capital was “very much a work in progress”: roads were little more than mud,

neighborhoods were far apart and, indeed, Washington DC was a swamp to which most Congressmen had to travel. Since nearly all were landowners elsewhere, few elected officials brought their families to the city with them; those who came solo needed places to live, so boardinghouses – called “messes” – sprung up to house the politicians.

It was at one such “mess” that William King met James Buchanan.

King was born to be a politician: educated at the University of North Carolina, he almost immediately went into politics after graduation. He was a social man, and very charming, but he never married, blaming it on a broken heart over a Princess who was angered by a perceived insult. Balcerski hints that the

Full Throttle: Stories

by Joe Hill The pedal’s to the metal and you’re in a hurry.

You need to get somewhere fast, somewhere nobody’s ever been before - or you need to get away from there. The engine’s roaring to rush you across town or across time. Watch the road.

Beware of sharp curves and drive safely; in the new book “Full Throttle: Stories” by Joe Hill, hard-braking tires scream… and so will you.

Race was far ahead of the pack – so far ahead that his father, Vince, could barely see him on his Harley a

half-mile up-front. But that was just Race, and Vince still loved him, still wondered what went wrong to make Race a killer. Vince watched as his son let a girl get hacked to death, right in front of their whole biker group, and the kid was insisting on more revenge. But in “Throttle” (written with Stephen King), exactly whose revenge would it be?

John never planned on becoming a librarian, it just happened: after his parents died in a murder/suicide, he found a very overdue book that his mother had borrowed and when he returned it, one thing led to another and he ended up working in the Bookmobile.

It was a decent job, made better by the elderly patrons who came to get books, only in “Late Returns,” some of them got more than just reading material.

When the onboard movie went black, Gregg Holder,

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

Princess story was a convenient ruse.

Buchanan was also educated and politically-minded but his personal life differed: he was engaged to be married but a misunderstanding caused his fiancé to call off the nuptials. Before Buchanan could patch things up, she fell ill and died. For the rest of his life, he, too, claimed that a broken heart kept him from marrying.

At that time in history, says Balcerski, homosexuality was strictly forbidden but deeply “intimate” friendships between men were common and even encouraged; it seems likely that King and Buchanan formed one of these while living at the “mess,” partaking in debates together, and working at the Capital. Their “bosom friendship,” however, appeared exceptionally close: tongues wagged and others publicly teased the politicians for their particular bond.

But were they lovers, as rumors have claimed for over 170 years?

Inconclusive, as you’ll see in “Bosom Friends.”

There are many reasons to think either way; although author Thomas J. Balcerski says they weren’t, evidence otherwise is tantalizing.

To get there, though, will take some rock-climbing.

To understand the lives of King and Buchanan, one must inherently understand politics, of which much of this book consists. This is necessary, since it also shows division between the two men, ultimately both physically and emotionally; the scrappy political competition in which they engaged; and an untraversable gulf of disagreement – facets that, individually and together, are fascinating. Readers will clearly see the affection between the two men here, though we’ll never completely know the true nature of it: possibly-argument-settling written communication between the two disappeared shortly after the Civil War. That sets up a delicious double-mystery that leaves you to make up your own mind: letters lost or tossed?

“Bosom Friends,” or more than that? If you’re curious to know, this book will keep you tethered to your chair.

who’d been watching the famous woman sitting next to him, took note. He also noticed the shake in the pilot’s voice, as passengers were informed that they were landing in Fargo soon, diverted due to DPRK missiles. But in “You Are Released,” going to Fargo isn’t far enough… @TYME2WASTE was Tweeting her vacation, bored with everything, fighting with her mother, wishing she was home. Ugh. In “Twittering from the Circus of the Dead”, her eyes rolled hard when her father decided to stop at some stupid side-of-the-road circus. #DumbestThingInTheWorld.

In his introduction, author Joe Hill does something charming: he gives major kudos to his parents, as parents and as writers. This gives fans some great stories, and it offers readers insight from where Hill’s novels spring, as you’ll see when you read it.

Similar to his mother’s talent, the thirteen short stories Hill presents here ooze with a psychological tautness that goes unnoticed until you realize that your

fingernails are embedded in the arms of your chair and you’re holding your breath. It’s like hearing a chainsaw outside your house, and somehow knowing that it’s meant for you.

As does his father, Hill puts characters in situations that are distastefully disgusting and unimaginably frightening – a dead animal near a lake, a madman down the hall in your bedroom – but in Hill’s case, they’re exquisitely possible. There’s no revived-cats-inthe-cemetery here, no clowns-in-the-sewer; instead, there are things that, if you squint, really could lurk outside your window right now.

But don’t look. Instead, grab the keys, run, and get “Full Throttle” in your hands. Take a break and get ready to scream.

Bosom Friends: The Intimate World of James Buchanan & William Rufus King by Thomas J. Balcerski, c.2019, Oxford University Press, $34.95 / Higher in Canada, 337 pages.

