Most of us are familiar with the traditional trick-or-treating that takes place on Halloween night. Kids dressed in costumes going from door to door, hoping for a king-sized candy bar (we can dream, right?).
But over the last few years, a new, more efficient kind of trick-or-treating has developed. Businesses, churches and other organizations have signed up to host a trunk or treat. And for most formats, it sounds exactly like the name implies: kids get candy from the trunk of a car.
Now it’s not as scary as it sounds. Each trunk will be decorated with a certain theme and have people by their vehicle ready to pass out candy or treats as the kids come by.
So, if you can imagine, there’s a parking lot full of cars and kids go around from trunk to trunk to get their reward. So, you can see how kids can collect a fair amount of candy without trekking from house to house. And for
abound in SoMinn this Halloween season
some vendors, like Snell Motors in Mankato, there’s an added advantage that it can be done indoors (Halloween blizzard of 1991 ring a bell for anyone?).
Snell Motors in Mankato started hosting a Trunk or Treat in 2018. This year, Snell’s Trunk or Treat will be on Oct. 30 from 2-6 p.m.
The business is located at 1900 Madison Ave, Mankato.
Melissa Bradley, General Manage /Owner said, “Every year we have more and more businesses who want to participate in hosting a trunk. Last year we had over 35 local businesses participate.”
For Bradley, hosting a trunk or treat was a
way for Snell to connect to the community.
“Car dealerships can sometimes feel intimidating, so we wanted to change that. Our staff came up with Trunk or Treat as a way to make the showroom feel inviting and fun. We are all about creating experiences and Trunk or Treat gives us a chance to do that for people of all ages,” Bradley said.
Last year there were over 3,000 people in attendance.
What started as us Snell employees asking their friends and customers who own businesses to be there has turned into over 35 local
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businesses decorating trunks and handing out candy. Some include the United Way, Dino’s, Total Lawn Care, Community Bank, Federated Insurance and MSU.
For Snell, it is also about the employees giving back, too.
“All 120 of our employees contribute to the success of the event. It literally y single person’s buy in to make this happen,” Bradley said. “Each year we send a survey out asking them if they want to host it again and each year it is a unanimous yes! We just couldn’t put it on if only a few people were excited about it. Our hope is that people walk away from Trunk or Treat feeling that Snell is more than a car dealership—it’s a place that cares about creating traditions and supporting the community.”
Over the years, Bradley said their Trunk or Treat continues to grow, bot just in numbers, but in creativity as well.
“It’s been amazing to see how much this event has grown. Every year the trunks get more creative, and every year the crowd gets bigger. For us, it’s all about evolving and mak-
ing the experience even more fun and memorable for everyone. Last year, we had a record number of businesses join in, which allowed us to not only set up trunks in our showroom, but to expand into our service department. When the weather looked uncertain, we adjusted the layout so the line moved inside and guests could exit through our service department helping with congestion,” Bradley said.
“The best part for me is watching the showroom transform and seeing our whole team come together to put on the event. The cherry on top is getting to see their kids and grandkids enjoy
Here are just a handful of the many trunk or treat events happening across the Southern Minn Scene region this Halloween season. Check out the calendar at southernminnscene. com to see more trunk or treat events, as they are scheduled across various communities:
Medford, 12 p.m., Oct. 2, Medford Public School: All kinds of trunks to choose your treats from.
Waterville, 4 p.m. Oct. 25, Main Street: Prize basket for best decorated trunk. Free to sign up.
Lake Crystal, 5:30 p.m. Oct. 24, Area Recreation Center: Come to the LCARC to celebrate Halloween with an evening full of entertainment and treats. Visit area business booths or trunks to pick up a treat. Then stay to play free “Spooktacular” games in the LCARC gym and win prizes.
Faribault, TBD, Bethlehem Academy: All kinds of trunks to choose your treats from.
it—it makes the effort feel extra special.”
Of course, we also wanted to know what costumes they see when literally thousands of people come through their doors.
Kenyon, TBD, Depot Park: Gather your little ghouls and goblins and head over for a hauntingly good time. Organizers will also have hot dogs and chips available for purchase in an effort for fundraising for the Depot Park building.
Le Sueur, TBD, Main Street: Downtown businesses band together to give trick-ortreaters a variety of trunks and other candy containers to choose from.
“There have been too many amazing costumes to count. I especially love the hand-crafted ones where you can see all the creativity and effort that went into them. And it’s always a favorite when families dress up together in a fun theme,” Bradley said.
Owatonna, TBD, downtown: Head to downtown Owatonna with your trick-or-treat bags ready to fill.
Ashley Hanley is a wife and mom of three kids under the age of 6 in North Mankato. When she’s not handing out snacks or kissing boo-boos, you can find her cheering on her favorite Minnesota sports teams and is a firm believer they will win a championship in her lifetime.
St. Peter, TBD, John Ireland Catholic School: All kinds of trunks to choose your treats from.
Waseca, TBD, downtown: The past years have been amazing. Businesses are excited to offer a great event for the community, especially our children. Businesses get creative with the way they hand out treats, too, so be ready for the fun. Organizers will once again mark the sidewalks with one-way arrows to help make a smoother process for our princesses and ghosts to get their treats.
Mollywood BLVD MOLLY
Molly Penny is a local radio personality and MNSU alum. It was her love of pop culture that got her interested in doing a morning show for KOWZ 100.9 in 2011 where she is now brand manager for the three-cluster radio station, as well as music director for Q102 FM out of Willmar & on-air personality on Mankato’s Hot 96.7. She enjoys volunteering, time with her kids/family and cat Salem. Catch her on Twitter at @mollyhoodUSA.
CREEPY, CUTE AND TOTALLY ADDICTIVE:
the takeover
Labubus only entered my consciousness recently, and no sooner than catching wind of their existence I found one, staring me down, in my own bedroom.
It was terrifying. Turns out the Labubu in my room belongs to my daughter, who was gifted it by her brother after his girlfriend turned it down over creepiness factor. If you don’t know what a Labubu is, you’re either over 35 or haven’t opened TikTok in a while. Once you see one, you won’t forget it. Equal parts creepy and cute, they are wideeyed, toothy plush creatures that are more than just toys or charms, but a full-blown cultural phenomenon. At only about 6 inches tall they are invading shelves, wallets, and more! Created by the art toy brand Pop Mart and
the artist Kasin Gung, Labubu started as a character in the “Monster Family” collection. It has now become a social media superstar and collector’s holy grail. You may see vendors selling them at festivals and vendor fairs, but they are likely replicas. Labubu also fits into a bigger cultural moment, which I call the rise of “kidult” consumerism. Millennials started it but Gen Z is taking I to new heights with popularity in whimsical toys like Funko Pops and Squismallows, for example. To break down the madness, the way in which you obtain them must be explained. But the whole thing is a gamble, it is part of the “blind box” fad. Buying one of these creepy little Furby-looking plush dolls that you can clip to purses and backpacks is not as easy as walking into a store and choosing one. Most are sold in bind boxes, so you don’t know what version you are getting until you open the box. It is part of appeal, but also part of
the problem. Experts say the experience of opening a Labubu blind box is strikingly similar to gambling and the reward centers and dopamine dumps common with the element of surprise, randomness and anticipation, hence their addicting nature. You hope to hit the jackpot and get the one you want. If not, try again! Brilliant cash grab on Pop Mart’s part.
Not everyone finds Labubu love so endearing. On TikTok, a debate is raging: Is being obsessed with Labubu a dating red flag? I mean, some think so. Particularly men, who argue that Labubu collectors seem immature and financially reckless. Oh, we haven’t discussed cost, have we? A huge reason to get on the judge bus
over your significant other joining the Labubu craze, some Labubus are going for as much as $400! Normally they retail for $28, but want to take the mystery out of it and get the doll you really want? It’ll cost you. The doll has even entered high-end territory. A life-sized mintgreen Labubu measuring a horrifying 4-feet tall just sold for over $170,000 at auction. To put it into perspective, that is 6,000 times the cost of a regular Labubu and 1,000% ridiculous. These aren’t your average collectibles. They’ve crossed into art, status symbol, and financial asset, right up there with luxury sneakers and NFT’s… just, fluffier. Some people are, not surprisingly, getting into the customization game. Collecting Labubus isn’t just about owning them, it’s about making them your own. Some fans swap accessories or redress them, photograph them in a diorama of some setting of their choosing. One collector, however, took customization to a whole new level by giving their Labubu a BBL by adding a little more stuffing to the toosh. Yes, a Brazillian Butt-lift for Labububus: #LABBL. You cannot make this stuff up. Like, that is peak internet.
Of course, with all things popular comes scams, knockoffs and other illegal activity. I bet you could get a #LABBL on the black market and not even have to do it yourself. I say this because in Southern California, police recently busted a Labubu heist involving nearly $30,000 worth of stolen toys, marked for resale, official Pop Mart Labubus! It’s Stanley cup type crazy that this fad is now becoming an opportunity for crime. Then there are all of the dupes out there that you have to watch out for before you big $100 on eBay for a fake. We’ve entered the black market plushie era, I never thought I would see the day.
