MONDAYS:
June 15 - July 27, 2 - 3 pm . . . Open Art Hour
TUESDAYS:
June 16 - July 28, 10:30 am . . . Wake Up & Wiggle Come and move to the music! (Ages 0-6) June 16 - July 14, 4 pm. . . . . . . Free Family Yoga with the Yoga Studio of Austin
WEDNESDAYS:
June 17, 1 pm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . June 24, 10:30 am . . . . . . . . . . . July 1, 11 am & 1 pm . . . . . . . . July 8, 11 am & 1 pm . . . . . . . . July 15, 11 am & 1 pm . . . . . . . July 22, 11 am & 1 pm . . . . . . . July 29, 6 pm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Disney Movie w/ Sing-Along “Moo!” Trunk Show with author David LaRochelle & Illustrator Mike Wohnoutk (Suitable for families and groups with children ages 0-6) Movie at the library R.A.D. Zoo Mad Science of Iowa Magician & Puppeteer Jim Jayes Pet Show
THURSDAYS:
June 11 - July 30, 10:30 am . . . All Ages Storytime
FRIDAYS:
June 12 - July 31, 2 pm. . . . . . . Family Movie Matinee (Movies announced weekly)
What’s inside: Summer events at a glance: Mower County Fair ……..……..……..……..……. 4-5 Austin Freedom Fest ……..……..……..……..…… 6-7 Austin CVB, Nancy Schnable ……..……..……..…… 8 Hitting the trails ……..……..……..……..……..……. 10 Runs, races……..……..……..……..……..……..…… 12 Auto racing……..……..……..……..……..……..…… 13 Golf ……..……..……..……..……..……..……..……. 14 Area baseball schedules……..……..……..……..…… 15 Jay C. Hormel Nature Center ……..……..……..…… 16 Area horse-riding center offers lessons ……..……. 18 Library hosting full slate of events ……..……..……. 19 YMCA summer schedule ……..……..……..…….. 21 Relay for Life, Hy-Vee One-Step Garden ……..……. 23 Austin, LeRoy, Lyle farmers markets……..……..…… 29 Rose Creek log cabin open for summer ……..……. 32 Knoebels share Brewventures……..……..……..…… 34 Summerset, Matchbox theaters ……..……..……. 35 ArtWorks Festival, AACA schedule ……..……..……. 36 ArtWorks Center classes……..……..……..……..…… 37 Regional road trips ……..……..……..……..… 38-39 A summer at the campgrounds ……..……..…….. 40 Parks and Rec: from archery to the pool ……..……. 44
Small town festivals: Adams Dairy Days ……..……..……..……..…….. 20 Dexter Sunflower Days ……..……..……..……..…… 21 Meadowfest, Grand Meadow……..……..……..…… 22 Hayfield Fest, Ostrander Uff Da Days ……..……..……..……..…… 24 Brownsdale Fest ……..……..……..……..……..……. 25 Blooming Prairie Old Fashioned Fourth of July ……. 26 LeRoy Summerfest ……..……..……..……..…….. 28 Lyle Independence Day Celebration ……..…….. 30 Clear Lake, Iowa……..……..……..……..……..……. 31 Rose Creek Fun Days ……..……..……..……..……. 32
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Time subject to change. See more schedules and details throughout Discover Summer and at www.austindailyherald.com/category/calendar/
June 7-10: Gifted and Talented Symposium 8: History Happy Hour: Antiques evaluation, Hormel Historic Home, 5:30 p.m. 12: Music @ the Bank. Peter Jacobs Jazz Trio, Austin ArtWorks Center, 7:30 p.m. 12-14: Adams Dairy Days 13: Sola Fide Observatory Viewing 13-14: 3D Archery Shoots, Cedar River Archery Club 14-15: Tour of Minnesota Bike Ride 14-20: “9 to 5 the Musical” by Summerset Theatre, 7 p.m. June 14, then at 7:30 p.m. 16-20: North Central Regional Simmental Classic 19: Gallery Opening featuring Nick Sinclair and Mike Erickson, Austin ArtWorks Center, 5 p.m. 20: Breakfast on the Farm, Reiland Farms, Troy and Chris Sukalski, 13698 755th Ave., LeRoy 20: Sola Fide Observatory Viewing 20: Dexter Sunflower Days 22: Peace Garden Concert with The Teddy Bear Band, HHH, 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. 22: Ladies Invitational, Austin Country Club 25-28: SpamTown Baseball Tourney 25-28: Meadowfest, Grand Meadow 26-28: Lyle Independence Day 27: Shooting Star Trail Bike Ride 29: MGA Amateur qualifier, Austin Country Club July 1: Peace Garden Concert with The Teddy Bear Band, Austin Community Jazz band, 6:30 p.m. 3-5: Freedom Fest 3-4: Blooming Prairie Old Fashioned Fourth 6-10: Water Festival, Jay C. Hormel Nature Center 7-11: “The 39 Steps” by Summerset Theatre, 7:30 p.m. 8-10: Clean Water Festival 9-12: Ostrander Uff Da Days 10-12: Rose Creek Fun Days 13: History Happy Hour, Baseball in Austin’s History, HHH, 5:30 p.m. 13-17: Circle of Friends Day Camp, HHH, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 15: Kinobe & The Wamu Spirit, World Music
at the Paramount, 5 p.m. 16: Hormel Institute Public Open House 17-19: LeRoy Summerfest 18-19: 3D Archery Shoots, Cedar River Archery Club 18-19: Austin Country Club Championship 18: Sola Fide Observatory Viewing 20: Packer Classic, Austin Country Club 21: Ag Appreciation Dinner 21: Peace Garden Concert with The Bissen Family Band, HHH, 6:30 p.m. 24: Gallery Opening featuring Lisa Truax, Austin ArtWorks Center 25: Mower Country Relay for Life 25: Sola Fide Observatory Viewing 25: Hayfield Fest 28-Aug. 1: “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” by Summerset Theatre, 7:30 p.m. 29: House of Waters, World Music at the Paramount, 7 p.m. August 4: Peace Garden Concert Matra Percussion, HHH, 6:30 p.m. 5: Choo Choo Bob Show, HHH, 2 p.m. 8: Brownsdale Fest 10: History Happy Hour, History of the Mower County Fair, 5 p.m. 11-16: Mower County Free Fair 15-16: 3D Archery Shoots, Cedar River Archery Club 15: Sola Fide Observatory Viewing 17: Karl Potach Memorial Golf Tournament 19: Makem & Spain, World Music at the Artworks Center, 7 p.m. 20: Gallery Opening featuring Jean Formo, Austin ArtWorks Center, 5 p.m. 21: Annual Doggy Dip 22-23: Austin ArtWorks Festival 21-23: “The Wizard of Oz” by Matchbox Children’s Theatre, 7-8:30 p.m. Friday, 2-3:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 22: Sola Fide Observatory Viewing Fair schedule Aug. 3-9: Freeborn County Fair July 27-Aug. 2: Olmsted County Free Fair Aug. 11-16: Mower County Free Fair Aug. 18-23: Steele County Free Fair Aug. 27-Sept. 7: Minnesota State Fair
Austin Daily Herald | Discover Summer 2015 | 3
More music at the fair By Jason Schoonover The grandstand is going to be rocking a bit more than usual at the Mower County Fair this year. The fair, which is Aug. 11-16, will bring in two musical acts to the grandstand: country artist Gwen Sebastian and Elvis Presley tribute artist Brad Boice — both of whom have played the fair before. “People have asked for more live music in the grandstand,” said Mower County Fair Board Director John Mueller. Boice is trading in popular shows on the Fair Square stage and is bringing his 10-piece Elvis and the Big Band show to the grandstand stage at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12. “Brad is immensely popular in Mower County,” he said. Sebastian performed for a packed crowd in the beer garden a few years ago and will play at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13. She has toured with Blake Shelton and appeared on “The Voice.” Mueller called Sebastian a “great entertainer in her own right.” The grandstand also includes Motokazi at
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Richie Lee performs on Fair Square last year at the Mower County Fair. Herald file photo 7 p.m. Tuesday, the National Tractor Pullers Association tractor pull at 7 p.m. Friday, Great Frontier Bull Riding at 7 p.m. Saturday, and the demolition derby at 2 p.m. Sunday. Saturday bull riding will again include the youth mutton busting competition. Registration forms are available at www.mowercoun-
tyfair.com and are due by 5 p.m. Aug. 15.
More fun on the stage
Opening ceremonies will be on the Farm Bureau stage at 5 p.m. on Tuesday. Continues on Page 5
Continued from Page 4 Several popular acts are set to return, including Tina & Lena which Mueller said will be their last show at the fair. The popular Richie Lee and the Fabulous 50s will return, and the fair talent contest will be on Saturday with the winners moving on to the state fair. As in past years, Wednesday will be Day Care Day, Thursday will be Senior Day and Sunday is Veterans Day. Day cares must register in advance, and free parking hours will be announced for seniors and veterans.
Back at the midway
GoldStar Amusements is returning for its second run in Mower County. GoldStar came to Austin for the first time last year, ending Miriam Midway’s 30-plus year run. Mueller said GoldStar formed a good base in Austin last year. “From the numbers, it was a
very successful year,” Mueller said. Mueller said GoldStar is expected to bring in a bit larger setup this year with slightly larger rides. He also said there will likely be a petting zoo at this year’s fair.
Continued traditions
Many community favorites are slated to return, including the traditional 4-H, FFA and open animal exhibits, America’s Original Farmyard, and the traditional food vendors. Farm equipment displays proved popular last year with both farmers and non-farmers, and Mueller said that’ll continue this year. A lot of people are looking forward to that. “That was very well received, so we’ll continue with that,” he said. Check the Herald, www. mowercountyfair.com and the fair’s Facebook page for more updates as it gets closer to fair time. Fair admission will again be free.
2015 Grandstand lineup Tuesday, Aug. 11, 7 p.m. Motocross Racing
Friday, Aug. 14, 7 p.m. NTPA Tractor Pull
Wednesday, Aug. 12, 7:30 p.m. Brad Boice’s Elvis and the Big Band
Saturday, Aug. 15, 7 p.m. Great Frontier Bull Riding, mutton busting
Thursday, Aug. 13, 7:30 p.m. Gwen Sebastian
Sunday, Aug. 16, 2 p.m. Demolition Derby
Austin Daily Herald | Discover Summer 2015 | 5
Freedom Fest to turn 30 By Jason Schoonover
A
ustin’s Fourth of July Celebration is turning 30 this summer. The 30th annual Freedom Fest — though the celebration has gone by different names — will fall on a weekend this year from July 3 to 5. “It’s two to three days packed of entertainment,” said Jeanine Nelson, who coordinates member relation/major event for the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce. Family Day in Bandshell Community Park will be on July 3 and festivities continue July 4 after the parade, with the bandshell entertainment, free inflatables, the National Guard climbing wall, fireworks both nights and much more. “There’s something for everybody to do,” Festival Director Jeff Baldus said. New to the park this year will be an activity tent for children where area organizations and businesses will take a two-hour spot to organize an activity. So far, KSMQ, Mower County 4-H, FFA, the Austin Robotics Team, Everything Hobby and other groups have signed up. The July 4 parade route will stick to its 2014 route, which started at Austin Utilities, 400 Fourth St. NE, and moved down Fourth Avenue
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Northeast before turning south onto Main Street North and running to Bandshell Community Park. For many years, the parade started at Hormel Corporate South/the old Spam Museum, but the beginning moved to the Austin Utilities building last year during construction on North Main Street. The change proved popular with the public and chamber members, especially since some Fourth Street Businesses were open for part of the parade, according to Nelson. “The audience I think liked it,” Nelson said. “It was a better economic impact for our members.” Construction will again affect the parade on Main Street, however. The chamber is asking people not to sit on along a stretch between Second and Fourth Avenues on the east side of the road where the work on the new Spam Museum will be ongoing. The cement rails blocking off the museum construction should be moved back a bit to make room for parade floats, but there likely won’t be room for spectators. Vietnam Veterans will serve as the parade grand marshals. The Kids Fishing Contest, the Hog Jog fivemile run and the 25-mile Dan Ulwelling Bike Race all return July 5.