Full Throttle: Stories by Joe Hill, c.2019, William Morrow, $27.99 / $34.99 in Canada, 480 pages.

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THE BOOKWORM SEZ By TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER

Kid Activists

by Robin Stevenson, illustrations by Allison Steinfeld Someday, this world will be yours.

You and other kids like you will be in charge of ensuring that the water’s clean, the air’s breathable, the land is healthy, and people are safe.

Yeah, you might think you’re just a kid now but as you’ll see in “Kid Activists” by Robin Stevenson, illustrated by Allison Steinfeld, every good change-maker had to start somewhere.

What do you do when you see something that you

think is wrong or unfair? A lot of kids whine and do nothing else but if you’re the kind of person who takes the issue to an adult and tries to change things, you’re in good company: for much of history, everyday people have stood up for what they think is right.

Before that happened, though, every one of those people was a kid.

Take Dolores Fernandez, for instance.

Little Dolores was born in a tiny town in New Mexico, the granddaughter of immigrants. When she was a kid, her parents split but she kept in close touch with her father, who was a labor organizer and a politician. As a teenager, she noticed discrimination in her high school and she started paying attention to the world outside of school. These, and other injustices,

We Are Lost and Found

by Helene Dunbar Adolescence stinks.

Look, there’s no other way to say it: it’s horrible. You’re expected to adult but you’re treated like a kid. You can see freedom but you can’t have it. Everybody thinks you know your future but you barely know yourself. And in the new book “We Are Lost and Found” by Helene Dunbar, you’ll see that nothing ever really changes.

Michael, James, and Becky.

They’d been best friends for ages and Michael couldn’t

imagine it any other way. On that New Years Eve 1982, their future looked stellar, even though Becky was in an iffy relationship, James kinda-sorta crushed on Michael, and Michael was sixteen and solidly single.

On that, he was careful. Months ago, his parents had kicked his older brother out because he was gay, never suspecting that Michael was, too. Michael figured they were secretly hoping he’d find a “nice girl” like Becky but instead, he was using his friends as cover while he snuck into his favorite club to dance all night with boys.

It was there that he met Gabriel. It was there, not long after, that he fell in love.

But what was love, anyhow? Michael had never had much experience with guys – surely not intimately – and he badgered Becky with questions. How did he

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

spurred her to become an activist as an adult.

No doubt, you’ve heard about Rosa Parks and her refusal to move to a different seat on a bus back in 1955. Of course, Mrs. Parks was a child once, growing up right in the middle of racism and discrimination and she naturally didn’t understand it. But that was the way things were, until she got involved with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and she learned that with just one small, quiet action, change would come.

Helen Keller learned to communicate as a child and later inspired others with her social justice efforts. Sixyear-old Ruby Bridges was instrumental in integrating schools in Louisiana. And Autumn Peltier still works to ensure that the world’s water is safe to drink and use.

On the national stage, protests are nothing new.

Your child has likely grown up with them on the nightly news, and has perhaps participated in a march or rally herself. In “Kid Activists,” author Robin Stevenson shows children that small starts like theirs can make big

change.

In addition to the relevance of the tales here – sixteen tales that show kids how activists were once just like them – this book offers a wide range of diversity, both economically and racially, in the profiles presented and in the names that will be familiar and new to the age group for which this book is intended. The stories also illustrate a wide variety of early influences and backgrounds, proving to kids that where they come from isn’t important when fixing something that is.

Add artwork by Allison Steinfeld and you’ve got a magnet that will attract young leaders and make them want to read. Give your 8-to-12-year-old “Kid Activists” today, and it could make a world of difference.

know he was in love? He asked James how he’d know if Gabriel was The One. Neither of them had any good answers.

Becky’s boyfriend was a member of the Guardian Angels, and she wondered every night if he was alive.

James was distracted by a play he’d written, and by a disease that seemed to be killing gay men all over New York. His sadness kept reminding Michael that AIDS was still an unknown and that, for now, safety was everything; when Michael learned one of Gabriel’s secrets, he knew that James was right. But there was no use thinking they could avoid this disease. One way or another, it was going to get them all.

With that as a backdrop to this coming-of-age novel, you might think that it’s a story too depressing to tackle. Nothing could be further from the truth, though: “We Are Lost and Found” absolutely sparkles.

But here’s the thing: you’ll have to look for this book in the teen section of your library or bookstore,

although the tale itself may be halfway lost on those under 40. Readers who endured the ‘80s as young adults, however, might see this novel as eerily biographical: author Helene Dunbar offers sly reminders of evolving social attitudes, of the times (movie tickets: $3.50. Preposterous!), of teen friendships and love, and of the beginning of the AIDS crisis – memories that are forgotten, or best forgotten. This, she does as she so perfectly, so evocatively captures the angst, uncertainty, and shaky self-confidence of adolescence that it might make you wince.

Give this book to a 14-to-18-year-old, but be sure to borrow it back. Better yet, read it together. “We Are Lost and Found” is for you both, and missing it would really stink.