I remember the Beanie Baby craze of the mid to late nineties, and I would say this is similar, except the demographic on this seems to be less universal. Beanie Babies were rather innocuous- these little guys literally look like you can’t feed them after midnight. Low-key I wanted one until I saw one in my own room and felt it with my own hands. It is nothing special. His fur felt like a cheap poly blend. Literally just a creepy little monster doll that probably doesn’t cost more than $5 to make. Also, learning that some people see them as a symbol of immaturity, at 43, I better leave this one to my kids’ generation.
Whether you think Labubus are adorable or disturbing, a red flag, or just a plush friend, one thing is for sure, this isn’t just a trend, it’s a movement. I foresee cartoons, clothing, and so much more Labubu merchandise, licensed or not, taking over the retail world soon, because why not!? Labubu is just scratching the surface of it’s global takeover. You may have never heard of them before reading this article, but now that they have entered your consciousness, I guarantee they will start to haunt you.
Sorr y, not sorry!
Happy Halloween!
across the Southern Minn SCENE region
By JANE TURPIN MOORE Guest Contributor
If it’s October, it must be time for fun and screams.
And for fans of (non-life-threatening) frights, Southern Minnesota is a ghoulishly great place to scare down some thrills while keeping things light enough to laugh off the goblins.
Choose your chills; from haunted hayrides to tours of historic properties with ghostly pasts to straight-up haunted houses, there are plenty of ways to raise the hair on the back of your neck this month.
Beware of creepy black cats and be sure to move slowly as you turn dark corners—BOO!
New Ulm Nightmares nails nighttime scares
During October’s final three weekends, the Brown County Fairgrounds become a much darker place than the animal-filled hangout 4-H kids inhabit in mid-August.
For the 11th year, creator/director Doug Hughes—along with 2025’s co-creator Nick Vigil — is set to cast a spell over attendees who dare to venture forth.
New Ulm Nightmare’s two new haunted houses are Mrs. Olson’s School for the Unusual and the Tripoli Bros. Cirkus (the latter being Vigil’s baby).
“Every year has different themes,” said Olson, a New Ulm native and former corrections officer who just happens to have a penchant for everything Halloween.
Olson goes all-in, providing in-depth descriptions of the mythos behind each haunted house on the New Ulm Nightmares’ website. Those back stories do their part to stir attendees’ imaginations and prime them for the
hair-raising tours.
Listen to this: “Tucked away in Brown County stands a crumbling Victorian estate—once the proud campus of Mrs. Olson’s School for the Unusual. Founded in 1879 by the enigmatic widow Eleanor Olson, the school welcomed orphans who didn’t quite belong anywhere else…Mrs. Olson claimed they were ‘gifted,’ and promised to give them a future…but not all of the students graduated…whispers of experiments conducted under gaslight and chloroform still swirl. Strange lights flickered from the basement at night. Screams would echo down the hallways…The school mysteriously closed in 1923, after a fire gutted the east wing. No remains were found…the lights in Ward C flicker once more…”
And the Tripoli Brothers Cirkus details tell of three orphaned brothers who arrived one rainy night in 1887. They eventually mastered the art of pantomime, juggling and “unsettling feats of contortion,” but they never spoke a word. Children who witnessed their shows “laughed uncontrollably for days.” It’s a twisted circus populated only by creepy clowns.
“Nick created the Tripoli Brothers Cirkus haunt this year and he’s doing an amazing job with sets, painting and props,” credited Hughes of his hauntingly good protege.
“And all my friends, family and volunteer actors bring the haunt to life and make it so fun and scary.”
Hughes guarantees thrills but never comes close to courting actual danger for guests. A thorough fire marshal inspection precedes the haunted weekends, so even though walls may look unstable or crooked, they’re not. The scariest parts come from your own imagination.
“Everything we do is safety-minded,” said Hughes. “Safety is Number One for me. Nobody touches you when you’re going through the haunts, though there could be an accidental bump.
“But you tour in groups of four to six, and it becomes likes a theater experience where you’re in the play,” he continued.
“That’s why people love it; the best thing is hearing the screams and then the laughter. But it’s definitely scary.”
Hughes, 58, began his autumnal fright pursuits while working and coaching gymnastics in Washington.
“I suggested we do a haunted gym as a fundraiser,” he said.
Upon returning to New Ulm, where he also coached gymnastics, Hughes first built a haunted house in front of his own home before doing a similar fundraiser at Turner Hall for the local gymnastics team.
“We thought maybe 50 people would come,” he said—but closer to 1,000 people initially showed up for the scares.
A handful of years ago, Hughes relocated New Ulm Nightmares to the Brown County Fairgrounds. Although he gains access to the
site once the fair concludes, his preparatory efforts really run year-round.
“On average, we’re drawing about 2,000 people each year,” Hughes said. “Word is getting out that it’s worth your time to come. There’s plenty of free parking, plus the houses are inside so you don’t have to worry about rain, mud or snow.”
Hughes hosts a “kids’ day” with the lights on and no jump scares in play
For everyone else taking their chances with the full nighttime effect, he says it can take about 15 minutes to go through each house— though some patrons opt for early exits.
Also on site are two five-minute mini escape rooms. The 2025 themes are “Witches’ Spell” and “Top Secret Mansion.”
“Only a few parties solved last year’s escape room riddles,” said Hughes, mentioning they honk a loud horn if a party manages to escape.
“They’re fun little escape rooms, but they’re not easy,” he added. “The pressure comes in that you only have five minutes to solve the riddles and make it out.”
For extra fun (and, as for the escape rooms, a small additional fee) at New Ulm Nightmares, there’s “pumpkin chuckin” (with real pumpkins and a slingshot contraption), glow-in-the-dark axe throwing and a gelly ball shooting range (targeting zombies).
“People love it,” said Hughes of the activities.
After putting countless hours into prepping all the haunts and activities, Hughes no longer serves as an actor in the houses — partly because he’s too busy running the show but also because he enjoys the overall spectacle.
Added Hughes, “Going inside to listen to
people enjoying themselves, hearing the screams and laughter, makes it worth it.”
Freelance writer/collaborative pianist Jane Turpin Moore
Check out these spooky attractions in Southern Minnesota this Halloween season include: New Ulm Nightmares at Brown County Fairgrounds, 1201 N. State St.: detailed information and advance ticket purchases at newulmnightmares.com. Cash only at the gate. VIP passes enable front-of-line access. Add-ons (escape rooms, axe throwing, pumpkin chucking, gelly ball shooting) are $5 each. Froggy’s Sweets & Treats offers cotton candy, caramel corn, mini donuts, etc, on-site. Open Oct. 17-18, 24-25, Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 from 7 to 10 p.m. Kids’ Day (with reduced entry fee, full lighting and no jump scares) is 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25.
Fright at the Farm and Haunted Cannabis Maze, 47385 Hwy. 52 Blvd. (Willow’s Keep Farm), Zumbrota. Tickets and more information at rochesterhorror.com. 7 to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 10-Nov. 1. Suggested: age 10 and over, 13 and under must be accompanied by adults. Food truck Cruisin’ Fresh on-site for food purchases. Portion of proceeds benefit local non-profits. Billed as “Southern Minnesota’s most horrifying haunted attraction.”
Rochester Trolley & Tour Co., rochestermntours.com/true_crime_tour/. Fridays and Saturdays through Nov. 1. The True Crime: Rochester tour takes you deep into the city’s criminal past, showcasing infamous murders, eerie disappearances and shocking stories of crime that have shaped the community. Visit the sites, learn local lore, enjoy the expert storytelling and haunting history with a dark twist. Due to the graphic nature of some crimes, this tour is for adults only.
Oktoberween, Freeborn County Fairgrounds, 1105 Bridge Ave., Albert Lea, Oct. 23-26, oktoberween.com. Live music; food; kids’ carnival; haunted house.
The Mactabilis Souls, 570 Main Ave. N., Harmony, Fridays and Saturdays Oct. 3-Nov. 1, minnesotahauntedhouses.com/halloween/nightmare-acres-mn.html. Haunted house with steps; promising scary, gory, jumping props, spiders, snakes, rats and 1,500 square feet of fun and scares. Not recommended for small children or people with epilepsy (due to strobe lights).
grew up in the Mankato area and is now based in Northfield. She blogs at timeformoore566445504.wordpress. com and fields emails at jturpinmoore@gmail.com.
The best Stephen King adaptations for spooky season
Stephen King may not be the most talented or important American novelist in history — like say, Mark Twain or Ernest Hemingway, Toni Morrison or Colson Whitehead, John Updike or Jonathan Franzen—–but he’s pretty indisputably the most the popular.
He’s a household name, even among non-readers. From “Carrie” (1974) to “Never Flinch” (2025), he’s published 67 mega-bestselling novels and 12 short story collections. And his works have been adapted over and over (and over) again into iconic films like “The Shining” and “The Shawshank Redemption,” and popular television shows like “Under The Dome” and “The Outsider.” Though not a “Constant Reader” (the
term King uses for his most die-hard fans), I am an admirer. His 849-page doorstopper, “11/22/63,” about a time-travelling teacher who tries to prevent the assassination of John F. Kennedy, currently sits on my nightstand with the bookmark on page 531. I also greatly enjoy his short stories and novellas (“Different Seasons” has some of his best writing).
Yet, in a not-so-shocking twist for my Constant Readers, it’s the films based on King’s works that I truly care about. And I’ve seen a lot them.
