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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