Freedom Fest fireworks raffle tickets Available for $5 at the chamber or by contacting a chamber ambassador. Tickets include $35 in coupons. Grand Prize: $500 travel certificate to be used on any air and hotel package from Bursch Travel & Delta Vacations. 2nd Prize: $300 Freedom Gas Cards from Freedom Valu Center
3rd Prize: Toro Lawn Mower from Donkers Hometown Appliances 4th Prize: Day of Beauty by Golden Tress Day Spa 5th Prize: $100 gift card donated by Rooms & Rest Austin
Drawing will be at 8 p.m. July 4, 2015 at Bandshell Community Park.
2015 Freedom Fest Schedule of events July 3
—Family Day in the park featuring free slides and rides by Baldy’s Games, children’s activity tent, 13 food concessions, strolling jugglers, musicians, artisans and clowns, Jaycee’s Beer Garden. —Arts and crafts show along the path, Bandshell Community Park, 2-10 p.m. —Bingo, presented by Mower County veterans, at the Bandshell Community Park pavilion, 2-9 p.m. —Captain Kirby’s train rides, Bandshell Community Park, 2-5 p.m. —Kids Power Pedal Pull, Bandshell Community Park, registration at 4:30 p.m. —Jaycees Street Dance, featuring Rhino (outdoor stage), 8 p.m. to midnight, and JT Thompson (indoor stage) at Torge’s Live, 1701 Fourth St. NW, 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
Wesley Ochoro raises his hand to celebrate as he nears the finish of last year’s Hog Jog in first place.
Bandshell stage entertainment, 2-10 p.m.: Food concessions and Jaycee’s Beer Garden available •Bridget’s Dance Conservatory, 2-2:30 p.m. •Jane Taylor Academy of Dance, 2:453:15 p.m. •Miss Sparkler/Mr. Firecracker Pageant, 3:30-5 p.m. on the bandshell stage. Open to girls and boys ages 5 to 8. Registration forms available at the chamber, the YMCA, Overby Ortho-
Pre-festival events
J une 29-July 3: Golden Duck Treasure Hunt sponsored by KAUS July 1, 6:30-7:30 p.m.: Hormel Historic Home Free Peace Garden Concert July 1 and 2, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.: Accentra Credit Union Children’s Miracle Network Fundraiser
dontics, or online at www.facebook. com/littlemisssparkler or at www.austincoc.com. •Adam Wayne, 5:15-6:15 p.m. •Rush Hour, 6:30-8 p.m. •Announcements, 8-8:30 p.m. •Austin Community Band, 8:30-10 p.m. •Fireworks, dusk
July 4
—32nd annual Mini Piggy Fun Run, 10:45 a.m. —Independence Day Parade, 11 a.m. —Free slides and rides by Badly’s Games, other bandshell park activities continue after the parade. —Ice cream social at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2-4 p.m. — free parking on July 3 and 4. —Austin Fire Department water wars behind the bandshell on Ninth Place SW, 2-5 p.m.
—Bean bags tourney north of the bandshell, 1 p.m. registration, 2 p.m. playing time. $10 per person. Bring your own partner. Call Shelley for more details at 507-440-0961. —Bingo, presented by the Mower County veterans, at the Bandshell Community Park pavilion, 2-8 p.m. Bandshell stage entertainment, 1-10 p.m.: •Rochester Caledonian Pipe Band •Opening ceremony/flag raising, 1:151:45 p.m. •LibertySeed Event, 1:45-2:45 p.m. •Big Ben and the Brian’s, 3-4 p.m. •Second Edition, 4:15-5:15 p.m. •Full Circle, 6:45-7:45 p.m. •Announcements/fireworks raffle drawings, 7:45 p.m. •Austin Symphony Orchestra, 8:30-10 p.m. •Fireworks, dusk
July 5
•Eagles Fly-In Breakfast at the Austin Municipal Airport, 7 a.m.-1 p.m. •Hog-Jog 5-mile run at East Side Lake Park, 6:45-7:30 a.m. registration, 8 a.m. race time •Kids Fishing Contest at East Side Lake Park, 10 a.m. to noon •25-mile Dan Ulwelling Bike Race at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center, 11 a.m. registration, noon race time
Austin Daily Herald | Discover Summer 2015 | 7
Nancy Schnable’s top Austin spots to visit
There’s plenty to see in Austin this summer, and the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau’s executive director shared her top destinations to visit and explore in Austin:
Austin ArtWorks Center: The Austin ArtWorks Center, housed in a renovated historic building downtown, is a space to learn, create, display and perform in all artistic avenues. The space includes the county’s only public clay studio with kiln, three galleries, an artists’ lounge, and a retail space supporting local artwork. The ArtWorks Center offers a full schedule of various artistic opportunities – painting, clay work, crafts, knitting and fabric art, music, and more! Save the date for the Austin ArtWorks Festival on Aug. 22 & 23. For a complete list of classes and events go to www.austinareaarts.org.
Hormel Historic Home: The stately Hormel Historic Home, built in 1871 by then-mayor John Cook, was the residence of the George A. Hormel family from 1901 to 1927. The home was extensively remodeled and modernized by Hormel in 1902, including the installation of stained glass windows, leaded glass beautifully accenting the decorative woodwork, and the front pillars, imported from Italy. Restored to early 1900s décor, the 14 room home is open for self-guided tours. For an enchanted experience be sure to attend one of the Peace Garden Concerts this summer on June 22, July 1, July 21 and Aug. 5. For a complete list of events go to www.hormelhistorichome.com
Historic Paramount Theatre: The Historic Paramount Theatre, one of only a few “atmospheric theaters” remaining in Minnesota, originally opened Sept. 14, 1929, and was designed to represent being in the courtyard of a quaint Spanish village with twinkling stars and rolling clouds overhead. The Paramount was constructed for stage theater and first run movies, and following the full restoration to its original 1929 grandeur is again a fully functioning theater. The Matchbox Children’s Theatre will perform the classic “The Wizard of Oz” on Aug. 21-23. For a complete list of shows and events go to www.austinareasarts.org
Mower County Historical Society: The Mower County Historical Society preserves the history of Mower County using 17 buildings and 11 outdoor-themed exhibits. Take a tour of an original building from the early days of George A. Hormel & Co., explore Milwaukee Railroad Engine 1004 and an original train depot, visit a log cabin and a one-room schoolhouse, or search for your ancestors in the research library. The new History Happy Hour events are a must attend event this summer, plan for July 13. For a complete list of events go to www.mowercountyhistoryhour.com 8 | Discover Summer 2015 | Austin Daily Herald
East Side Lake/SpamTown Belle/Tree Trek Park: Located along Oakland Place East, this manmade lake features a public boat launch, playground equipment, shelters, picnic area, gazebo and walking path. Imagine days gone by as you cruise East Side Lake on the SpamTown Belle. This unique paddleboats can hold up to 18 passengers and is available from June to September, weather permitting. Also a new half-mile Tree Trek has been planted along East Side Lake, featuring 52 trees and spruce recommended for Minnesota, each species identified with a marker with additional information. For an informational map about the Tree Trek, stop by the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau office.
Jay C. Hormel Nature Center: More than 500 acres of hardwood, pine forest, restored prairie, creek and ponds, with a three-story observation tower, interpretative center, auditorium for presentations and more than 10 miles of walking trails, cross-country ski and snowshoe trails make up this amazing facility. The nature center’s staff provide hands-on activities, educational opportunities, living displays and seasonal programs that include wildflower hikes, cider pressing, maple syruping, monarch tagging, hawk and owl talks, bird banding, and more. Plan to attend the annual Clean Water Festival in July 8-10. For a complete list of summer long programs and events go towww. hormelnaturecenter.org
Austin Daily Herald | Discover Summer 2015 | 9
Hitting the Trails It’s an open road for area bike enthusiasts By Rocky Hulne The Southern Minnesota Bike Club has a message for all Austin residents — there are plenty of trails around town and they provide a great way for local cyclists to get out and enjoy on a nice evening or morning. The SMBC has been in Austin since the early 1990s and it’s starting to redefine itself The as a group that’s open for cyclists of all skills fast and ages. While it began as a group of segroups rious riders who like to bike fast, the group of the club now contains three different levels of bikers. provide plenty There is Group A, which rides at an average of speed, but they speed of 18 miles per hour, Group B, which will not leave a rider rides at an average speed of 14 to 16 miles per behind. Kime said one of the adhour, and there is Group C, which rides at a vantages of the clubs is that riders will much more leisurely pace of 10 miles not be left alone and they must stick per hour. Groups A and B together as a group. Jens Rafelson, do most of their riding who works at Rydjor Bike Shop, is on county roads and a member of Group B and he said Group C does most of that group does around 25 or 30 miles in a two-hour session. its riding on the 14-miles Raffelson said that riders can use of trails in Austin. the rider in front of them as a shield “I think the more peofrom the wind and that allows them ple who get out and ride to ride faster than they would if the trails is key,” said Steve they were biking by themselves. Kime, who is a member “For the most part all of the of the SMBC. “I think a lot guys and women are there of citizens of Austin aren’t for the same purpose,” Rafaware of the 14 miles of the felson said. “It’s just to have trails in town. It’s all part of the fun with a little longer ride. master plan to become a cyIt’s not real competitive. It cling-friendly city.” is a workout too, so it’s not The SMBC works in conjuncreal laid back.” tion with Friends of the Shooting John Burkhart also Star Trail and it costs $10 per year works at Rydjor Bike for members. It meets at Rydjor Shop and he is the treaBike Shop at 6 p.m. every Tuesday surer of the SMBC. He night and it meets at Casey’s General said the club’s rides Store at 8 a.m. on Sundays. One of help raise communithe earlier group’s meetings this year e ty awareness of cyik b stin had about 20 bikers present. p of Au erald. clists and they also a m e ur fre aily H give riders a chance Kime said his group, which is Group Get yo he Austin D t t a s to have a relaxed, entrail C, spends a lot of time chatting while joyable ride with a group. they bike and the rides can go by very “I think it’s a really nice way to ride with fast. He said the bike trips can be a lot of other people and get to know other riders in fun for someone who hasn’t tried it before. town,” said Burkhart. “Usually people are so “People are amazed how quickly that goes busy that they just ride with themselves or a by. You don’t even notice it when you’re visiting and talking,” Kime said. couple other people. It’s nice to ride with a 10 | Discover Summer 2015 | Austin Daily Herald
large group of people.” The casual riders do not get the thrill of the high speed pace like the faster ones, but they still find a way to get their thrills. Kime said there are certainly moments where he finds a sense of purpose on the bike trails. “There’s nothing like that feeling of accomplishment when you reach the top of a hill and then you start to coast down it,” Kime said. The SMBC has its own customized jerseys that some of its members purchase and wear and there is a sense of belonging in the group. The club wants every biker to feel welcome without feeling intimated by other bikers’ abilities. Kime said Dr. Richard Schindler played a big role in getting the club rejuvenated and he said Vision 2020 has also made a push to support interest in the group. When a new rider shows up, the SMBC will give them tips on cycling in public, like what to wear, where to go and different types of cycling styles. “As we add trails, it’s going to be a bigger part of what people like,” Kime said. “I’ve had so many people coming up to me who have noticed the signs and are now asking about the bike trails in town.” The SMBC’s goals include: providing a format to enhance trail use for Friends of the Shooting Star Trail, promoting the use of bicycles in a safe and friendly manner, promoting public awareness of bicyclists’ rights and responsibilities on public streets, paths and roads, providing instruction for the care and proper use of bicycles, providing a social organization for person interested in bicycling and to have fun while bicycling.