A decade ago, my best friend and I made it our mission to watch *all* the King adaptations. Don’t judge us; we were in our 20s. It was a simpler time before kids and real careers; and of the 100-plus titles, we only watched 46. But we got a taste of every King flavor — the good (i.e. “Stand By Me”), the bad (i.e. “Graveyard Shift”), and the godawful (some really trashy TV movies).
Brian De Palma’s “Carrie” kicked off the King filmography in 1976, only two years after its source material hit bookstores. Since then, our big and small screens have been deluged with King content.
Just this year alone, we will see five major releases based on his writing. Osgood Perkins’s take on King’s 1980 short story, “The Monkey,” dropped back in February. “The Institute,” an eight-episode series based on his 2019 novel, is streaming on MGM+. “The Long Walk,” an adaptation of his 1979 dystopian thriller, is currently playing in theaters. “IT: Welcome to Derry,” a prequel series to one of his most
beloved tomes, will begin streaming on HBO Max on Oct. 26. And “The Running Man,” a Glen Powell-starring spin on his 1982 book, opens on Nov. 7.
While taking on the entire King canon may be daunting, these five classics are a perfect place to start — just in time for spooky season:
5
“Dolores Claiborne” (1995): Taylor Hackford’s psychological thriller, based on King’s 1992 novel of the same name, finds Kathy Bates in the titular role as housekeeper with a troubled past accused of murder. When her daughter (Jennifer Jason Leigh), a New York City journalist, returns to her hometown to investigate, the dark secrets that lurk behind the Rockwellian façade of small town life are unearthed. King has always been more than just a horror storyteller, and “Dolores Claiborne” is a complex study of domestic abuse, motherhood, and intergenerational trauma. Scripted by
Tony Gilroy (the writer behind masterpieces like “Michael Clayton”), this film is incisive and criminally underseen.
-Available to rent
4
“Carrie”: As previously mentioned, “Carrie” is where both King’s bibliography and filmography begins. And it still holds up after 49 years. Sissy Spacek is Carrie, a sensitive and shy teenage girl who is abused at home and tormented at school, who also just so happens to possess supernatural powers. This bloody tale of bullying, teen angst, and religious fanaticism remains unnervingly, terrifyingly timely.
-Streaming on MGM+ and AMC+
3
“The Shawshank Redemption”: A box-office disappointment upon its release, “The Shawshank Redemption” has since gone on to become one of the most cherished films of the last 40 years. The story of Andy
Kyle Hoffman is a writer, communications and marketing professional, and lifelong movie lover from Mankato. Follow him on Letterboxd: kylejhoffman.
Dufresne (Tim Robbins), a wrongly-convicted prisoner who adapts to the brutal realities of life at Shawshank State Penitentiary by forging a friendship with an older and wiser inmate (Morgan Freeman), is a deeply uplifting character study. Just as much of King’s best writing is non-horror, “Shawshank” not only stands alongside other great non-horror King films like “Stand By Me,” “The Green Mile,” and “The Dead Zone” – it towers above them. -Streaming on Philo
2“Misery”: Kathy Bates won an Oscar for her performance as Annie Wilkes, the romance-novel-loving psychopath who nurses her favorite writer (James Caan) back to health after a car crash, only to then hold him captive in her remote cabin. King’s 1987 locked room thriller about obsession is one of his best novels, but the film is even better.
Directed by Rob Reiner (“When Harry Met Sally,” “The Princess Bride”) and meticulously written by legendary screenwriter William
Goldman (Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid,” “All The President’s Men”), “Misery” is propulsive, gripping, and heart-pounding – a perfect 90s adrenaline rush for a cool October evening. But, Bates’s masterful acting showcase alone is worth the price of admission. A true, twisted revelation.
-Streaming on HBO Max
1
“The Shining”: Stanley Kubrick’s chilly masterpiece of contemporary horror remains inventive and visually daring.
Jack Nicholson plays Jack Torrance, a writer and recovering alcoholic who moves his wife (Shelley Duvall) and young son (Danny Lloyd) to the Overlook Hotel in the secluded Colorado Rockies to act as caretaker during the winter.
From there, we chart the resort’s ghostly secrets and Jack’s descent into madness. It’s a shame King famously hates this 1980 adaptation of his most famous novel, because nearly everything about it remains iconic (“Here’s Johnny” … “Redrum” … The creepy
twins at the end of a hallway urging young Danny Torrance to “come play” with them). 45 years after its release, “The Shining” is still the best King film.
Rants & RAVES
I’ve been trying for ages to kick a very expensive and potentially damaging lifestyle habit … Starbucks Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew.
Full disclosure, I’m writing this at a Starbucks with a Venti VSCCB right next to me. If that wasn’t bad enough, I’m in a 12-step program for their Iced Lemon Loaf. FYI, it’s not going well.
So, I decided I would put my daily $10.20 expenditure toward a more positive, life-affirming choice: using an online psychic artist to find my soulmate. Yes, step aside Miss Cleo (AKA Call Me Now), things have progressed since she was the Queen of the 90s Psychic Network. Now, for a mere $4.99 (it was on sale), I signed up to get a sketch of my soulmate.
After all, we were meant to be together Soulmate Sketch: was $13.97, NOW $4.99.
There were lots of possible add-ons in my quest toward a romance-filled future. They could provide the following readings to uncover more about me and my soon to be blossoming love life, including: Insightful Reading; Compatibility Reading; Your Personality Uncovered; Horoscope Insights.
cover of a book you’re drawn to, on a billboard that catches your attention, or even during a casual conversation with a stranger. These initials are not mere coincidences; they are gentle whispers from the universe, offering you clues and guiding you toward your destined partner. Every time you encounter these letters, it’s as if the universe is weaving a thread of connection between you and your soulmate, urging you to remain open
and aware.“
I felt confident paying the extra $1.99 to find out my soulmate’s initials and another $1.99 to find out his astrological sign. I mean, I needed to make sure our sun signs and spirit animals were compatible.
My soulmate’s initials are D.S.
“These letters hold a unique significance and may appear in your life in the most unexpected and meaningful ways. You might notice them on the
Apparently, my soulmate is a bold and adventurous Aries. “He embodies the true spirit of the fire signs: passionate, dynamic, and full of drive. His bold and confident nature makes him a natural partner for me (a Leo).”
All of this excitement started on the Hint app for $1. What they neglect to mention is that as soon as you sign up, they start billing you $29.99 (plus applicable taxes) each 28 days. So, technically, finding my match was several trips to Starbucks but it seems like a mere pittance, considering I have
a lifetime of happiness ahead of me.
“The journey toward finding your soulmate is as much about trusting the universe as it is about staying attuned to the serendipities unfolding around you.”
My guy appears to be about my age, very handsome, a little grey. Possibly an architect, accountant, school counselor or child psychologist from the looks of his glasses. My sister said she didn’t want to burst my bubble, but she didn’t feel it was an original artist sketch. How dare she?! I said I know everything on the Internet is real and I don’t think for a minute that they would just dig in a random box and give me “Sketch Number 8” based on my age. I KNOW this is legit!
You can also get the, “Time & Place of Your Destined Meeting.”
Of course, I want to “embrace the moment when fate brings us together” and get some “small but meaningful details of our meeting”, but I wasn’t willing to kick in the extra $3.99. I’m hoping by posting his picture here, one of my readers will find him and hook us up. Apparently, D.S. is just sitting around waiting for me to complete him.
In the meantime, I can always continue throwing $$$ at lots of addon’s including a: Numerology Report - $5.99; Tarot Card Reading - $8.99; Astrological Forecast - $3.99; Complete Astrology Guide - $3.99; Palmistry Reading Report - not sure what this cost, but I’m sure it’s well worth it. No pressure, but if any of you can identify my guy, please let me know so we can begin our fantasy-filled lives together, because we all know everything on the internet is real!
PHOTO CONTEST
SHOW US YOUR PETS! Upload a photo of your pet for a chance to win one of several random gift drawings! Your pet might also be pictured in the February LOVE of Pets issue of SCENE!
Through a SOMINN LENS
Audrey Kletscher Helbling of Faribault captures people, places and events via her detail-rich writing and photography. Find more of her work at mnprairieroots.com. She also writes award-winning poetry, short stories and creative nonfiction.
Photographing
In my jaunts about southern Minnesota, I’ve discovered that Halloween brings out the creative in ways that are not only ghoulish and frightening, but also fun. Mostly fun.
Take my neighbors up the hill, Coy and Kathy Lane. Each year for the past several, they’ve transformed their yard at 234 First Avenue Southwest in Faribault into a Halloween destination with their themed displays. They craft the scenes like set builders in a theatrical production awaiting an appreciative audience. Last year they set the stage for a carnival at the Cauldron County Scare Grounds.
Likewise in neighboring communities and in the countryside, plenty of Halloween
in Southern Minnesota
enthusiasts also put themselves—or rather their creative interpretations—out there for the public to see and enjoy. While on a Sunday afternoon drive last October near Faribault, I came across family-friendly Halloween cut-outs in a yard along Canby Way.