Kid Activists by Robin Stevenson, illustrations

by Allison Steinfeldi, c.2019, Quirk Books, $13.95 / $15.95 in Canada, 224 pages.

We Are Lost and Found by Helene Dunbar, c.2019, Sourcebooks, $17.99 / Higher in Canada, 304 pages.

farmer’s feed and pet supply

Over 73 Years of Pappas Family Ownership!

Voted Best specialty store! thank you for your Vote!

Restaurant of the Year

Superb Cuisine since 1854

Thank You For Voting Us

Best Fine Dining!

The Hubbell House first opened as a stagecoach stop in 1854. Paul Pappas laid his eyes on the old limestone structure in 1946 and knew he had found the location of his dream restaurant.

Although times have changed, Early-American hospitality is still available in Mantorville.

502 North Main Street, Mantorville, MN | 507.635.2331

(25 Miles East on HWY 14, to Kasson Exit, then 2 miles North on HWY 57)

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Voted Best Music FestiVal in southern Mn For 3 Years!

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616 N Cedar Ave, Owatonna 507-451-2363 Email: patricia@farmersfeedandpetsupply.com www.farmersfeedandpetsupply.com

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WHAT SETS US APART...

ONE LOW PRICE... PLAIN AND SIMPLE...

Always!

Best price shouldn’t come from negotiation, but from integrity. Whether you’re shopping online or in the store, be confident knowing that we’ve already done research for you. It’s never made sense to us why someone who’s a worse negotiator should pay more. Most car salesman negotiate every day, so they’ve already got the advantage. We give you our best price upfront so you don’t have to work for it.

RELAXED SHOPPING EXPERIENCE & CONSULTATIVE SALES PROCESS Our sales team isn’t paid on how much we make, but rather on finding the right vehicle for you and your satisfaction. So it doesn’t matter what vehicle you choose or how much you spend.

What matters to us is that you have a relaxing experience, assured that you’re making the best and wisest decision for you.

REAL CASH VALUE FOR YOUR TRADE We believe the value of the car you trade in is based on the current market value, not the vehicle you want to buy. That’s why we have an interactive trade evaluation process designed to ensure you get every penny you deserve on a trade-in vehicle. No unfair negotiation, just truthful documentation. We sell a lot of used vehicles, and we’ll purchase yours even if you don’t purchase ours!

OWATONNA MOTOR COMPANY PHILOSOPHY The Owatonna Motor Company Philosophy is based on five areas that we believe are critical to business success. Those areas are: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Customer Enthusiasm Employee Satisfaction Financial Performance Market Effectiveness Ongoing Improvement

Our philosophy holds that all are of equal importance. However, in any planning or decision making process, CUSTOMER ENTHUSIASM will always carry the most weight.

OUR VISION IS:

THE RIGHT VEHICLES AT THE RIGHT TIME Having limitless vehicle options is the standard we set to achieve. Various levels of reconditioning are performed on each vehicle according to its need, and that information is always accessible to you! So shop with ease, knowing our best marked price is fair and transparent.

“To be so effective that we are able to be helpful to others”

FINANCIAL SERVICES FOR TODAY & YOUR FUTURE

“To be the best liked car company in Southern Minnesota”

You don’t have to worry about your credit history changing the price of the vehicle, because our financial service process was designed to generate the highest value for the customer today and in the future.

YOU CAN’T BUY THE WRONG VEHICLE FROM US Circumstances change, and sometimes we don’t like things as much as we thought we would.

That’s why we have a 7-day money back guarantee on new and pre-owned as well as a 30-day exchange on most pre-owned vehicles. Which means that all you have to do is bring it back in the same condition it was in when purchased and get a full refund or money towards your exchange. We won’t ask any questions, or beg you to reconsider.

3 months, 3000 miles drive train warranty on most pre-owned vehicles.

DEPENDABLE SERVICE TO MEET YOUR SCHEDULE We know that efficiency and convenience are essential elements in providing great customer service. Our professional technicians are here to help you with full maintenance and repair services when you need them–that includes Saturday’s! We have extended service hours on nights and weekends. Get an oil change at our no-appointment-necessary Quick Lane, or experience top-notch repair at our Collision & Glass Center.

OUR GOAL IS: OUR MISSION: • Our goal is to be an industry leader to providing unmatched quality automotive products and services.

• We will constantly strive to meet the changing needs of our customers.

• Our aim is to provide an atmosphere that encourages employee teamwork, integrity and excellence.

• Together we will set and continually improve sales, service, and operational standards • It is our mission to exceed our customers’ and employees’ expectations and maintain their loyalty for a lifetime.

(507) 451-7860 • 1001 HOFFMAN DRIVE · OWATONNA, MN

OWATONNAMOTORCOMPANY.COM

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A d d y o u r e v e n t f o r F R E E t o t h e T I M E L I N E c a l e n d a r . G O TO w w w. s o u t h ernminn . c o m / s c ene / c a len d a r & C l i c k + A d d a n E v ent