Austin Daily Herald | Discover Summer 2015 | 11
Lace up your shoes for area runs For those who like to work up a good sweat on an early morning, there are plenty of area races to check out this summer: •May 31: Darren Dash, race is at 8 a.m.; kiddie run is at 11 a.m. Race starts and ends at the Veteran’s Pavilion located at 104 Ninth Place SW, Austin. •June 21: Rochesterfest Triathlon, Spring and Olympic distances. Race time is 8 a.m. at Foster Arend Park, 400 N. East River Rd. Rochester. Registration is $61$125. •June 27: Get Your Rear in Gear 5K in Rochester •June 27: Shooting Star Trail Bike Ride,
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beginning in LeRoy at the trailhead. Registration begins at 6:30 a.m., 100-mile ride begins at 7 a.m., and all other rides begin at 8:30 a.m. Registration is $18 per rider and $45 for a family up to four by June 14, and it’s $20 per rider and $50 per family after June 14. Registration includes a T-shirt. The fun ride is free. •July 5: 33rd Annual Hog Jog at East Side Lake in Austin, race begins at 8 a.m. Register online at www.ymca-austin.org. Race-day registration is 6:45-7:30 a.m. •July 5: Dan Ulwelling 25-mile bike race starting at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center in Austin. Registration can be completed at www.austincoc.com and is $12 by June 13
and $15 after. Race-day registration begins at 11 a.m. The race begins at noon. •July 11: April Sorenson Half Marathon and Relay in Albert Lea. The race starts on the East Main Street service road in Albert Lea and ends on Main Street in Hayward. Registration is $40-$60 for individuals and $80-$120 for relays, depending on registration date. More information is available at www.livelaughloverun.com. •Aug. 16: STRIVE Wellness run, 4-mile and kids’ runs in Owatonna. Adult registration is $25 in advance, $30 on race day. The kids’ run is $1. Four-mile run begins at 9 a.m., and the kids’ run starts at 8:15 a.m. More at strivewellnessrun.webstarts.com.
2015 Dirt Track Schedules
Reserve your seats for these exciting dirt track racing opportunities at both Deer Creek Speedway and Chateau Raceway.
DEER CREEK SPEEDWAY 25262 U.S. Highway 63, Spring Valley
May 30: Points Race, 6 p.m. June 6: Points Race, 6 p.m. June 13: Points Race, 6 p.m. June 20: Mascot Night/Points Race, 6 p.m. June 27: Mid-season Points Race, 6 p.m. July 4: Firecracker/Points Race, 6 p.m. July 11: Tasseldega Nights/Points Race, 6 p.m. July 18: Gopher 50 - WOO Late Models, 6 p.m. July 22: World Modified Dirt Track Championship, 6 p.m. July 23: World Modified Dirt Track Championship, 6 p.m. July 24: World Modified Dirt Track Championship, 6 p.m. July 25: World Modified Dirt Track Championship, 6 p.m. Aug. 6: Points Race, 6 p.m. Aug. 8: Points Race, 6 p.m. Aug. 15: Points Race, 6 p.m. Aug. 22: Points Race, 6 p.m. Aug. 29: Season Championship/ Points Race, 6 p.m. Sept. 5: USMTS Labor Day Dual, 6 p.m. Sept. 19: Clash at the Creek, WOO Sprint Cars, 6 p.m. Sept. 23: Fall Jamboree, 6 p.m. Sept. 24: Fall Jamboree, 6 p.m. Sept. 25: Fall Jamboree, 6 p.m. Sept. 26: Fall Jamboree, 6 p.m.
CHATEAU RACEWAY 54219 266 St, Lansing
May 29: Points Night, 6:30 p.m. June 5: Fan Appreciation Night, 6:30 p.m. June 12: Points Night, 6:30 p.m. June 19: Points Night, 6:30 p.m. June 26: Points Night, 6:30 p.m. July 3: Points Night, 6:30 p.m. July 10: Fireworks Night, 6:30 p.m. July 17: Points Night, 6:30 p.m.
Austin Daily Herald | Discover Summer 2015 | 13
Don’t miss a day on the links By Rocky Hulne There are a few options for area golfers to play in big tournaments this summer. The Austin Country Club will host its Ladies Invitational June 22-24, it will host an MGA Amateur qualifier June 29, it will host a Junior PGA Event July 14 and the Club Championship will be held July 18 and July 19. The Packer Classic will be held at ACC July 20 and the Karl Potach Memorial Golf Tournament is Aug. 17. Meadow Greens Golf Course will host its Club tournament in August and its Big Cup in September. Here is a guide to a few courses in or near Austin: Austin Country Club 1202 28th Street NE Austin, MN 55912 507-433-7736 www.austincountryclub.net —18 holes —Par 36
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—$40 for nine holes weekdays, $60 for 18 holes weekdays; $40 for nine holes weekends, $60 for 18 holes weekends Founded in 1919, the Austin Country Club is an 18-hole USGA private course that plays through pine and oak trees with Dobbins Creek flowing through. Trees crowd the fairways and greens are small and speedy.
Meadow Greens, Austin
25238 540 Avenue Austin, MN 55912 507-433-4878 meadowgreensgc.com —27 holes —Meadow Greens 18: par 69, 5,950 yards —Ramsey 9: par 38, 3,382 yards —$17 for nine holes, $25 for 18, $30 for 27 Meadow Greens, which lies directly adjacent to the former River Oaks, plays shorter in the front than in the back with a creek, ponds and gentle slope. The Ramsey nine-hole course, which was reformed from River Oaks, has moderate elevation change, plenty of oak trees and plays long, with par at 38.
Cedar River Golf Course
14927 Minnesota 56 Adams, MN 55909 507-582-3595 cedarrivercountryclub.com —18 holes —Par 72 —6,288 yards —$16 for nine holes or $27 for 18 The Cedar River Golf Course meanders through fairways lined with evergreens and plenty of deciduous trees with which to contend. The Little Cedar River runs through the course.
Wedgewood Cove
2200 West Ninth St. Albert Lea, MN 56007 507-373-2007 wedgewoodcove.com —18 holes —Par 72 —6,594 yards (black tees 6,993 yards) —$30 for nine Monday through Thursday, $35 on Friday through Sunday; $49 and $59 for 18. Wedgewood is a marshy course with plenty of wetlands, ponds and plays as a classy, links-style setup.
Green Lea Golf Course 101 W Richway Dr. Albert Lea, MN 56007 507-373-1061 greenlea.com —18 holes —Par 72
—6,213 yards —green fees: $16 for nine or $26, $30 on weekends Green Lea hosts a menagerie of mature trees, well-defined fairways and plenty of obstacles such as sandtraps, water hazards and challenges golfers with risk/reward holes.
The Oaks
73671 170th Avenue Hayfield, MN 55940 477-3233 oaksinhayfield.com —18 holes —Par 72 —6,410 yards —$17 for for nine Monday through Thursday, $19.50 on weekends; $23 and $27.50 for 18 holes. The Oaks in Hayfield lives up to its name. Located in the country, the course is thick with Oak trees, carved fairways and several nice, rock-lined water bodies near challenging greens.
Blooming Prairie Country Club
7701 118th St. SE Blooming Prairie, MN 55917 507-583-2887 bpcountryclub.com/ —9 holes —par 36 —yardage: 3,026 —green fees: $12 for nine Monday through Thursday, $16 on weekends; $18 and $23 for 18. Blooming Prairie’s nine-hole venture is a par 36 with a course rating of 34.8, rolling hills and a slope rating of 127. The course is just north of town along 218.
Maple Valley
8600 Maple Valley Road SE, Rochester, MN 55904 507-285-9100 maplevalleygolf.com —18 holes —par 71 —5,916 yards —$16 for nine holes and $24 for 18 Maple Valley is stowed away, well off the highway and dives its way down into bluff country. The terrain varies from flat to very hilly, is dotted with trees and hugs a river for most of the course.
Oak Summit
2751 County Road 16 SW Rochester, MN 55902 507-252-1808 oaksummitgolf.com —18 holes —Par 70 —6,434 yards —$17 for nine holes and $26 for 18 Oak Summit is loaded with hills, fast, challenging greens and mostly open fairways throughout. The course hosts several tricky green placements and slopes, as well.
AUSTIN BLUE SOX
AUSTIN GREYHOUND
June 3: at Stewartville/Racine, 7:30 p.m.
June 5: vs. Owatonna Crawdads, 7:30 p.m. June 7: at River Falls Fighting Fish, 1 p.m.
June 10: vs. Stewartville/Racine, 7:30 p.m. June 12: at Waseca Braves, 7:30 p.m. June 15 at Rochester Roadrunners, 7:30 p.m. June 17: at Owatonna Crawdads, 7:30 p.m. June 19: at Northfield, 7:30 p.m. June 21: vs. Minneapolis Baseball365, 5 p.m. June 25: at SpamTown Challenge, TBA June 26: at SpamTown Challenge, TBA June 27: at SpamTown Challenge, TBA June 28: at SpamTown Challenge, TBA July 1: vs. Rochester Royals, 7:30 p.m. July 8: vs. Savage, 7:45 p.m.
July 10: at Owatonna Aces, 7:30 p.m. July 11: vs. Owatonna Aces, 2 p.m.
July 17 Austin Greyhounds vs. Austin Blue Sox,
7:30 p.m.
July 22: vs. Burnsville, 7:30 p.m. July 23: at Eagan, 7:45 p.m. July 28: at Burnsville, 7:30 p.m.
July 31: Austin Blue Sox vs. Austin Greyhounds, Aug. 2: vs. Eagan, 2 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
Aug. 4: vs. Rochester Red Legs, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 5: at Rochester Red Legs, 7:30 p.m.
Aug. 7: Austin Blue Sox vs Austin Greyhounds,
7:30 p.m.
Aug. 8: at Rochester Royals, 3 p.m.