In Waterville, the scene was anything but G-rated as I happened upon bloodied dolls lying in “coffins” in a front yard near downtown. Whether they’ll return this season, I don’t know. But the horrific scene and sign warning me that “He’s coming” (whoever “he” may be) were enough to send shivers down my spine. Exactly as the creator of this scene intended, I suppose. Over in Owatonna, I discovered Haunted Mosher along Mosher Avenue while en
route to Kaplan’s Woods on Labor Day. Even though two months out from Halloween 2025, the Bastyr family had already filled their yard with skeletons of both the human and animal kind. But what frightened me most was the Raggedy Ann doll shut inside a box with the sign “WARNING! POSITIVELY DO NOT OPEN.” You can bet I wanted to open that glass-front door. But I didn’t. Too scared, I guess. I’ve never claimed to be brave.
Brave or not, doesn’t matter. What matters is that southern Minnesotans get creative with Halloween. Whether decorating, making art or coming up with the most outlandish, wildest, scariest costumes ever, people just want to celebrate Halloween with community in all its fun, and fright.
TOP: An old pail is repurposed into a jack-olantern at Memorabilia Antiques & Collectibles in Mantorville.
ABOVE: Halloween costumes cram a rack at Something for All, a Lonsdale thrift shop.
TOP: Pumpkinhead, scarecrow, skeletons...hang out at Owatonna’s Haunted Mosher. UPPER LEFT: Saran Caron created this mixed media art, “Roach Motel,” for a 2024 Halloween art show at Faribault’s Paradise Center for the Arts. LOWER LEFT: A warning sign at a ghoulish 2024 Halloween display in Waterville.
TOP: “Johnny Cash as Frankenstein,” a stained glass mosaic by Sushila Anderson for a 2024 Halloween Group Show at the Paradise Center for the Arts, Faribault.
MIDDLE: A little bit scary, a little bit cute in a rural Faribault yard along Canby Way in October 2024.
BOTTOM: Cobweb encased skulls were part of a Halloween 2024 yard scene along Canby Way just outside of Faribault.
The countdown to Halloween 2025 is on at Haunted Mosher in Owatonna.
An array of skeletons gather at Haunted Mosher, Owatonna.
The creators of Haunted Mosher, Owatonna, dare visitors to open the door
Coy and Kathy Lane created this version of a carnival game for last year’s Halloween display in their Faribault yard.
LEFT: At the Snack Shack in downtown Waterville, a skeleton greets customers in October 2024.
Halloween creativity displayed in Morristown last year.
FAR LEFT: Dare to walk through the entry into a Halloween scene in Coy and Kathy Lane’s Faribault yard. Entry is free, although donations are accepted
FAR LEFT: Haunted Mosher on Labor Day, along Mosher Avenue in Owatonna. The bus cut-out offered a photo op for students when school began.
LEFT: A creative front window at Books on Central, Faribault, in October 2024 welcomes customers to the used bookshop run by Rice County Area United Way.
Halloween and child’s play combined in a Waterville yard last Halloween.
LEFT: The Coys craft interactive Halloween scenes for an immersive experience in their Faribault yard, this in 2024.
Scary, creepy, ghoulish...found in a Waterville yard, October 2024.
ABOVE: A skeleton towers over the Halloween scene at Haunted Mosher, Owatonna, on the first day of September.
SOUTHERN MINN
THURSDAY,
SEP 25
Three Generations of Sweere Family ArtOwatonna-- 1-5 p.m., Owatonna Arts Center, 435 Garden View Ln, Owatonna. Last chance to see the show, which ends Sept. 27. In the early 1960s, Joseph and Mary Sweere were married and moved to Owatonna, Minnesota, where they raised a family of six children. For over 60 years and spanning three generations, the Sweere family continues to create. Gallery hours are 1-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday.
Steve Grams and Friends - St.
Peter-- 5-8
p.m., Patrick’s on Third, 125 S. Third St., St. Peter.
Steve Grams
is the first half of Grams & Krieger and in town for a hot second. He’ll team up with Kit Kildahl, Dale Haefner, Ron Arsenault and the beloved Tom ‘Footie’ Husting for a very special performance you won’t wanna miss. Grams is a member of the Arizona Blues Hall of Fame, the Iowa Rock and Roll Music Association’s Hall of Fame, and in the initial induction group of the Tucson Musicians Museum Hall of Fame.
FRIDAY, SEP 26
Jamison Murphy - Owatonna-5:30-7:30 p.m., Mineral Springs Brewery, 210 N. Oak Ave., Suite 1, Owatonna. A singer songwriter from the Twin Cities.
Sip of WhiskeyKasota-- 6-9 p.m., The Blue Moon Bar & Grill, 300 S. Webster St., Kasota. Sip of Whiskey provides the tunes on the patio.
Wendt Sisters - Janesville-6-8:30 p.m., Indian Island Winery, 18010 631st Ave, Janesville. Performing all your favorites.
Just Food Co-op Community Celebration - Northfield-- 12-3 p.m., Imminent Brewing, 519 Division Street South Unit 2. The afternoon includes live tunes from Tractorhead, Brick Oven Bus serving pizza, a kids corner with face painting and sidewalk chalk, a raffle with prizes.
been writing songs and making music together for over 25 years.
Oktoberfest - St. Peter-4-11 p.m., Nicollet County Fairgrounds, 400 Union St., St. Peter. IV Play headlines Friday night. The Hype headlines Saturday night. Plus all kinds of beer, German attire, fun and games. Takes place Sept. 26 and 27.
Grand Opening Car Showdown - Owatonna-12-7 p.m., All The Details LLC, 2020 Austin Rd., Owatonna. Cars, motorcycles, side-by-sides and semis. All vehicles invited to show for one big event, celebrating the opening of All The Details, LLC. The day also includes music, food truck, live demos and more.
Flavors of Fall FestivalWaseca-- 4-8 p.m., Pleasant Grove Pizza Farm, 41142 160th St, Waseca. Live music from Sawyer’s Dream, along with fall flavored beers, fall inspired wines and an apple cider bar.
Family Literacy Fair - Le Sueur-5-6:30 p.m., Le Sueur Public Library, 118 Ferry St. Celebrate the love of reading and the importance of literacy in developing minds. Enjoy a free meal (served at 5:15PM), bounce house, storywalk, free books, and more. Learn more about local literacy efforts and resources to help area families and kids embrace the love of reading and learning.
Hot Summer Nights Cruise-In - Waterville-- 6-9 p.m., DTs 118 Saloon, 118 3rd St., Waterville. Enjoy the cruise-in night and check out live music from Misguided on 3rd Street.
Christopher Tradowsky Author Talk - Northfield-- 7 p.m., Content Bookstore, 314 Division St. S, Northfield. In conversation with fellow author Greg Hewett, Tradowsky will share a reading from his new novel “Midnight at the Cinema Palace.” This tender, exuberant novel about a young man navigating coming of age in ‘90s San Francisco is for readers of Garth Greenwell and André Aciman.
The Music of Patsy ClineFaribault-- 7:30 p.m., Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave N, Faribault. Enjoy a nostalgic trip back in time as Joyann Parker, backed by a seasoned band of musicians, beautifully weaves the stories of Patsy’s life and career in and out of the music you know and love, including songs such as “Walking After Midnight,” “Sweet Dreams,” “Crazy” and more. Join us for a perfect evening of memories and music. Tickets online.
SATURDAY, SEP 27
Fall Barn Sale - Cannon City-- 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Crabby Wren, 17857 Cannon City Blvd., Faribault. Farm primitives, antiques, made in the USA crafts and local goods. Get a picture by the old truck, pick out a pumpkin, or just sit by the fire and enjoy a cup of hot apple cider. Takes place Sept. 26-28.
Indigenous Music Exchange - St. Peter-- 12-3 p.m., Tremendous Brewing Co., 228 W Mulberry St., St. Peter. An afternoon of music and stories behind the music with our indigenous artists: Bluedog (indigenous blues rock) and Darren Sipity (hip-hop). This series seeks to build bridges and connections across communities by using the common language of art and music.
Harvest Festival - Owatonna-- 2-6 p.m., Loving More Farmstead, 38885 180th St., Waseca. Like an open house with homemade refreshments from farm products of the year, along with farm tours, animal cuddles (as appropriate), music, and the annual ritual of planting a tree on property with song and prayer.
Poetry - St. Peter-- 2 p.m., Arts Center of Saint Peter, 315 S. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter. Come hear three dynamic southern Minnesota poets, and bring your poems for the open mic.
Oktoberfest - Waseca-- 3-9 p.m., Ward House Brewery, 308 S. State St., Waseca. Live music from the Derrickson Duo to accompany the Ward House’s seasonal brew. Bring your dancing shoes or compete with the owner in the Lederhosen competition. Crowler cans to the winner. The mug holding contest also returns. Takes place Friday and Saturday, Sept. 26-27.
Cabin of Love
- Dundas-- 4-6 p.m., Julia and Nathan Bloom make up a folk/ pop duo who’ve
Tim Cheesebrow - Kasota-- 6-9 p.m., Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery and Distillery, 1179 E. Pearl St., Kasota. A signature blend of roots rock, folk, and Americana — pairing memorable melodies with meaningful lyrics that will have you tapping your toes and sipping a little slower.
Outdoor Operetta ‘Tigre! Tigre!’ - Dundas-7-8:30 p.m., Keepsake Cidery, 135th St. East, Dundas. A new outdoor operetta from the talented “Fox & Beggar Theater” about humankind’s absurd relationship to technological progress. Pay by donation. All welcome.
Forbidden Broadway Greatest Hits - Faribault-- 7:30 p.m., Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave N, Faribault. In this long-running hit musical revue, Broadway’s greatest musical legends and songs meet Broadway’s greatest satirist in this hilarious, loving, and endlessly entertaining tribute to some of the theatre’s greatest stars and songwriters. Shows 7:30 p.m. Sept. 26-27 and Oct. 3-4, plus 2 p.m. Sept. 28 and Oct. 5. Tickets online.
SUNDAY, SEP 28
Oktoberfest - Le Center-- 10 a.m., St. Paul Lutheran Church, 232 W. Minnesota St., Le Center. The day will begin with an outdoor polka worship service at 10 a.m., followed by the festival which will begin at 11 a.m. Chuck Thiel & the Jolly Ramblers
CONTINUED page 18
will provide the polka music. Additionally, there will be food, drinks, a bounce house, wine pull, farmers market, trivia, raffle, pie eating contest, and more.
This Town: Stories and Songs - Northfield-- 5 p.m., Grand Event Center, 316 Washington St., Northfield. A one-man show of storytelling and songs, telling the story of two kids growing up and in love in a small town. A hopeful love story in difficult times. Music from Tim Goodwin, with Tom Mobry as a special guest.
WEDNESDAY, OCT 01
Fall Music Series - St. Peter--
2-3 p.m., St. Peter Community Center, 600 S. Fifth St., St. peter. Todd Anderson provides the music this week, channeling Frank Sinatra.
THURSDAY, OCT 02
Beer & Brat Night - Waseca-- 4 p.m., The Mill
Event Center, 310 2nd Ave SW, Waseca. A variety of brat flavors and beers. Check out other Waseca establishments for more beer & brat nights.
Generations Boutique Fall Fashion Show - St. Peter-- 6-9:30 p.m., Tremendous Brewing Co., 228 W Mulberry St., St. Peter. A night of fashion, fun, and community with fresh fall styles. Tickets online.
James Kakalios Author Talk - Northfield-- 7 p.m., Content Bookstore, 314 Division St. S, Northfield. A reading of his new book, “The Physics of Superheroes Goes Hollywood.” Discover the surprisingly real physics at work within some of the most popular superhero movies and TV shows.
FRIDAY, OCT 03
Bad Mama - Dundas-4:30-6:30 p.m., Chapel Brewing, 15 Hester St, Dundas. Bad Mama channels the inner funk of Carrie Jennings on vocals/tenor sax, Martha Larson on vocals/ cello (bass), and Allyson Wopata on drums. These three music mamas join forces to celebrate being a
gentle, creative soul in a fast-paced, complex world. This is the trio’s musical debut.
Paradise Gallery OpeningFaribault-- 5-7 p.m., Galleries include Kate Langlais; Studio Artour with Char Johnson, Julie Fakler, Johnnie Walker; Bethlehem Academy.
Comedy Night - Janesville-7-8:30 p.m., Indian Island Winery, 18010 631st Ave, Janesville. Headlined by Ben Marcotte. A semi-finalist in the Funniest Person in the Twin Cities competition, Ben blends sharp writing, relatable stories, and a confident stage presence that will leave you laughing long after the show ends. Matt Dooyema of St. Cloud is the opening act.
SATURDAY, OCT 04
Fall Festival
- Faribault-10 a.m.11:30 p.m., Downtown Faribault, Central Ave. Packed with activities, including the classic Chili Competition and Bar Crawl, a new vendor and business market, kids’ activities, and a special Fire Safety Event presented by the Faribault Fire Department. See the full schedule online.
Family FunFest
Flavors of Fall Festival
- Waseca-- 4-8 p.m., Pleasant Grove Pizza Farm, 41142 160th St, Waseca. Before or after enjoying pizza on the farm, bring the family over to meet their sweet rescue animals — friendly goats, a fluffy Highlander cow, a donkey, ducks, chickens, and so many more animals. Live music from The Foragers. Fall flavored beers and fall inspired wines, plus an apple cider bar.
Shadows at the Crossing - St. Peter-- 6-8 p.m., Lantern light, prairie air, and voices from the past. Experience Traverse des Sioux after dark on this immersive guided tour. At six stops along the trail, you’ll meet costumed interpreters portraying real people connected to this place. They’ll share their stories in first person, giving you a glimpse into the choices, challenges, and resilience that shaped Minnesota Territory. Takes place Oct. 3 and 4.
- Janesville-- 10 a.m., Autumn Acres Farm, 35482 W. County Line Rd., Janesville. Pumpkins, produce, food/concessions, market items, etc., are not included in the price of admission, and do cost extra. Live music by Electric Duo followed by Shenanigans. Face painting throughout the day
Wine Crawl - Kasota-- 1-6 p.m., Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery and Distillery, 1179 E. Pearl St., Kasota. day of wine, food, and fun as four local wineries come together to bring you the very first Mankato Area Wine Crawl: Chankaska Creek, Indian Island, Javens Family Vineyard, And 9-Mile Corner. Tickets online.
Polkarioty
- Owatonna-- 4-7 p.m., Mineral Springs Brewery, 210 N. Oak Ave., Suite 1, Owatonna. Richie
Yurkovich and his band have been playing professionally for almost 50 years. They have recorded more than 30 albums and Richie has written almost 100 songs. They play a variety of music including polkas, waltzes, big band, country, older rock, Latin and many specialty songs. The band always has a fun time performing to give the dancer and listener an enjoyable experience.
A fall-themed bar crawl across the historic downtown.
9 to 5 The Musical - Owatonna-- 7:30 p.m., Little Theatre of Owatonna, 560 Dunnell Dr # A, Owatonna. With music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and book by Patricia Resnick, it’s based on the seminal 1980 hit movie. Set in the late 1970s, this hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era is outrageous, thought-provoking and even a little romantic. Tickets at the box office or online. Shows 6 p.m. Oct. 2-4 and Oct. 9-11, plus 12:30 p.m. Oct. 5 and 12.
SUNDAY, OCT 05 A
Song of Shadow and Light - Owatonna-- 1-5 p.m., Owatonna Arts Center, 435 Garden View Ln, Owatonna. Art from Scott Markell on display. Scott has created art in a number of medias including painting (watercolor, acrylic, oil, airbrush), printmaking (intaglio, linoleum block, silkscreen), calligraphy, wheel-thrown pottery, hand-built ceramics, and sculpture. Gallery runs through Nov. 16.
Adult Book Fair - Le Sueur County-- 1-4 p.m., Next Chapter Winery, 16945 320th St., New Prague. Browse adult books and bookish treasures from a va-
riety of vendors — it’s a novel idea. Sip some wine, meet fellow bibliophiles, and let the story unfold.
The Donner Party - St. Peter-- 5-7 p.m., Patrick’s on Third, 125 S. Third St., St. Peter. Playing the roots of classic country.
TUESDAY, OCT 07
‘A Monster Calls’ Book Discussion and Performance - Owatonna-- 6-7:30 p.m., Trinity Lutheran Church, 609 S. Lincoln Ave., Owatonna. Join to read and discuss this metaphorical tale of loss and grief. The story addresses one child’s journey with anticipatory grief as he processes his mother’s cancer and pending death. While this is a heavy topic, it depicts the real life event of death written to prompt discussion and self interpretation… and through the eyes of a teenager. Tickets online.
WEDNESDAY, OCT 08
Fall Music Series - St. Peter-2-3 p.m., St. Peter Community Center, 600 S. Fifth St., St. peter. Everett Smithson Band provides the music this week.
THURSDAY, OCT 09
Jaspar Lepack: Songs Inspired By Books - Le Sueur-- 6 p.m., Le Sueur Public Library, 118 Ferry St. an evening of music by Folk musician Jaspar Lepak as she performs a collection of original songs inspired by books. With a guitar, a banjo, and a deep love for storytelling, Lepak will musically interpret stories such as On Writing by Stephen King, White Teeth by Zadie Smith, The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood, and more.
vision St. S, Northfield. A reading from “If the Dead Belong Here.” When a young girl goes missing, the ghosts of the past collide with her family’s secrets in a mesmerizing Native American Southern Gothic.
FRIDAY, OCT 10
Roots Music Exchange - St. Peter-5-10 p.m., Patrick’s on Third, 125 S. Third St., St. Peter. Workshop with Ben Scruggs and Josh Reinitz, followed by the Josh Reinitz Band and Saltydog.
Just CristaKasota-- 6-9 p.m., The Blue Moon Bar & Grill, 300 S. Webster St., Kasota. A girl, a guitar, a fiddle, a ukulele and a song. Enjoy an evening listening to the incredibly talented Crista.
or cocoa per person, Smore roasting, two pumpkins from the pick-your-own patch, two Autumn Acres totes, and the opportunity to take some beautiful photos at sunset. Couples are two adults. Tickets online.
Victorian Funeral - Faribault-6:30-7:30 p.m., Alexander Faribault House, 12 First Ave. NE.