Austin Amateur Baseball Schedules
May 31: vs. Minneapolis Baseball365, 2 p.m. June 3: vs. Blue Earth Pirates, 7:30 p.m. June 5: at New Prague Tournament, 8:30 p.m. June 6: at New Prague Tournament, TBA June 7: at New Prague Tournament, TBA June 10: at Dundas Dukes, 7:30 p.m. June 12: at Cannon Falls Bears, 7:30 p.m. June 17: vs. Owatonna Aces, 7:30 p.m. June 19: at Blue Earth Pirates, 7:30 p.m. June 25: at SpamTown Challenge, TBA June 26: at SpamTown Challenge, TBA June 27: at SpamTown Challenge, TBA June 28: at SpamTown Challenge, TBA July 1: at Miesville Mudhens, 8 p.m. July 10: vs. Hayfield Heat, 7:30 p.m. July 14: at Savage Outlaws, 7:30 p.m. July 15: vs. Stewartville Sharks, 7:30 p.m. July 17: Austin Greyhounds vs Austin Blue Sox, 7:30 p.m. July 19: vs. Blaine Fusion, 2 p.m. July 22: at Eagan Bandits, 7 p.m. July 24: vs. Savage Outlaws, 8 p.m. July 25: at Rochester Royals, 4 p.m. July 26: at Burnsville Bobcats, 2 p.m. July 29: vs. Rochester Royals, 7:30 p.m. July 31: Austin Blue Sox vs. Austin Greyhounds, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 1: vs. Rochester Red Legs, DH at 5 p.m. Aug. 2: vs. Eagan Bandits, 5 p.m. Aug. 5: at Burnsville Bobcats, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 7 Austin Greyhounds vs Austin Blue Sox, 7:30 p.m. *All home games played at Marcusen Park
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A mix of old and new faces at Nature Center run of summer talent will be bird-watcher Terry Dorsey, Karla Bloem and owl friend Alice, reptile expert Jaime Edwards, Amber Dolphin and the Pectonica String Quartet, and Al Batt.
Summer special events Sisters Emma Larson,5, right and Grace Larson, 7, examine a tadpole during last year’s Water Festival at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center. Herald file photo
By Eric Johnson There will be a mix of old and new faces at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center when it comes to its free summer events this year. “We’re pumped about who we’re bringing in,” nature center director/naturalist Larry Dolphin said. “It’s very diverse.” Among the old faces returning are David Stokes and Tom Pease — both of whom are energetic and family orientated.
Another big summer attraction at the nature center is the Water Festival. In its second year, the event will take place the second week of July and will include several water-conservation activities. Among the new faces is Doug Elliot, who will visit from North Carolina. Elliot, who will also give a presentation in Minneapolis, will bring his knowledge of edible backyard plants as well as his musical talent. Also included in this year’s
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Doug Elliott, Naturalist
June 11 9:30 a.m., Summer senior special 1 p.m., Family, children’s program 7 p.m., Evening program RSVP by June 10
Terry Dorsey, bird watching June 18 9:30 a.m., Summer senior special RSPV by June 17
David Stokes, nature educator June 18 1 p.m., Family, children’s program RSPV by June 17
Karla Bloem and Alice
June 25 9:30 a.m. Summer senior special 1 p.m. Family, children’s program RSPV by June 24
Second annual Water Festival
July 6-10 Monday, July 6: Al Singer, Dakota County Land Conservation Manager, 7 p.m. RSVP by July 3 Wednesday, July 8: Chad Pregracke, clean water expert, 7 p.m., RSVP by July 7
Thursday, July 9: Peter Mayer, songwriter/ performer, 9:30 p.m., Summer senior special; 1 p.m. family, children’s concert; 7 p.m., evening concert. RSVP by July 8 Friday, July 10: Clean Water Service Day: 8:30 a.m., River cleanup; Staff-led water quality testing of Austin’s waterways; 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., Join Nels Rasmussen, Austin Water Quality Specialist in attaching “No Dumping/Drains to River” signs; 1:30 p.m., Staff-led water quality testing of Austin’s waterways; 2 p.m.,
Jaime Edwards, entertainer/ educator July 16 9:30 a.m., Summer senior special 1 p.m., Family, children’s program RSVP by July 15
Alex Watson, Minnesota DNR Regional Naturalist July 23 9:30 a.m., Summer senior special 1 p.m., Family, children’s program RSVP by July 22
Amber Dolphin and the Pectonica String Quartet July 31 10:30 a.m., Summer senior special 1 p.m., Family, children’s concert 7 p.m., Evening concert RSVP by July 30
Al Batt, Storyteller
Aug. 6 9:30 a.m., Summer senior program RSVP by Aug. 5
Tom Pease, entertainer
Aug. 20 9:30 a.m., Summer senior program 1 p.m., Family, children’s concert. RSVP by Aug. 19
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Clippity-Clop Riding Center owner Angela Grant leads Austin Daily Herald reporter Jenae Hackensmith on Buck during a riding lesson. Photos by Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Area center offering riding lessons horses, and when her children started going to school she decided she needed something to fill her time. Riding a horse can be a fun way to enjoy “I wanted something to do,” she said. a summer day, but for new riders it can be a That’s when she used her passion for horsdaunting pastime to take up. es and started the riding center, which she At Clippity Clop Riding Center, instructor named after a horse at a horse expo Angela Grant can help that fear disapnamed Clippity Clop. pear by sharing her passion for horses Grant went to Rochester Commuwith others. nity and Technical College to get an “I’ve been with horses since I was 3 equine degree, and she has taught years old,” Grant said. “And I just love lessons and trained for more than 10 being around them and seeing other years. She received the Student of the people be around them and learn to Year Award and the Trainer of the Year be comfortable and gain confidence.” Award and had a 4.0 throughout the Clippity Clop Riding Center, located program. in rural Austin at 28442 Mower-FreeGrant said the main reason she born Rd, provides riding lessons and loves doing this is to see others gain training to new and accustomed confidence and a joy of being around riders, along with boarding for horses. horses. The farm has six ponies and 10 horses That confidence can carry over to for riding and training. Hackensmith listens to Grant as she goes over trotting tips other aspects of a rider’s life. Grant Grant taught sessions with four and emergency stops. has had several experiences with sturiders in April and about seven in May, dents who have bad grades in class or a short confidence with a horse on the ground, they but lessons pick up in the summer. The lesattention span, but she’s seen them become are more prepared to actually ride the horse sons aren’t only for people already comfortcompletely focused and hardworking when with confidence. able around horses though. they’re at their riding lessons. Once the rider is on the horse, they learn “A lot of it’s beginner lessons,” Grant said. “I don’t know what it is about horses, but more basic lessons such as how to make the She works with students on all levels, and just people start connecting and getting bethorse go, how to make it stop, how to direct, some are even learning to jump. The center and the very important emergency stop. After ter in life,” she said. teaches both English and western styles of Originally from Chisholm, Minnesota, that, the rest is learned over time depending riding. Grant’s husband has lived in the area all his The riding center offers single lesson classes on the rider’s preference. life and the two own the property together, For some riders, lessons are easy because and packages for more than one lesson, along though Grant does most of the lessons on her they grew up around horses. For beginners, with the option for a group lesson. own while her husband farms. it can be a challenge. Grant has always loved The lessons start with the basics — choosBy Jenae Hackensmith
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ing a halter, learning to safely approach the horse in the stall, learning how to avoid getting kicked, grooming and saddling the horse and doing safety checks. Next, riders learn to lead the horse and gain confidence on the ground. Grant said once a rider gains
Turning the page to summer Austin Public Library to host several programs By Jenae Hackensmith Who said reading was finished when school let out? The Austin Public Library is brimming with adventures this summer. Whether it's found in a book or through a class or program, children, teens and adults will love visiting the library this summer. Check out these planned events and mark the date on a calendar. Teens and adults are also invited to join the Austin Public Library’s “Read to the Rhythm” Summer Reading Club. Read for prizes and take part in special events offered throughout the summer. Children of all ages are invited to participate in the 2015 Summer Reading Club. There will be reading programs, performers, story-times, crafts, and games for kids of all ages. All programs will be held at the Austin Public Library and are free and open to the public. Registration is required in some cases. For
more information or to register for events, contact Courtney Wyant at 507-433-2391 or cwyant@selco.info.
July 30, 6 p.m.: Teen Healthy cooking class/ recipe swap, registration required
Family Programs
June 12-July 31, 2 p.m.: Family movie matinee June 16-July 14, 4 p.m.: Family yoga with the yoga studio of Austin
Adult Programs
Children schedule
June
June 10, 6:30 p.m.: Songwriting workshop with Wayne Hamilton June 15, 7 p.m.: Author Abbie Williams June 22, 6 p.m.: Healthy cooking class, registration required June 29, 6 p.m.: Pinterest craft club
July
Mondays
Author of the book “Moo!” David LaRochelle (right) and illustrator Mike Wohnoutka will travel to the Austin Public Library in June for a special program. Photo provided
July 13, 7 p.m.: Dorothy Lund Nelson presents on the “Orphan Trains” July 21, 6 p.m.: Minnesota Opera with a teaching artist July 27, 6 p.m.: Music therapist, Christina Wood
Teen Programs June
June 10, 6:30 p.m.: Song writing workshop June 11, 6 p.m.: Teen movie Advisory Board Meeting June 18, 6 p.m.: Teen tie-dye night
July July July July July July
6, 7 p.m.: Genre Hoppers book club 9, 6 p.m.: Teen movie night 18, 2 p.m.: Teen event: spa day 20, 6:30 p.m.: Teen advisory board meeting 21, 6 p.m.: Teen book swap party
June 15-July 27, 2-3 p.m.: Open Art Hour
Tuesdays
June 16-July 28, 10:30 a.m.: Wake Up & Wiggle - Come and move to the music! (Ages 0-6) June 16-July 14, 4 p.m.: Free Family Yoga with the Yoga Studio of Austin
Wednesdays
June 17, 1 p.m.: Disney Movie w/ Sing-Along June 24, 10:30 a.m.: “Moo!” Trunk Show with author David LaRochelle & Illustrator Mike Wohnoutk (Suitable for families and groups with children ages 0-6) July 1, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.: Movie at the library July 8, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.: R.A.D. Zoo: July 15, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.: Mad Science of Iowa July 22, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.: Magician and Puppeteer Jim Jayes July 29, 6 p.m.: Pet Show
Thursdays
June 11-July 30, 10:30 a.m.: All Ages Storytime
Fridays
June 12-July 31, 2 p.m.: Family movie matinée, movies are announced weekly
Austin Daily Herald | Discover Summer 2015 | 19
Adams Dairy Days Dates: June 12-14
SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE Mower County ADA Malt Stand and concessions — all weekend. June 12: •Citywide garage sales, all day, 20 miles of sales along the Shooting Star Byway and places between. Sales continue Saturday. •Dodgeball Tournament, Southland High School, 4 p.m. •Summer Smash (wrestling) •Jim Jayes magician, 8 p.m., followed by an outdoor movie at 9 p.m. June 13: •Lion’s Club breakfast and silent auction, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. •5K Walk/Run, 9 a.m., Sacred Heart School •Car Show, behind Adams American Legion, 12 p.m. •Kiddie Pedal Pull, 2 p.m., behind Adams American Legion •Adult bean-bag tournament, 6 p.m., behind Adams American Legion June 14: •Sunday in the Park, featuring pickup, semi and tractor pull, kids games and food and Adams Fire Dept. kids water fights •Chicken Fry, American Legion, 4-8 p.m. •New Entertainment for 2015, Brad Boice plays Elvis songs, 6 p.m., Northern Country Co-op •Ice-cream eating contest, 7 p.m. •Milking contest, 8 p.m.