Experience the Faribault House like never before and learn about death customs both locally and more broadly during the Victorian Era. The Alexander Faribault house, though not what visitors might traditionally think of as “Victorian”, was built during that era (1853). Even developing towns, like Faribault was during the 1850s and 60s, would have had their own twist on Victorian customs of the time. Pay and reserve by calling 507-332-2121.
Eric & Polly
Date Night at the Farm - Janesville-- 6 p.m., Autumn Acres Farm, 35482 W. County Line Rd., Janesville. This after-hours adults-only (age-18 and up) event is geared toward couples and will allow you to experience the farm differently. Your special evening will include a lighted hayride, community bonfires, music, and ambient lighting, pulled pork sandwiches with sides and one free hot cider
Rapp - Henderson-- 7-8 p.m., River Bottom Tavern & Brewhouse, 510 Main St., Henderson. Americana music with a heart, a soul, and a sense of humor--old-timey country-folk that turns a wry eye on modern life and sees deeper meaning in our trials. Fine flatpicking and fingerpicking from Eric on acoustic guitar and occasional mandolin anchor the musical mix, which also includes the unique droning sound of mountain dulcimer and harmony vocals from Polly. Eric’s original songs grow out of an eclectic collection of
CONTINUED page 20
PERFORMING ARTS SERIES
Thursday, October 23, 2025 • 7:30 pm
Jaerv is a world-renowned Swedish quintet, beloved for its vigorous and heartfelt folk music rooted in pop and jazz. With a combination of vivid storytelling, outstanding vocals and intricate dances, Jaerv creates a “captivating, personal, and innovative” performance experience. Jaerv is appearing at Shattuck-St. Mary’s as part of a U.S. tour in collaboration with Minneapolis-based duo, The OK Factor, whose genre-bending performance style and composition are second to none. PERFORMED IN HISTORIC NEWHALL AUDITORIUM AT SHATTUCK-ST. MARY’S SCHOOL, 1000 SHUMWAY AVE., FARIBAULT, MN 55021 ORDER TICKETS ONLINE
influences that include the likes of Norman Blake, the Carter Family, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Simon & Garfunkel, Michael Smith, and Gillian Welch.
SATURDAY, OCT 11
Cedar Fest - Owa-
tonna-- 8 a.m.-11
p.m., Downtown Owatonna.
Start your day with shopping, sips, games, food, and live music as our downtown comes alive with fun for all ages. A vendor & craft market on Cedar Avenue, breakfast at Wagner’s Lunch, bags tournament, morning sips, milkhouse candle bar, live music from Jeff Reinartz and Emma Josephine, food and drink offerings all day. Rough House closes the night at Reggie’s Brewhouse.
Fall Multi-Sale - Waseca-- 9 a.m.-1 p.m., The Mill Event Center, 310 2nd Ave SW, Waseca. Join for a massive multi-family sale with items from multiple households across the community- perfect for families and bargain hunters! Find everything from kitchenware to electronics, clothes for all ages, home decor, and more. Runs 12-6 p.m. Oct. 9, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 10 and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 11.
Maker Fair
--- 9 a.m.-4
p.m., One of Southern Minnesota’s largest celebrations of handmade goods. There are no mass produced items sold at Maker Fair Minnesota. Every item sold by our vendors is made by hand and is one of a kind! The event also features local food trucks, goodie bags and activities for kids.
Farmamerica Fall Festival - Waseca-- 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Farmamerica, 7367 360th Ave, Waseca. Join us for a festive day filled with crisp autumn air. Seasonal activities, concessions, games, friendly farm animals, bounce house, face painting, tram rides, Machinery Hill, corn maze, vote for your favorite scarecrow, live music from Marv Nissel band, complimentary apple cider while supplies last and so much more. Tickets online.
K-W Education
Hog Roast
- Kenyon-- 4 p.m., Kenyon Country Club, 45986 Hwy 56, Kenyon. We are collecting silent auction items.
If you have anything you would like to donate, contact Erica Aronson or Heather Breyer.
Flavors of Fall Festival - Waseca-- 4-8 p.m., Pleasant Grove Pizza Farm, 41142 160th St, Waseca. Before or after enjoying pizza on the farm, bring the family over to meet their sweet rescue animals —
friendly goats, a fluffy Highlander cow, a donkey, ducks, chickens, and so many more animals. Live music from The Foragers. Fall flavored beers and fall inspired wines, plus an apple cider bar.
Hotdish Hootenanny - Owatonna-- 4-7 p.m., Owatonna Eagles 1791, 141 E. Rose St., Owatonna. Celebrate all the best parts of being Minnesotan, award some of the best dishes of the evening, and raise money for the Rotary youth programs. If you are interested in entering a hotdish, email Annie at annie.harman@apgsomn.com. There is no entry fee.
OCC Fall Festival - Owatonna-- 5 p.m., Owatonna Country Club, 1991 Lemond Rd., Owatonna. A fantastic fall menu, plus live music and drinks.
Jamboyz - Janesville-5:30-8:30 p.m., Indian Island Winery, 18010 631st Ave, Janesville. Performing upbeat music acoustically.
The Space ForceOwatonna-- 6-9 p.m., Mineral Springs Brewery, 210 N. Oak Ave., Suite 1, Owatonna. A buncha dudes playing songs that were overplayed way before they were born.
Cole Diamond - Elko New Market-- 8 p.m.-12 a.m., The Doublewide, 421 Saint Joseph St., Elko New Market. Three sets of all your favorite country songs about drinking, cheating, and the Chattahoochee River.
WEDNESDAY, OCT 15
Fall Music
Series - St. Peter-- 2-3 p.m., St. Peter Community Center, 600 S. Fifth St., St. peter. Accordion Music of the World provides the music this week.
THURSDAY, OCT 16
Emily Stark Photography Exhibit - St. Peter-- 1-5 p.m., Arts Center of Saint Peter, 315 S. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter. Photographs of a photographer taking photographs.
Trent Shaw Acoustic Lounge - St. Peter-- 5-8 p.m., Patrick’s on Third, 125 S. Third St., St. Peter. A solo acoustic lounge set.
Thursday Evening Farmers Market - Owatonna-- 5-8 p.m., Downtown Owatonna. A fall evening farmers market, including live music from LR Music.
John Barbour Author Talk - Northfield-- 7 p.m., Content Bookstore, 314 Division St. S, Northfield. Barbour’s book, “Family Conscience” explores the role of conscience in four generations during a century of family history. This thematic family memoir blends the genres of biography, oral interview, autobiography, essay, and cultural history as Barbour depicts how conscience was transmitted and transformed through the generations.
FRIDAY, OCT 17
Fall Break CampHenderson-- 9 a.m.3:30 p.m., Ney Nature Center, 28238 Nature Center Ln, Henderson. Campers will enjoy the opportunity to explore, practice team building, hangout at their very own base camp for campfires and forts, and much more. Pre-register online.
MEA Discovery Day - Waseca-- 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Farmamerica, 7367 360th Ave, Waseca. Self-guided
farm tour, hands-on farm animal interactions, and a variety of fun, fall-themed activities for all ages. Plus, don’t miss your chance to meet and snap photos with our special guests: llamas and alpacas
Jigsaw Puzzle Competition - Kasota-- 6:30-9:30 p.m., Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery and Distillery, 1179 E. Pearl St., Kasota. Bring your team and your A-game for an exciting evening of puzzling, sipping and competition. Form a team of up to four people and receive: a 500-piece puzzle, two bottles of Chankaska wine, and a charcuterie board. The first three teams to finish their puzzle and their wine and charcuterie will take home fun prizes. Tickets online.
Little Fish
Improv - Owatonna-- 7-8:30 p.m., Mineral Springs Brewery, 210 N. Oak Ave., Suite 1, Owatonna. A group of local actors and comedians that bring improv to life. No two shows are the same; join us as this troupe brings comedy to life through the art of improv.
SATURDAY, OCT 18
Fall Vibes & Loud Rides - Faribault-- 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Faribault Harley Davidson, 2704 W. Airport Dr. Hot cider and cookies to go with a used bike sale.
Pumpkin PaloozaWaseca-1-3 p.m., Aspyn Acres, 41251 135th St., Waseca. Celebrate pumpkin season the spooky way. Carve your very own pumpkin with the animals by your side. Pumpkin games + activities. Face painting for all ages. Mini hay rides through the trails. Tasty fall treats available for purchase.
Do you want to submit an event to this calendar?
Send details to editor@ southernminnscene.com
Sippin’ Pretty in Fall Fashion - Owatonna-- 3:30-7 p.m., Owatonna Shoe, 121 N. Cedar Ave, Owatonna. Short and sweet fashion show starting at 4:30 p.m. for about 30 minutes or so. After the show, there will be more wine to purchase. Also stop at each shop to fill your wardrobe with new fall goodies at a discounted price.
Dan Duffy OrchestraJanesville--
5:30-8:30
p.m., Indian Island Winery, 18010 631st Ave, Janesville. An exciting group from Mankato performing swing and hot club music from the 20s on up to today.
The Adventures of Alice in Wonderland - Faribault--
7:30 p.m., Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave N, Faribault. A whimsical romp down the rabbit hole. Join Alice as she discovers a magical land full of zany characters and lots of fun. Follow Alice as she meets the mysterious Cheshire Cat, the rhyming Caterpillar, the outrageous Mad Hatter and a Paranoid Egg. Shows 7:30 p.m. Oct. 17, 18 and 24, plus 2 p.m. Oct. 19, 25 and 26. Tickets online.
SUNDAY, OCT 19
The Gated Community -
St. Peter-- 4-7
p.m., Patrick’s on Third, 125 S. Third St., St. Peter. In 2006 South Asian-American Yale graduate and political activist Sumanth
Gopinath started a country/bluegrass band in Minneapolis called The Gated Community. Influenced by his dad’s classic country record collection and modern Americana bands like The Flatlanders, the band mixes folk, bluegrass and country music with a raw, rock edge.
WEDNESDAY, OCT 22
Fall Family Fun EventLe Center-10-11:30 a.m., Le Sueur County Justice Center, 435 E. Derrynane St., Le Center. For expecting parents & families with young children.
Fall Music Series - St. Peter-- 2-3 p.m., St. Peter Community Center, 600 S. Fifth St., St. peter.
Fred Keller and the Skally Line provides the music this week.
FRIDAY, OCT 24
Fortunate SonsHenderson-- 7 p.m., River Bottom Tavern & Brewhouse, 510 Main St., Henderson.
Fortunate Suns are a hypnotic fusion of psychedelic improvisation, southern country rock and heavy distorted riffs.
Headlight - St. Peter-- 9 p.m.-12 a.m., Patrick’s on Third, 125 S. Third St., St. Peter. Great music from some recent Gustavus graduates.
SATURDAY, OCT 25
The Adventures of Alice in Wonderland - Faribault-- 2 p.m., Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave N, Faribault. A whimsical romp down the rabbit hole. Join Alice as she discovers a magical land full of zany characters and lots of fun. Follow Alice as she meets the mysterious Cheshire Cat, the rhyming Caterpillar, the outrageous Mad Hatter and a Paranoid Egg. Shows 7:30 p.m. Oct. 24, plus 2 p.m. Oct. 25 and 26. Tickets online.
Halloween Fundraiser - Faribault-- 6-9 p.m., Live music by Eclipse, dinner, drinks, and spooky decorations will make this a night to remember There will be fabulous prizes for the best costumes and a silent auction. All proceeds stay here in Rice County to support victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Tickets online.
WEDNESDAY, OCT 29
Fall Music Series - St. Peter-2-3 p.m., St. Peter Community Center, 600 S. Fifth St., St. peter. Bullypulpit Bluegrass Band provides the music this week.
FRIDAY, OCT 31
Sohmer and Dale on Halloween - Janesville-6-8:30 p.m., Indian Island Winery, 18010 631st Ave, Janesville. Enjoy live music this evening by Sohmer and Dale playing a whole variety of genres of music.
Fred the BearOwatonna-- 6-8
p.m., Mineral Springs Brewery, 210 N. Oak Ave., Suite 1, Owatonna. A classic rock/alternative band known for their rich harmonies, emotive dynamics and original songs. FTB’s music reflects on life’s promises and disappointments through personal crafted lyrics and driving rhythms. Mixed within their originals is a blend of music from other Midwest artists, currently touring groups and classic bands.
Furball Halloween Party - Faribault-6:30-8:30 p.m., Furball Farm Pet Sanctuary, 3405 220th St. E., Faribault. Are you brave enough to walk the Haunted Cat Path? Come creep it real with us this Halloween for a frightfully adorable night of feline fun! The Furballs are taking over the night with a spooktacular after-hours event filled with mischief, meows, and maybe a few ghostly purrs. Tons of sweet and spooky cats, candy for humans & a Furball surprise for every guest, feline-themed photo ops.
Fari-Boo Downtown Bar CrawlFaribault-7 p.m., Downtown Faribault, Central Ave.
Halloween Trivia - Le Sueur County-- 7-9 p.m., Next Chapter Winery, 16945 320th St., New Prague. Think you know your horror movies, haunted history, creepy creatures, and candy facts? Prove it at Halloween Trivia Night in the Red Barn for a spooktacular night of trivia, treats, and chilling good fun. Free to play; teams of two encouraged; costumes encourages; wine, cocktails & spooky sips available.
Hundreds of costumed crawlers on Halloween in historic downtown Faribault, a fundraiser for the Paradise Center for The Arts. Registration for the Fari “BOO” Bar Crawl begins at 7 p.m. at the Paradise. Between 7-11 p.m., participants must visit all four bars: The Signature, Our Place on Third, Boxers, and the American Legion, to be judged for the costume contest. Winners of the costume contest will be announced at 11:30 p.m. in the Paradise.
Halloween Show - St. Peter-- 8 p.m., Tremendous Brewing Co., 228 W. Mulberry St., St. Peter. Halloween chaos with Madam Driver, Sons Of Bliss and SLDG. All ages, no cover.
SoMinn THE BOOKWORM SEZ
Entertainment & nostalgia books; books about dogs;
‘American Kings’, ‘Replaceable You’
Entertainment & Nostalgia Books
by Various Authors
c.2025, various publishers $19.99 - $30 various page counts
You were made to dance.
Or sing, act, play air-guitar, or just watch someone who does these things. You’ve been like that for most of your life, so why not take a step back and read about your favorite entertainments and acts and how they came to be?
In the background of your youth, there were tunes. Lots of them, and in “The Story of ABBA:
Melancholy Undercover” by Jan Gradvall (St. Martin’s Press, $30), you’ll read about one group that’s been around for more than half a century.
Infamously reluctant to do interviews, ABBA members allowed Gradvall to talk with them over the course of several years, starting in more than a decade ago. This no-holdsbarred book is a collection of the stories they shared, and their thoughts. Fans of ABBA’s music, or the movie and Broadway show based on their song will want this book, too.
Another soundtrack to your youth probably made you get up and dance, so now Hustle on over and read “Fever: The Complete History of Saturday Night Fever” by Margo Donohue (Citadel Press, $29). Love it or hate it, Saturday Night Fever was a culture-changer, and making it wasn’t without problems. Here, read about the film’s backstory, along with pictures, a satisfying behind-thescreen scenes that will make you feel like an insider, and plenty of late-70s nostalgia. Absolutely no ‘90s kid will be able to resist “Morphenomenal: How the Power Rangers Conquered the World” by Joshua Moore (Applause, $24.95).
No doubt about it, if you were a fan of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, you had a favorite, pink, red, yellow, black, teal, blue, or later, white – and you undoubtedly copied their super-cool moves. The show was like nothing you’d ever seen before, and you couldn’t get enough of it. So now read about it, where it came from, and where it is today. This is a book you’ll share with your kids, if they’re fans, too. And finally, if you love electronic entertainment but you worry about its effects, check out “Power On: Managing Screen Time to Benefit the Whole Family” by Ash Brandin, EdS (Balance, $19.99). Does it sometimes seem that parents everywhere (parents like you!) are feeling pressure to lessen the amount of gaming, TV-watching, and internet viewing their children do? Yeah, and it’s hard. In this book, you’ll find ways to accomplish that minimization without whines or tears, and then you’ll see how to safely re-introduce electronic entertainment into your kids’ lives. It’s a book your child’s teacher will be glad you’ve read. And if these great books aren’t enough, or if you’d rather have a show-biz biography, a wider discography or criticism, a novelization of the original on which a movie’s based, or if you’re not sure exactly what you want, stop by your favorite bookstore or library and throw yourself at the mercy of the staff there. There are thousands of books they can recommend for you, your teens, or your littles. They’ve got lots of books to make you dance.
Books about Dogs
by Various Authors
c.2025, various publishers $16.95 - $29 various page counts Man’s best friend?
Yep, and woman’s best friend, too. And a kid’s bestie, when you think about it. No matter the size or the kind, we love our pups and we love to read great books about them… Does it sometimes feel as if your dog is almost human?
American Kings: A Biography of the Quarterback
by Seth Wickersham c.2025,
Hyperion Avenue $29.99 407 pages Snap.
Replaceable You: Adventures in Human Anatomy
by Mary Roach
c.2025, W.W. Norton & Company $28.99 288 pages
The “love handles” around your middle kind of bother you.
In the new novel, “The Hounding” by Xenobe Purvis (Henry Holt, $26.99) the tables are turned. For sure, the Mansfield sisters are a bit creepy The rumors in Little Nettlebed say, in fact, that the girls can transform into dogs at will; the proof is in the mysterious barking and the ravens that gather on the roofs of the doomed. Silliness. Patriarchy, even. Of course, the sisters are really not witches. Are they?