The girls teen division contestants for the Ice Cream Eating Contest compete during Dairy Days in Adams in 2014. Photo provided. By Jenae Hackensmith
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dams Dairy Days focuses on what makes Adams unique: its large dairy population. The event has been going on since at least the 1970s. “It’s a great community event,” Adams Booster Club member Anna Sathre said. “Last year I want to say we had one of the biggest crowds we’ve ever had. It just brings everybody back to town that grew up here.” The event has a family atmosphere and highlights
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the dairy community. “We have a huge dairy population around the Adams area and that’s kind of what coined the Dairy Days,” Sathre said. She enjoys seeing people who come back for Dairy Days, and many come especially for the activities in the park on Sunday. The event also features an ice-cream eating contest, milking contest and a malt stand all weekend. The biggest draw is the parade. “We really promote the dairy industry throughout the weekend,” she said.
“It’s a great community event.” — Anna Sathre, Adams booster club
Dexter Sunflower Days Date: June 20
SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
Carson Wagner, Hannah Unverzagt and Landon Chilman slide down a bouncy-house slide during Sundflower Days in June 2013.
•City-wide rummage sales, Bake sale •Concessions and Beer Garden at Dexter Park, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Uptown 4 p.m.-midnight •Co-ed volley-ball tournament at Dexter Park, 9 a.m. •Co-ed kickball tournament at Dexter Park, 9 a.m. •Bean Bag Tournament at Dexter Park, 11 a.m. •Kids’ Carnival at Dexter Park, 12-3 p.m. •Pedal Pull at Dexter Park, 1 p.m. •Kids’ water fight, uptown, following the pedal pull
Photo provided
By Jenae Hackensmith
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unflower Days has been getting families and friends together for at least 40 years. “It’s been going on — I don’t know how long it’s been going on. As long as I’ve been alive it’s been going on, and that’s about 40 years,” event organizer Stacy Forthun laughed. “It’s just nice to have a little town celebration and just have the community come out and have a day of fun together,” she added. Sunflower Days is a one-day event, and the biggest draw in past years has been the street dance, which is free admission along with all the events. There are also bouncy houses for the children during the day, which are free admission.
YMCA summer slate of programs Swimming lessons
Lessons are offered in two, four or eight week sessions throughout the summer. Children do not need to be Y members to participate in swimming lessons. Register at www.ymca-austin.org or at the Y Front Desk. •8 Week Session: June 8-Aug. 1 •4 Week Sessions: June 8-July 4, July 6-Aug. 1, Aug. 3-Aug. 21 •2 Week Sessions: June 8-June 20, June 22-July 4, July 6-July 18, July 20-Aug. 1, Aug. 3-Aug. 15
YMCA Gymnastics
Register at www.ymca-austin.org or Y front desk for summer sessions, which run from June 8-July 11 and July 20-Aug. 21. •Tiny Tumblers (18 months to 2 years) •Little Stars (3-5 years) •Progressive Gymnastics (6 years +) •Parkour Class (6 -12 years) – 4-5 p.m. on Fridays •Parkour Class (13 years +) – 5-6 p.m. on Fridays •Dance Class (8 years +) – 4-5 p.m. Mondays &
Wednesdays •Tumbling Class (13 years +) – 8-9 p.m. on Mondays
YMCA Toddler Sports
Kids in our blastball, tiny tikes and gym and swim programs. Register at www.ymca-austin.org or the Y Front Desk. •Blastball League (3-6 years): 5:30-6:15 p.m. on Mondays or Wednesdays June 1-July 1 •Gym & Swim (3-6 years): 9:30-11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays from, June 8-July 11 or July 20-Aug. 21
•Tiny Tikes (3-6 years): 5:30-6:15 p.m. Tuesdays, July 7-July 28
Summer Daze Child Care
The Y offers full and half day child care for youth in grades K-7th. Swimming lessons, gymnastics lessons, field and day trips are all a part of our weekly schedule. To learn more visit www.ymca-austin.org or call us at 507-433-1804. • YMCA Toddler Gym, Youth Zone, Youth Gym, and Teen & Tutoring Center The YMCA of Austin has four areas dedicated solely to youth members.
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Meadowfest Grand Meadow, Dates: June 25-28
SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE June 25: Scavenger hunt starting at Grand Meadow Public Library, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. June 26: • Family Fun Night, Grand Meadow Public Schools, 7-8 p.m. •Bingo, Grand Meadow Assisted Living, 6:30 p.m. •5K run/walk, at Grand Meadow Public Schools, 7 p.m. •Grand Meadow music, Trouble Shooter
Mike Braaten checks out an Oldsmobile 442 belonging to Dewey Lonergan at a previous Meadowfest in Grand Meadow. Herald file photo By Jenae Hackensmith
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eadowfest seems to bring out the whole community of Grand Meadow for fun, kids’ games and good
music. “It truly does seem to bring out everybody in the community,” event coordinator Greg Lamp said. “People that you don’t see a lot come out for this annual festival.” A big reason for the festival is to promote Grand Meadow and let visitors see what the community has to offer. Lamp said a big draw is the parade and the chicken fry.
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“Those two events kind of go hand-inhand,” he said. “That kind of seems like the traditional event for most everybody.” This festival has gone on at least 75 years, and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down.
June 27: •Chicken barbecue, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. •Softball tournament, the softball fields, time TBD •Parade, downtown Grand Meadow, 2 p.m. •Meadowfest Car Show, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. June 28: Band: County Line Drive
Relay for Life moves to the fairgrounds By Jenae Hackensmith The Mower County Relay for Life is getting a new location this year. Relay for Life will be moved to the Mower County Fairgrounds this year for its July 25-26 event. Team Recruiter Cheryl Retterath said the move is a big change for the event. “We felt we had more room to expand,” she said. “It’s going to be a little more secure because we’ll only have one gate at the fairgrounds open, and it gives us room to grow as the relay continues to grow.” The kick off will be around 6 p.m. July 25 with opening ceremonies until about 7 p.m. and a closing ceremony between 7 to 7:30 a.m. July 26. There will also be more space for campers. Teams are encouraged to raise $100 per team member, and people can make a straight donation to the relay or make luminaries in memory of someone who was lost or someone who survived. The walking track will be lined with luminaries. “It’s to honor people who have survived cancer and for people to remember people that have died from cancer,” Retterath said about the event. “And the money all goes for research.” Teams can sign up by calling Retterath at 507-438-4330.
Hy-Vee’s One-Step Garden will start in June The great taste of garden-fresh vegetables is heading back to Austin, and children will get the chance to learn all about it. One-Step Garden — formerly Sprouts — at Austin’s Hy-Vee features regularly scheduled classes with the YMCA will start June 11 and run through Aug. 20, and if the weather allows could run into the fall. The fifth garden season will end with a competition called “Cropped!” — a take on the Food Network’s “Chopped” — on Aug. 20 with two Hy-Vee chefs and children from the YMCA program. Each team will create a healthy dish featuring One-Step Garden produce and herbs. Judging criteria will include taste, kid-friendliness, creativity,
presentation and use of garden ingredients, and will be judged by community members and Hy-Vee Manager Todd Hepler. Classes will take place in the garden weekly throughout the summer in conjunction with the Austin YMCA. Additional classes will also be offered for children who are not part of the YMCA throughout the summer. Dates and further registration information will soon be available on the Austin HyVee event page as well as the Austin Hy-Vee Facebook page. Adults are welcome to join and stay for the class, but are not required to. Registration is required through the Hy-Vee event page or by contacting Jena Pape at 507-437-7625 or jpape@ hy-vee.com.
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Date: July 25
Hayfield Fest SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE •Chicken Fry, 5-7 p.m. •Band: Hitchfield, 8 p.m. •Golf tournament, Viking Pride Tourney, Day before, 10 a.m., registration at 9 a.m. •Having the parade at 2 p.m., •Field of flags at view Field Crest Care Nursing Home, 318 Second St. NE •Fireworks at dusk same night, about 10 p.m.
A B25 Bomber from World War II flies over the Field of Flags during a ceremony Saturday afternoon in Hayfield as part of Hey Days.
Uff Da Days
Ostrander, Dates: July 9-12 By Jenae Hackensmith Ostrander was founded by a gentleman everyone thought was Norwegian but he turned out to be Dutch, which is where the “Uff Da” in the town’s Uff Da Days stems from. Uff Da Days have been going on since the early 1990s and will return July 9-12. “I would like to have people know that Ostrander is on the map, and we’re proud of our community,” Chris Hyrkas, Uff Da Days committee person, said.
Hyrkas said there has been good community participation in the past, and the town ensures the nursing home and assisted living homes are still involved in the weekend. “We make sure we go right by them [with the parade] so they don’t have to go way out,” she said. One of the biggest draws last year was the mud bog and tractor pull, but Hyrkas suspected this year it may be the street dance because she has heard the band is wellknown.
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By Jenae Hackensmith
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lthough Heydays is gone, the community of Hayfield still gets together at the Hayfield chicken fry. There is also a few tournaments to get people moving during this summer festival. “It’s just a small-town get together,” Fire Chief Paul O’Brien said. “Our biggest goal as the fire department is to raise funds for the fire department.” The festival has moved to a one-day event over the years, but it is still a time for family
SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE July 9 5K walk/run July 10 •Live band, Lost Highway will perform July 11 •Car Show, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. •Parade •Volleyball Tourneys •Kids Carnival, featuring face paint, a hoola-hoop race, a bean bag tournament, the kids pedal pull, adult tractor pull and more July 12 •Outdoor church service for Trinity lutheran church, 10:30 a.m. •Cook-off at pavilion sponsored by Odies Country meats and catering •Mud bog, mud-pit water fight or mud tug-of-war
and friends to get together and have a great time. “It’s a social gathering and we have a lot of people who come back who don’t live here anymore,” O’Brien said. “I think we served like 875 people last year. Everybody enjoyed it.” O’Brien isn’t concerned about the community support, but he does have high hopes for the weather. “Hopefully we get good weather because our parade got rained out last year,” he laughed. “But we still had it.”
Brownsdale Fest Date: Aug. 8
By Jenae Hackensmith Though the Brownsdale Summer Festival is smaller this year, it is still going strong with a few key events. The car show and breakfast at the Brownsdale Firehall are a great way to draw in the community and get friends and family together.
Brownsdale Fest will be a bit smaller this year, but a car show will be at the center of the Aug. 8 event. Metro image
Aug. 8: •Car show and breakfast, 8 a.m., Brownsdale Firehall •Street Dance, TBD
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Old Fashioned Fourth of July Blooming Prairie, Dates: July 3-4
By Jenae Hackensmith
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looming Prairie will celebrate its 41st Old Fashioned Fourth of July this year with family fun and a giant parade. “It’s a good way for us to showcase our community,” Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce Becky Noble said. “A lot of people just stay on [Highway] 218 and drive right through. This way it gets people to come and take a look at all the great things we have in our community.” Blooming Prairie has parks, a nursing home, schools, new housing developments and more for
visitors to explore. “We like to have them come to Blooming and see it all,” Noble said. The biggest draw is the parade, and July 4 festivities have drawn about 20,000 to 25,000 people over the years — all for a town of about 2,000 people. “I’d just like to invite everyone to come and share in the fun of our small town celebration,” Noble said. “It’s a great family event so we hope people can come and enjoy the day with us and visit our great little community.”
SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE July 3 •Antique Tractor Show, Blooming Prairie High School, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. •Pedal Tractor Pull, City Park, 4 p.m. Pie Judging Contest, Judges Stand at City Park, 6 p.m. •Stick Horse Racing Contest, Judges Stand at City Park, 6:30 p.m. •Teen dance grades seventh-12th, City Park, 8:30 p.m.
•J&H Street Dance, Music by the Blue Ringers, Downtown, 8 p.m. July 4 •Sweet Rides Car Show, Victory Field, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. •Antique Tractor Show, High School, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. •Rolling Car Show, Parade Route, 1:30 p.m. •Parade, 2:30-4 p.m. •Fireworks, Victory Field, 10 p.m.
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LeRoy Summerfest Dates: July 17-19
By Jenae Hackensmith
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ummerfest is exactly what it sounds like — a festival to celebrate summer in LeRoy. “It gives the opportunity for organizations and the community to come together and put on a fun event for citizens and visitors alike,” said secretary and treasurer for Summerfest Patty White. With a parade, windsor chops and a tractor pull, the community of LeRoy has celebrated a summer festival for 60 to 70 years. “There’s always been a celebration of some sort,” White said. Many people come to visit with friends and family during the festival, even those who now live out of town haven’t forgotten their roots. “It’s a time when I know some of the school classes schedule their reunions,” White said. “So it’s a nice time for people to come back and have more events going on.” The events take place mostly in the South Park, though there are some fun things happening downtown and at the LeRoy Public Library.
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SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE July 17 • Variety Show by LeRoy Community Theater at L-O School Gym, 7:30 p.m. •5K Run/Walk with Glow Sticks, LeRoy Pool Benefit, Contact Elaine Mills at 507-4400674, 8 p.m. July 18 •Kid Power Sanctioned Pedal Tractor Pull at South Park, 10 a.m. •Annual Ray Kiefer Memorial Tractor Pull at Northern Country Coop, Registration begins at 11 a.m, 12 p.m.,
•Kid’s Carnival Games by Lutheran Social Services at South Park, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., •Little Miss & Little Mr. Summerfest Contest at South Park; Check-In at 12:30 p.m., $5 entry fee, for ages 5 to 9 years, 1 p.m. •Windsor Chop Supper at South Park (L-O Commons in case of rain), Musical Entertainment provided by Tim’s Mobile Music, 5-7 p.m. July 19 •Grilled Chicken Dinner, sponsored by LeRoy Fire Department, at Fire Hall, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. •Grand Parade, 2 p.m.
People toss bean bags at the 2008 bean-bag tournament during Summerfest in LeRoy. Photo provided
Time for the markets LeRoy, Lyle joining Austin sales Lyle Farmers Market
Lyle is launching its own farmer’s market this year, which started on May 16. The market will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. on the third Saturday of each month at City Park. Vendors will feature products including fruits, vegetables, artisanal breads, baked goods, jellies, jams, gluten-free options, grass-fed meats, free-range eggs, pickles, salsa, crafts, bedding plants and more. For more information, contact Jennifer at 507-325-0255 or Diana at 507-325-2311
LeRoy Farmers Market
LeRoy’s also getting its own farmer’s market in 2015, starting on June 11. The market runs from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday nights
through October 15 next to the LeRoy Center for the Creative Arts. For more information, email leroyfarmersmarket15@gmail.com or contact Dave Perkins at 507-273-5815
Austin Area Farmer’s Market This market is 30 years old and is located at the corner of Oakland Ave & Fourth Street Northeast. The outdoor market season started May 14 and runs through October. The market is open from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. every Monday and Thursday and 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Saturdays. The many different vendors feature items like fresh fruit, vegetables, baked goods, pork, beef, chicken, honey, apples, soaps
and lotions, salad dressings, massage oils and crafts. For more information, visit the Austin Area Farmer’s Market Facebook page at www. facebook.com/pages/Austin-Farmers-Market/369554973104, or call Heidi Harrabi at 507-210-7636.
Farmer’s Market Place
Austin’s Farmer’s Market Place started May 18 this year and continues through October on 18th Ave. NW in front of Shopko and Hy-Vee. The market is open from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. every Monday and Thursday, and from 9 a.m. until noon on Saturdays. Some of the things the many different vendors will feature include garden items such as vegetables, different types of produce, crafts, cupcakes, eggs and chickens, and strawberries. For more information, visit the Farmer’s Market Place LLC’s Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/Farmers-Market-PlaceLLC/488883377826236, email farmersmarketplaceaustin@yahoo.com or call Tessa Davis at 507-440-8006.
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Independence Day Celebration Lyle, Dates: June 26-28
By Jenae Hackensmith
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he Lyle Independence Day Celebration has been going on since the late 1800s and it’s returning again this summer. “I think it’s more of just a time for families to get together and celebrate in a small town,” said Diana Witt, who chairs the festival with Darwin Small. The event offers fun for the whole family, with kid’s games, the pedal pull, horseshoe tournaments and a street dance, Miss Lyle pageants and more. The truck, tractor and semi-pull on Saturday has gotten bigger each year and draws many spectators. School alumni also come back to celebrate the holiday with family and friends. “It’s just a lot of really good family-fun entertainment and it brings a lot of family reunions together for that weekend,” Witt said.
Three people discuss a car at a past car show during a Lyle Independence Day Celebration.
SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE June 26 •Bean Bag Tourney, Lyle Liquor, 7 p.m. •Music, 8 p.m., Lyle Liquor
pull, South end of town, 10 a.m., •Lyle Classic Car Show, City Park, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. •Street Dance, 8 p.m.
June 27 •Truck, tractor and semi
June 28 •Church services in the
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park, 10 a.m. •Grand parade — Lyle girls basketball team, 12 p.m. •Stump Jumpers, mud bog races, South end, 1 p.m. •Kids games in the park, 1 p.m. •Fireworks, dusk
Full summer slate set for Clear Lake Trish Fundermann, special projects director in Clear Lake, Iowa, is excited to celebrate summer with upcoming events in her community. She told the Herald over email what her favorite parts of this summer are: Q: How long has Clear Lake had summer events? A: I know according to our history books that a July 4 celebration was had the first year that Clear Lake was formed. (I believe 1851). Q: What summer event has the biggest draw? A: The July 4 celebration is our biggest community event, which includes free music, carnival, craft show and the biggest and best fireworks display in the Midwest. Thursdays on Main has become one of our most popular events, with weekly activities including 40-plus street vendors, kiddie handcranked train rides, bounce house, laser tag in City Park, and musical entertainment downtown Clear Lake, along with local special entertainment groups performing. It lasts for 10 weeks throughout the summer and is a great family fun event. Q: Why are summer events so important for the community? A: It’s a great economic boost for our many fabulous businesses we have in Clear Lake and it makes Clear Lake a great place to live and visit. Q: What sets these events apart from
others that go on during the year or happen in other communities? A: A lot of them are long running events and are what makes Clear Lake known for — activities almost every weekend Memorial Day through Labor Day. Q: What is your favorite event and why? A: Thursdays on Main is my favorite event, as I was involved in the beginning when we first started talking about doing a new retail promotion. It is a great feeling to be part of such an amazing community event that brings all ages of people downtown for our weekly activities, everyone from small kids to people in their 80s enjoying all the fun family entertainment going on. Q: What do you hope people take away from the summer events? A: I hope they leave with great memories, old and new family traditions, new friends, and hopefully a smile. Hopefully that is what will keep them coming back.
What’s coming up in Clear Lake? •Thursdays on Main, for 10 weeks from June 11 to Aug. 20 (excluding July 2) •July 4 Celebration is July 1-5 •Bicycle, Blues, and BBQ is July 10-12 •LakeFest – (consisting of) Iowa Storytelling Festival, Lakeside DixieFest and ArtSail – July 24-26 •Class Car Show and Summer Dance Cruise – Aug. 7-8 •End of Summer Beachfest – Aug. 15 •Antiques in the Square – Sept. 6 For more, visit www.clearlakeiowa.com.
Lyle Body Shop
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Rose Pedaler log cabin is open for the summer By Jenae Hackensmith Though the Rose Pedaler store is currently closed, the cabin is still waiting for people to fill its rooms during its 10th anniversary. Becky Hartwig opened the Rose Pedaler store 12 years ago to accommodate bicyclists on the Shooting Star Trail, and her husband, Ken, built the cabin. But the Shooting Star Trail has taken longer than expected, and the store temporarily closed. Yet Hartwig said the cabin is still full of life each year. Cabin rental is $239 per night, with discounted prices if multiple nights are rented. There are three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a full kitchen and access to the Shooting Star Trail. “It’s a great place to stay and the logs make it so cozy,” she added. “Just a good getaway place.” Hartwig said people rent the cabin for a variety of reasons, ranging from family vacations to staying at the cabin instead of a hotel while visiting someone in the area. “I’ve got a lot of people that come every year,” she said. The store building can also be rented for small get-togethers such as wedding or baby showers. Hartwig said it will not reopen as a store this summer, but she has high hopes now that the Shooting Star Trail is headed to Austin this year. “Now it’s here and now it’s going to get to Austin,” she said. “Things are looking up.” She said people are welcome to use the parking lot to leave their cars when they go bike riding. “It’s a great place to get started from there because we’re right on the bike trail,” she said.
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Rose Creek Fun Days Lyle, Dates: July 10-12
By Jenae Hackensmith
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Nolan Ahnrenson hits a pitch during a preview softball tournament during Fun Days. SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE July 10 •11th annual Blacksox Kickball tournament, 4 -8 p.m. July 11 • Softball tournament, 8 a.m. •Pedal pull, 10 a.m. •Volleyball at the Creek, 12 p.m. •Kid’s games at the Creek, 12 p.m. •Fireman’s Waterfight, 1 p.m. •Horse Shoes at the Creek, 2 p.m. •Rose Creek Fire Department Windsor Chop supper in the Park, 5-8 p.m. •Dance in the Park, 8 p.m. July 12 • Softball tournament continues, 9 a.m. •Car show, registration 10 a.m.-12 p.m., show 12-3 p.m. •Beanbag tournament, 12-3 p.m.
100-plus year tradition returns this summer, as Rose Creek Fun Days will again bring the community together for fun events and great conversation. “It brings the town and community together,” Jill Felten, a volunteer for the event, said. With a softball tournament and a kids’ tractor pull, this event is a great draw for those who have left Rose Creek or those traveling through.