If you love dogs and a haunting-good novel, you’ll wolf down this book quick. Admit it: random videos online are hard to resist, and in the new novel, “A Dog in Georgia” by Lauren Grodstein (Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill, $29), one dog in one video changes the course of a life. Chef, stepmother, wife. Those used to be words that Amy Webb used to describe herself but these days, she’s not sure what she is. Except now she’s a dog hunter, after seeing a video of a missing dog and she gets caught up in catching the pup. Volunteering to find “Angel” is the next natural step because Amy’s generous like that. But is anything ever that simple? This novel’s perfect for anyone who needs to rediscover themselves, in a dog or otherwise. The sad fact of life is that most of us will outlive our dogs. So how do you make Poochie’s last years the best? And how do you open your heart anew? “Old Dog, New Dog: Supporting Your Aging Best Friend and Welcoming a New One” by Kathy Callahan & Helen St. Pierre (New World Library, $16.95) may have some ideas for you. This book takes a look at two sides of a dog’s life, and melds them together. Learn how to best support your elder dog, how to work hand-inpaw with your veterinarian, and a few tips to keep Fido safe and happy for the rest of his life. If you think having an energetic youngster around might benefit, this book offers ideas to make it work seamlessly and easier. It’s a book you’ll want around, one that offers comfort and solid help. And finally, speaking of veterinarians, “Heal the Beasts: A Jaunt Through the Curious history of the Veterinary Arts” by Philipp Schott, DVM (ECW Press, $19.95) is a unique book that takes animal lovers through the centuries. Filled with imagination and fact, it’s part novel, part nonfiction, and a lot of fun to read. And if these aren’t enough for you, or if you’re searching for something else, head to your favorite library or bookstore, then sit up and beg for help. There are lots of books about your furry best friend on the shelves, and your bookish best friends will help you find them.
And with that, and a catch that’s picture-perfect, your team is on their way to another win. The guy that threw the football sure knows his stuff. He’s worth every penny he’s paid, and in the new book “American Kings” by Seth Wickersham, you’ll see what it took to get there.
Like so many little boys, Seth Wickersham wanted to play pro football when he was growing up; specifically, he wanted to be a quarterback. Unlike most other boys, though, he took it to an extreme, becoming “obsessed” with throwing a football with the best accuracy, hoping to match the skills of the players he admired.
Alas, despite an entire childhood of nearconstant practice and a few wins on the field in high school, he didn’t make varsity and ended up playing as a receiver. He knows now that to be a quarterback is to be a star, but it’s also “a way of life.”
Here, he writes about Arch Manning, “a legend, a folk hero, a song title… and the beginning of a family franchise…” Wickersham shares the story of Warren Moon, how he stepped up to help his mother when his father died, how domestic violence almost derailed his legacy, and the racism he quarterbacked under for years.
He spent time with Caleb Williams, “the first true professional amateur quarterback” to get money for playing at the college level. He interviewed James Harris, who was prepared to become a teacher “If the league didn’t want a Black quarterback…” Wickersham “spent much of 2022 with” Andrew Luck, who “learned quickly that greatness requires an… unlimited selfishness.” He writes about how Jack Elway influenced his son’s choice of career, what Hollywood had to do with one pro footballer’s life, and the post-career of the first player “to throw a consistently beautiful spiral.”
Says Wickersham about his subjects, “Anyone could throw a football. Only a quarterback could make people cheer.”
Your favorite chair is oiled for smooth reclining and fast slam-downs. The snacks are laid in for at least a week, and beverages are on ice. You know exactly what you’re wearing for the game this weekend. All you need is “American Kings” and you’re set.
Author Seth Wickersham calls his book “a biography,” but it’s just as much a history, since he refers often to the earliest days of the game, as well as the etymology of the word “quarterback.”
That helps to lay a solid background and it adds color to a reader’s knowledge about football itself, while explaining what it takes for men and women to stand out and to achieve gridiron greatness. On that. Wickersham is honest, sometimes calling out his subjects for their attitudes toward teammates and others. Blunt words are used that are unprintable in family newspapers, so beware if you’re sharing.
Is your team’s QB in this book? Maybe, or a past favorite surely is, so check out “American Kings” and see what you find. Football fans and pigskin prognosticators both will love this book in a snap.
Heavy sigh. You’d like them gone but dental work is taking all your money for now. If you were honest, you’d have that balding spot fixed, too - and don’t forget new knees, which you’ll need soon enough. As in the new book, “Replaceable You” by Mary Roach, are you falling apart or, like Humpty Dumpty, are you being put together again?
Poor old George Washington.
Most of his portraits portray him as a grump but there’s a reason: George’s false teeth hurt his mouth something terrible; even keeping his lips together was difficult. No doubt, he’d be amazed at what dentists do with implants these days. But teeth, of course, aren’t the only things we tinker with.
Take, for instance, noses.
Once was a time when losing a nose was big punishment or a front-and-center sign of diseases that no one wanted to catch. Sufferers were shunned either way, so devices were made to fashion a nose-ish nose but they looked a lot like Groucho glasses. Using the skin from animals was tried, but it wasn’t permanent enough. Enter rhinoplasty, one of the first plastic surgeries. Doctors weren’t done with animals, though. To fix or save lives, attempts were made using donor animals including sheep, dogs, frogs, and pigs, the latter of which may surprise you. As it turns out; pig hearts can be transplanted to needful humans and their skin can help burn victims if self-donating isn’t an option. Pigs, in fact, can be genetically modified for tissue or organ donor use. Ostomies can make a person’s life better, and the colon isn’t just for elimination. Amputation isn’t always unwanted, woodworkers and orthopedists have a lot in common, and one must be wary of sourcing hair transplants.
As for organ donating, says Roach, it’s tricky - so tricky, it’s a wonder that it works. Swap it out.
Those are words you may hear at least once a week. Tech doesn’t work? Swap it out. The delight inside “Replaceable You” is that swapping out is infinitely possible in everyday life, to help, to enhance, and to save. The science in medicine can be complicated, but no problem: author Mary Roach teaches readers as she learns, which makes things easier to understand. Roach writes to readers, not at them, thus putting you in the action alongside her. Her hands-on way of research also makes this makes science fun, too, as she volunteers for a few of the procedures she writes about, and she takes us along on trips around the world to view where work in various relevant scientific fields is done. This also takes some of the stigma out of procedures we don’t discuss much, and it makes the fear melt away, too.
Readers who grew up on The Six Million Dollar Man or The Bionic Woman, and those who’ve had a procedure or two done will enjoy “Replaceable You.” For sure, if you love science and want to learn something fun, you can handle it.
Paradise Center
for the
Paradise Center for the rtsA
rtsA Conne ct. Experience. Create.
For more information & tickets:
Presented by Paradise Community Theatre
By Tammy Barton & Gayann Truelove
Directed by Kathy Rush
Tumble down the rabbit hole with Alice! Meet the Cheshire Cat, the Caterpillar, the Mad Hatter, and a paranoid egg in this whimsical adventure full of laughter and magic. Don’t miss the fun!
www.paradisecenterforthearts.org • 507.332.7372
For more information & tickets: www.paradisecenterforthearts.org • 507.332.7372
321 Central Avenue North, Faribault, MN
For more information & tickets: www.paradisecenterforthearts.org
507.332.7372
321 Central Avenue North, Faribault, MN
321 Central Avenue North, Faribault, MN
GALLERY OPENING OCTOBER 3, 5 PM-7 PM.
Carlander Family Gallery – Kate Langlais Lois Vranesh Gallery and K&M Gallery – Studio Artour: Char Johnson, Julie Fakler, Johnnie Walker, Kathy Weed Corey Lyn Creger Memorial Gallery - Bethlehem Academy Students
Exhibition Dates: October 3 – November 15, 2025.
Sponsored by Southern Heights Dental Group and K&M Heating and Air Conditioning
Saturday, Oct. 11 | Sessions at 10 AM, 11:15 AM & 1 PM
Families will glaze clay medallions, meet costumed cast members, and celebrate creativity together.
Free to attend (space limited – 30 per session).
Register: paradisecenterforthearts.org/education
Each child 12 & under receives a free ticket to Alice in Wonderland
Finished pieces displayed in the K&M Gallery Made possible by the Faribault Foundation CommUnity Grant.
Improv 101:
Intro to Improv with Buddy Ricker (Ages 16+)
October 17, 18, and 24 at 7:30 PM October 19, 25, and 26 at 2:00 PM.
SATURDAYS THRU JUNE 22, 12:30-2PM
Member: $70 / Non-Member: $80
Improv 101: Intro to Improv with Buddy Ricker (Ages 16+)
* Alice in Wonderland tea party, one hour before the matinees, $7.50 per child.*
SATURDAYS THRU JUNE 22, 12:30-2PM
Member: $70 / Non-Member: $80
Member: $19.50, Non-Member: $21.50, and Student: $15.50 (Includes a $1.50 Processing Fee)
This course will focus on the fundamentals of improv acting with an emphasis on improv comedy. Through “hands on” exercises and laughter, we will bring out the creative improvyour family and friends with a course ending show that showcases the improv artist in you.
Show Sponsor ~ Reliance Bank PCT Season Sponsor ~ The Bahl Foundation Presented through a special arrangement with Heuer Publishing.
GALLERY
Second Annual Fari “BOO” Bar Crawl – Fundraiser for Paradise Center for the Arts!
Registration starts at 7 PM at the Paradise
Crawl: 7–11 PM | $12 per person
Friday, October 31st, starting at 7:00 PM
Stops: The Signature, Our Place on Third, Boxers, and American Legion
Costume Contest: Winners announced 11:30 PM at the Paradise Prizes: 1st – $500 | 2nd – $250 | 3rd – $100 Ages 21+
Event Sponsors: The Signature Bar & Grill, Our Place on 3rd, Boxer’s Bar, The American Legion, Heavy Metal Customs, Faribault Community Coop, Gold Star Manufacturing, The Depot Bar & Grill, Cry Baby Craig’s, and Francis Animal & Pest Control.