Lanesboro will ‘take your breath away’
Eric Leitzen, the new director of tourism for the Lanesboro Area Chamber of Commerce, is excited for the upcoming summer events. Here’s what’s coming up: Q: What’s cool about Lanesboro? A: There’s not much in Lanesboro that isn’t cool, to be honest. I went to high school a few towns over and when it came time to introduce my Chicagoland wife to the area, Lanesboro was my first choice. It is a beautiful town 365 days a year, and even on a rainy day the mist rolling off the bluffs is enough to take your breath away. Q: What can people do in Lanesboro? A: Outside of its natural beauty, Lanesboro has a little something for everyone. I’d be hard pressed to find another small town in Minnesota where you can wake up in a palatial bed and breakfast with locally roasted coffee or a scratch-made pastry, then spend your morning biking and hiking the trails and hills. After that, you can enjoy a fresh and local lunch with ingredients grown on-site, and spend the afternoon shopping for everything from antiques to motorcycle apparel to handmade soaps. Finally, before you head back to a pillowy-soft B&B mattress, take in a professional theatrical production after a world-class dinner dining experience. Lanesboro can offer a getaway unlike almost any other in the Midwest, particularly for a town of 500 inhabitants. Q: What can people check out this summer? A: We have cool special events happening this summer as well. June 6 is our 11th annual Rhubarb Festival, featuring entertainment, games, a
fun run, and of course samples and tastings of that tart Midwestern darling in all sorts of delicacies. Art in the Park takes place June 21 in our beautiful downtown Sylvan Park, featuring 90-plus fine art and craft booths, along with music, food, and a petting zoo for the kids. Finally, our biggest summer festival happens from July 31 to Aug. 2 with the 31st annual Buffalo Bill Days, where Lanesboro will swell from 754 to 5,000 people. The festivities include volleyball, softball and bean bag tourneys, a parade featuring several surrounding towns, two bands and a public dance, and it’s all capped off with fireworks shooting off the surrounding bluffs. As you can see, there’s plenty of cool things to do in Minnesota’s biggest little town, and that’s just the summer!
Q: How has Lanesboro stayed a thriving community? A: Lanesboro has worked hard as a community to make itself the premiere small-town destination in Bluff Country, and we have a wonderful group of municipal employees and private business owners that are making this town pulse with energy as the season starts to warm up. We have 10 new businesses opening up for this season; that’s about one business for every 76 people. Lanesboro is perfect for a day trip, a weekend, or staying a week, but be careful — like many of our residents, Lanesboro’s charm just might have you staying here permanently! For more information, check out listings at www. lanesboro.com.
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Father, daughter share their Brewventures By Jennie and Scott Knoebel
As the explosion of taprooms has hit Minnesota, we would like to present our Brewventures — a day tour that celebrates and explores the growth of breweries, taprooms and brewpubs in Minnesota. The Summit Brewing Company and Surly Brewery are two standard locations even the casual beer drinker should visit. Summit is located in an industrial park off of West Seventh Street in St. Paul. Reserving a space on their tour is a must as they fill up quickly. Summit offers a traditional brewery tour that gives a great overview of the brewing process. The tour ends with samples in their tasting room. Surly has a stunning new facility in Minneapolis. Known now as “golden child of Minnesota microbreweries,” their new facility hosts a full restaurant and tasting bar if you are not interested in taking the tour. Both Summit and Surly provide a menu of beers that are very unique and flavorful. Next on our list is Harriet Brewing. Located in the Minneapolis Longfellow neighborhood, their tap room is reminiscent of having
Jennie Knoebel is the executive director of the Austin Area Commission of the Arts. Her father, Scott, is IT applications manager for Hormel Foods Corp. In their spare time, the two enjoy touring Minnesota breweries. a party in an alley garage with your friends. They usually host food trucks outside and have an indoor stage for entertainment. Their beer is brewed in the traditional European style, with the majority of the beers having fairly strong ABV and lower IBU. Dangerous Man is our favorite
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in Northeast Minneapolis, arguably considered the taproom capital of the Twin Cities. Today Northeast Minneapolis is home to eight tap rooms in a five-mile radius, so a simple day trip will provide numerous brewery options. Dangerous Man opens at noon
on Saturday and there is always a line out the door. Usually there are six different varieties of beer on tap that are higher in IBU with less ABV. Their taproom offers a traditional feel of a small town neighborhood bar, simply a great place to bring in a pizza or sandwich and just relax. Neither Harriet or Dangerous Man bottle or can their beers, so outside of beer events their taproom is the best option to taste their offerings. Back over in St. Paul, the Urban Growler is another great stop. This is one of the newest tap rooms in west St. Paul. They offer a wonderful variety of beers not offered at many of the other metro breweries. Our favorite is their Cowbell Cream Ale, which is their spin on New Glarus’ Spotted Cow. Finally, we invite you to venture slightly out of Minneapolis/St. Paul to White Bear Lake, an outer ring suburb north of St. Paul, to the Big Wood Brewery. Their tap room reminds us of the smaller version of “Cheers.” The majority of their beers are in the higher IBU class and extremely full flavored. They distribute their beers in 16-ounce cans, so the tap room visit is not a must, but again worth the visit.
Summerset Theatre features lighter fare Happened on the Way to the Forum” will run starting at 7:30 p.m. July 28-Aug. 1. All shows are recommended for ages 12 and up. Season passes are available online at www.riverland.edu/tickets or by calling the Riverland Box Office at 507-433-0595. Individual tickets will go on sale starting May 26.
By Trey Mewes The 48th season of Summerset Theatre will start with “9 to 5 The Musical” in June, “The 39 Steps” in July and wrap up with “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” which plays at the end of July and early August. “9 to 5 The Musical,” based on the film, sets Dolly Parton tunes against a workplace setting where three co-workers get even with a sexist boss. Aside from the obvious draw of Dolly Parton hits, Williams had wanted to put the show on for a while to give the area a taste of musicals they may not have seen performed before. “The 39 Steps” is a faster-paced play, a madcap mix of the spy life with quick-witted humor and more. One of the largest draws of this award-winning play is its four-person cast, who must play more than 150 roles on
"The Odd Couple," produced by Summerset Theatre in 2014. Herald file photo the stage before the night is over. Finally, the Stephen Sondheim classic “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” will close out the season with a silly comedy of love, vaudeville and timeless songs. “9 to 5 The Musical” opens at 7 p.m. June 14, with subsequent performances at 7:30 p.m. June 15-20. “The 39 Steps” will play at 7:30 p.m. July 7-11. “A Funny Thing
Matchbox Children's Theatre
Matchbox Children’s Theatre will perform “The Wizard of Oz” Aug. 21-23. Showtimes are 7-8:30 p.m. on Friday, and 2-3:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at the Paramount Theatre. “The Wizard of Oz” is the culmination of Matchbox’s annual theater camp. This year, the camp runs from 6:30 to 9 p.m. July 6-10 at the Matchbox Office at 911 West Oakland Ave. The musical’s auditions are set for 6:30 to 8 p.m. on July 12 at the Paramount Theatre. The camp costs $75 per student and class size is limited.
SERVING THE PEOPLE OF MOWER COUNTY IN AREAS OF EMPLOYMENT AND CONTRACTED SERVICES BY BUILDING BUSINESS PARTNERSHIPS FOR OVER 50 YEARS. • Community or Supported Employment • School to Work Transition • Center-Based Employment • Mental Health Service • Specialized Transportation
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ArtWorks Festival returns Aug. 22, 23 A
By Jenae Hackensmith
ustin will showcase its talent and bring in new talent for the fourth annual ArtWorks Festival. The festival, which will take place Aug. 22 and 23, will once again be at the downtown power plant. Organizers have arranged for Marty O’Reilly & The Old Soul Orchestra, as well as Alex Rossi & Root City to take the stage at 7:30 p.m. Saturday in Marcusen Park. “It’s so fun with starting on our fourth annual ArtWorks Festival,” cochair Bonnie Rietz said. “And each year we try to up it, bring in new things, think of what we can do to try to make it bigger and better than last year.” One difference in this year’s festival is that organizers have moved away from requiring Austin ties with the artists, authors and musicians. “We’re expanding the area that we’re advertising … and then looking at what the authors, artists and musicians, basically wherever they’re from they’re welcome to come in,” Rietz said. Although the festival no longer requires Austin ties, organizers still get excited when they find Austin ties to the artists. Organizers were excited to find out the fiddle player in Marty O’Reilly and the Old Soul Orchestra, which is based in Santa Cruise, California, was originally from Austin. “We have so many talented people who’ve either grown up in Austin or have lived here a while,” Rietz said. “So it’s fun to showcase that too.”
Artists and authors
This year’s featured artist will be
The Austin ArtWorks Center and Paramount Theatre already have several sizzling acts put together this summer for area residents to enjoy. Want to listen to some Jazz? Try the Peter Jacobs Jazz Trio on June 12. How about some World Music? There are several world acts coming to Austin this July and August. Don’t forget several gallery openings over the next few months, as the Austin area turns into an artistic paradise. June 12, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Music @ the Bank: Peter Jacobs Jazz Trio at the Austin ArtWorks Center
Marty O’Reilly & The Old Soul Orchestra ArtWorks Festival bands for 2015 Marcusen Bands Marty O’Reilly and the Old Soul Orchestra Alex Rossi and the Root City Band Festival Grounds Bands Ian Hilmer Whalen and the Willows Good Night Gold Dust The Last Revel
Paula Elliott, originally from New York. Elliot spent time in Austin growing up. Elliott received her Master of Fine Arts in painting from Cornell University in New York, where she lives and works. Her pieces are shown in many museums and corporations. Elliott describes her paintings as figurative abstraction, and
Michelle Lynn Paddy O’Brien Erik Koskinen Ali and the Scoundrels Cedar River Strings (Sylvia Davis) Saturday & Sunday Con Fuoco (Braun Oldenkamp) Saturday & Sunday Bella Vita (Ethan Johnson) Saturday & Sunday
says her imagery refers to aspects of the eternal world. William Kent Krueger, from the Twin Cities, will be the featured author this year. He was selected at the 2010 Austin Page Turners author for his book “Thunder Bay.” Authors Amanda Hocking and Erin Hart will also be at the festival.
ArtWorks Center gets grants for summer library tours Be sure to check your local library this summer for a series of art classes held by Austin ArtWorks Center volunteers. Austin ArtWorks Executive Director Jennie Knoebel said two
Artworks Center, Paramount Theatre schedule
classes a week for 6-8 year olds and 9-11 year olds, respectively, will be held at Mower County small town libraries as a partnership between the libraries, the center and Riverland Community College.
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The classes will run from midJune to the end of July, and should be announced by the end of May or beginning of June. Look to the Herald for more details when they become available.
June 19, 5-7 p.m. Gallery Opening featuring Nick Sinclair and Mike Erickson Austin ArtWorks Center July 15, 7-8:30 p.m. Kinobe & The Wamu Spirit World Music at the Paramount July 24, 5-7 p.m. Gallery Opening featuring Lisa Truax at the Austin ArtWorks Center July 29, 7-8:30 p.m. House of Waters World Music at the Paramount Aug. 19, 7-8:30 p.m. Makem & Spain World Music at the Artworks Center Aug. 20, 5-7 p.m. Gallery Opening featuring Jean Formo at the Austin ArtWorks Center Aug. 21-23 7-8:30 p.m. Friday, 2-3:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Matchbox Children’s Theatre presents “The Wizard of Oz” at the Paramount Theatre
ArtWorks Center offers playtime for everyone We work hard. We’ve been working hard since we stopped getting stickers on our spelling tests, always picking chocolate milk at lunch, and going out for recess every day. Well, we all need a little recess now and then. The thing is, when you’re a grown-up, it becomes more and more difficult to make that time for yourself. Instead it’s up at some awful time of morning, getting the kids and/or yourself ready to go out into the world (and who knows what it will throw at you today), being a productive (on a good day) member of society at your job or school, then home to kids and homework and dinner and cleaning and laundry and maybe, if you’re lucky, some late-night TV or a good book. We’re all too busy being adults (or trying to become adults) to indulge in anything that looks or feels remotely like recess. But you know what? I miss recess. And sometimes being an adult means knowing when it’s time to be a kid for awhile. It turns out you don’t need to look very far to find a good place to do just that — 300 North Main Street, in fact. The Austin ArtWorks Center is getting
Grace Heimsness
Artworks Education and Marketing coordinator
ready to host another season of classes this summer, and with 26 unique titles in 12 different mediums, it’s easy to learn and experience art like never before from instructors whose passion is both contagious and palpable. Some classes are back by popular demand — Bradley Mariska’s “Classical Music for Dummies,” which received rave reviews from participants this spring, is slated to return in June. Most, however, will be brand new, and include projects such as stained glass suncatchers, windchimes, jewelry, and baby sweaters. The full lineup is available at austinareaarts.org/create. Many of our summer classes revolve around clay — from wheel throwing to sculpture —and take place in the lower level of the ArtWorks Center. This level houses a fully functional clay studio, which includes several butcher block
work tables, five pottery wheels, and a kiln. The “Clay Cavern,” as it’s known, is typically reserved for classes during weekday evenings, but open studio takes over the space each Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. While our classes provide the structure needed to pick up new skills in various art forms, open studio is made for the kid in everyone (and for refining and applying our new skills, but don’t tell the kid that), regardless of the medium that speaks to us. Open studio is free for all AACA members, and just $5 for everyone else. The summer season also brings with it a broader selection of classes for those kids who haven’t grown up just yet. These include drawing, clay, and other mediums. Saturday morning kids’ studios (clay makes a regular appearance), which started this spring, will also continue through the summer. These studios are led by a few grown-ups who know the value of a little free time, and are just as ready to lend a helping hand as they are to sit back and watch the magic that only a kid can make happen. Sign up online or by stopping in to see us at the ArtWorks Center; it’s time for recess.
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Several destinations just a drive away By Trey Mewes Sometimes, the best way to enjoy the summer isn’t through a huge vacation but through a nice day-long trip. There are plenty of things to experience in southern Minnesota. Here’s a small taste of some of the wonders you can find on a short road trip throughout our region. Myre-Big Island State Park Albert Lea
507-379-3403 www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_ parks/myre_big_island/index. html Why not enjoy a hike through nature before the snow starts to fall? The trails at Myre-Big Island State Park southeast of Albert Lea take visitors through wet lowlands, oak savanna and grasslands. The park features canoeing, camping and hiking opportunities, plus a 116-acre island. Mystery Cave/Forestville State Park Fillmore County 507-937-3251 Up for a little spelunking? How
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about taking a scenic tour at Mystery Cave, a one-hour guided exploration of the pools and long, linear corridors of the 13 miles of caves. The tour involves 3/4 mile walking, and is ADA accessible. $10 for adults, $6 for children through October. National Eagle Center 50 Pembroke Ave. Wabasha, MN 55981 651-565-4989 www.nationaleaglecenter.org An eagle may be the national bird, but how much do you know about the animal? Spread your wings and take a trip to the National Eagle
Center in Wabasha to sit in on a live presentation by an experienced raptor handler, among other treasures. Carleton College Japanese Garden 1 College Street Northfield 507-222-4000 If the summer brings with it too much hustle and bustle, check out Carleton College’s Japanese garden. A pathway leads through the garden, complete with benches and a shelter. One rule: no rushing. Continues on Page 39
Continued from Page 38 Amish Tours Lanesboro www.lanesboro.com/what-to-do/ A variety of Amish tours show visitors Amish shops and farms, all while educating them on Amish culture. Enjoy baked goods and brush up on your history. Some tour companies even offer a horseand-buggy ride through the country. Fort Custer Maze 2501 Main Ave. Clear Lake, Iowa 641-357-6102 This representation of an 1850s western fort is spread out over 2 acres with more than 2 miles of bridges, a lookout tower and mysterious paths for families to travel. Minnesota Marine Art Museum 800 Riverview Drive Winona 507-474-6626 If you’re ready to view paintings by Monet, Renoir, or see how water has shaped plenty of art over the years, head to the Minnesota Marine Art Museum for a look at local, national and global art.
Pipestone National Monument 36 N. Reservation Ave. Pipestone 507-825-5464 These famous quarries house more than just sacred pipestone. Demonstrations, trails, waterfalls and more await visitors who visit this national park. Wineries and Breweries Four Daughters Vineyard & Winery 78757 MN-16 Spring Valley 507-346-7300 The biggest winery in Minnesota is continually expanding its offerings and men. The best part of this award-winning winery could be how close it is. Indian Island Winery Tour 18018 631st Ave. Janesville 507-234-622 This farm winery was built on a former Native American hunting camp, which once was surrounded by water. Not only is the wine good, the experiences and potential artifacts are perfect for a daytime adventure.
Rochester 507-251-1946 This Napa Valley transplant has built quite a reputation for great wines straight from a nearby vineyard. Mankato Brewery 1119 Center Street North Mankato 507-386-2337 This recent brewery has a huge selection of brews, beers and ales to try, along with tasting hours on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Whitewater Wine Tours 10832 Fischer Hill Drive Plainvew 507-534-1262 Want to sample a little fine wine near the bluffs of the Whitewater River? Call and schedule a tour of the winery and even the production area.
Post Town Winery 4481 North Frontage Road, Suite No. 6
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Get out and
c a m p T ime to hit the road and enjoy the outdoors. If you’re looking for a campground to enjoy some good times, look no further than these area stops to get your outdoor fix.
Brookside Campground 52482 320th Street Blooming Prairie 507-583-2979 Ready for some relaxing fun? Brookside has plenty of amenities, from wagon rides to volleyball, a heated pool to an arcade and movie rentals. It’s got fishing, canoeing, volleyball and plenty of picnic tables, fire rings, and camp space for a summer getaway. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp Resort at Beaver Trails 21943 630th Avenue, Austin 507-584-6611 Come down to Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp Resort for good old fashioned fun. There’s camping, a pool (complete with waterslide), volleyball, a giant jumping bag and a theme every weekend this summer perfect for a family outing. Austin-Albert Lea KOA 84259 County Road 46 Hayward I-90, Exit 166 507-373-5170 A great place for RVs and cabin rentals. There’s a large pool, a game room, theme weekends, a nine-hole golf course and driving range next door, not to mention a spacious meeting hall. Lake Louise State Park 1.5 miles north of LeRoy 507-352-5111 www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/ lake_louise/index.html Lake Louise has got campgrounds, swimming beaches, bike trails and more. Connected to the as-yet-unfinished Shooting Star Trail, this camp also has horse trails. 40 | Discover Summer 2015 | Austin Daily Herald
Campers offer area families outdoor opportunities away from home By Trey Mewes Almost every weekend during the summer, Jamey Ulven and his family take a vacation. Jamey, his wife, Shaun, and his children, Riana and Mason, take a trip down to the Old Barn Resort in Preston to the Ulvens’ 32-foot camper. “It’s kind of like going to a cabin on the weekends with all your friends,” Jamey said. The Ulvens have turned into outdoor enthusiasts ever since they bought their RV back in 2009. At the time, they were simply looking to do some fun traveling with friends and family. Over the years, they’ve toured various campgrounds and traveled on long vacations, but the Ulvens and their friends decided on the Old Barn Resort in Preston as a nice place to settle. Though managing a camper is no easy feat, Jamey and Shaun decided the family time with Riana, 8, and Mason, 4, was worth the effort.
Oakwoods Trails Campground 23614 890th Ave Austin 507-437-6165 There’s large campsites for tenting and RVs, volleyball, basketball, horseshoes, fishing and hiking trails, electric hookups, and showers and bathrooms. River Bend Campground 13380 State Highway 105 Lyle 507-583-2979 Take a trip to the River Bend Camp-
“The kids really enjoy it, and we enjoy it, so we stuck with it,” Jamey said. The Ulvens had, as Jamey puts it, quite the learning experience that first summer. Driving around a home on wheels can be a little more difficult than it seems. The Ulvens make sure their two-bedroom, twoslide camper is stocked with amenities. “All your typical stuff is what you put in the camper,” Jamey said. “You use it to grill probably 100 percent of the time.” Though traveling between campgrounds offered fun new experiences, the Ulvens can now see family friends and share the common amenities at Old Barn, which makes the travel and vacationing easier. Of course, a permanent spot at a large campground resort offers plenty of opportunities for good cooking and lots of time for children to play outdoors. For the Ulvens, a nice deck, a big grill and time with friends is the perfect vacation opportunity. “It’s a lot easier when you’re not traveling every weekend,” Jamey said. ground for a picturesque camping experience. Offers basic amenities, firewood and playground at wooded sites along the river.
Myre — Big Island State Park 19499 780th Avenue Albert Lea 507-379-3403 www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/myre_ big_island/index.html Make time this summer for hiking, camping, canoeing and even a little geocaching at Albert Lea’s own state park, just three miles southeast of town.
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Get active with Park and Rec this summer By Trey Mewes
The Austin Parks and Recreation Department is ready to host another fun summer of activities. “You need to give people those opportunities,” Parks and Rec Director Kim Underwood said. Underwood oversees all the organization that goes into each summer’s parks and rec activities, which can be fun on its own. There’s always the core sports many residents want to see, but Underwood and other parks and rec employees have a blast learning about exciting new activities to bring to the community.
Archery: June 9-July 16
Want to learn how to shoot a bow? Or maybe you just want some practice? Look no further than Packer Arena with youth archery classes set for Tuesdays and Thursdays. Be sure to sign up as soon as possible, though. “It fills pretty much every time,” Underwood said. “The youth league is always full.” If there’s enough interest from adults, it’s possible parks and rec will be able to open adult classes at Packer Arena for archery as well, according to Underwood. “I think an adult group would be cool to get going,” she said.
Intro to Dance: July 13-24
If your little ones want a taste of jazz, ballet technique or even hip hop dancing, parks and rec is offering introductory dance classes for area students in grades K-6 this July. “It’s kind of a little push to see if they can
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spark someone’s interest,” Underwood said. It’s a good way for parents to see whether their children would be interested in studying dance under one of several dance studios in the area, from Jane Taylor’s Academy of Dance to Acclaim! Dance Studio to Bridget’s Dance Conservatory.
‘Fall Dig’ and ‘Winter Roll’ Volleyball: May-Fall
Get ready for some fast volleys and lots of fun as the city’s two volleyball leagues get under way this May. Compete against your friends and neighbors over the course of a 10-week season every Monday night at Todd Park. The cost to sign up is $20 per team and an $8 player fee. Hurry to sign, however — deadline is May 7.
Austin Municipal Pool: June 8-Aug. 20
Swimming is practically a must-do event every summer and the Austin Municipal Pool will be ready to open soon. If you’re looking to get the most out of the pool (as well as the diving pool and climbing wall), memberships are $30 per person, with swimmers age 2 and under free. The pool is open from 1 to 4:45 p.m. on weekdays, but adults can get some lap time in starting at noon. Need some swimming lessons? Save $10 on classes when you buy a membership. Want a pool party? Rent out the pool by the hour, from $125 per hour for just the pool area to $175 per hour for access to all areas. “There’s a lot of options as a family, or individuals, or just for your kids to have some fun,” Underwood said.
A boy jumps off the new 16-foot climbing wall into the diving well of the Austin Municipal Pool last year. Herald file photo.