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Activites for the

By JANE TURPIN MOORE Guest Contributor

Making familyfriendly, amenityrich, city-owned aquatics centers a frequentyetaffordable summer destination is an achievable goal in southern Minnesota.

And two splash-worthy facilities along the I-35 corridor — Faribault Family Aquatics Center and Owatonna’s River Springs Water Park — are preparing to welcome water-lovers of all ages and abilities by the beginning of June.

“It will be ‘all systems go,’” said Kevin O’Brien, recreation superintendent for the city of Faribault. Weather permitting, he says the Faribault facility will be ready to roll on June 1.

Whether you’re an adult seeking to maintain fitness via a water aerobics class, a parent of a toddler who seeks some safe splashing time, a teenager wanting a cool place to hang out with peers or a grade schooler with energy to burn, the Faribault and Owatonna sites have everything needed to satisfy multigenerational warm-weather water wishes.

River Springs Water Park in Owatonna, which debuted in July 2009, holds 324,000 gallons of water—and that equals a ton of fun. Consider these figures: A 262-foot-long lazy river, a 224-foot tube slide and a 155-foot body slide. Such desirable amenities combine

to deliver hours and hours of sun-kissed pleasure.

Patrons at River Springs Water Park may also enjoy a climbing wall, “lily pad walk,” log rolling and a large concessions area.

Parents might appreciate the chance to host a child’s June, July or August birthday party on-site at River Springs, since the water park is an ideal spot to absorb youthful vigor and excitement.

A popular birthday package includes water park admission, a beverage and hot dog for each guest, a free concession item for the birthday child and a reserved area with tables and chairs for the entire group. Don’t forget the sweet stuff; hosts may bring birthday cake or cupcakes of their choice to celebrate the occasion in style.

A zero-depth play area and its features are available exclusively for “Tiny Tot Time,” daily from 11 a.m. to noon. Families with kids up to six years old may enjoy the area without more boisterous older kids in the vicinity during that dedicated period.

Finally, group or private swimming lessons take place at River Springs during the summer months.

For more detailed information about hours, fees, programs and season passes at River Springs Water Park, located at 3065 St. Paul Road, Owatonna, visit owatonna.gov/306/river-springs-waterpark or call 507-774-7370.

Faribault Family Aquatics Center, a community asset since 2002, strives to be as accessible a place as possible. Sun-seeker? Move a lounge chair into the

CONTINUED from page 5

sunshine. If shade is more your thing, permanent fixed shade structures ensure you can get the coverage you need.

“And we have ample grass and green space within the pool area,” said O’Brien.

A zero-depth entry pool guarantees smooth access, no matter one’s age or physical ability, though the pool progresses to a depth of about 5.5 feet for comfortable swimming.

Diving board? Climbing wall? (Yep; two!) Three body/tube slides? A drop slide? A toddler splashfeature area complete with a dump bucket? Check ‘em off your list because they’re all present and accounted for.

O’Brien, who’s been an integral part of supervising and programming activities at the Faribault Family Aquatics Center since 2017, says an alternating schedule of inflatables — including

FAMILY FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES

Adventure Bound

Camping Resorts

21943 630th Ave., Austin

507-607-0620

abcamping.com/beavertrails

Air Insanity Indoor

Trampoline Park

1607 US-14, Rochester

507-322-6197

airinsanity.com

Bent River Outfitter

530 N Riverfront Dr B, Mankato

507-388-2368

bentriveroutfitter.com

Bounce Town

1860 Adams St., Mankato

507-345-7737

bouncetownmankato.com

Bounce World

4430 19th St NW, Rochester

507-316-0788

bounceworldmn.com

Broken Paddle Guiding Co.

213 Main St. W, Wabasha 651-955-5222

brokenpaddleguiding.com

kayak and stand up paddleboard tours & rentals

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

cannonfallscanoeand bike.com

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

mankatoymca.org

Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota 224 Lamm St, Mankato 507-386-0279

cmsouthernmn.org

Escape Challenge

6301 Bandel Rd NW, Rochester 507-722-2728

theescapechallenge.com

Escape MSP 20730 Holyoke Ave SUITE 150, Lakeville 612-424-3845

escapelkv.com

Flaherty’s Northfield Lanes 1700 Highway 3 S #CO, Northfield 507-645-8322

flahertysnorthfieldlanes.com

International Owl Center 126 E Cedar St,, Houston 507-896-6957

internationalowlcenter.org

Jack McGowans Farm

20001 Hawkeye Ln., Mankato 507-625-2257

facebook.com/McgowanFarm

Kato Escape

619 S Front St, Mankato 507-327-4045

katoescape.com

Kerfoot Canopy Tour 30200 Scenic Byway Road, Henderson 952-873-3901

kerfootcanopytour.com

zipline, aerial adventure park, sightseeing tours

Lake Area Clubhouse 117 E Main St, Elysian 507-267-4611

an obstacle course and a log run — keep things interesting throughout the summer for teens and families alike.

And four free movie nights over the course of the season are another draw, with free swimming available until darkness descends and the movies roll.

Swimming lessons, a daily toddler swim time (11 a.m. to noon), regular open swim hours extending from noon to 8 p.m., designated lap swim periods, water basketball/volleyball, a concession stand and water exercise classes are among the extensive offerings O’Brien and his staff deliver.

With a 330,000-gallon capacity, and a pool size comprising 12,232 square feet, the Faribault Family Aquatics Center provides a flood of watery wonders.

Said O’Brien, “I love providing aquatic recreation for the community.”

For more detailed information about hours,

Lonsdale Skatepark

Sticha Park at Industrial and Willow Creek drives, Lonsdale Skating ramps and bowls, equipment rental

Mineral Springs Park 1025 Mineral Springs Pkwy., Owatonna

ci.owatonna.mn.us disc golf, horseshoes, paved trails

Minnesota’s Largest

Candy Store 20430 Johnson Memorial Dr., Jordan facebook.com/ MinnesotasLargest CandyStor

Motokazie Supercross 7000-7462 W 195th St., Jordan 952-601-1169 motokazie.com

National Eagle Center 50 Pembroke Ave, Wabasha 651-565-4989

nationaleaglecenter.org

Northfield Skatepark

801 Seventh St., Northfield

Owatonna Archery Range

711 N Elm St., Owatonna ci.owatonna.mn.uc 2 acres, 10 shooting lanes

Owatonna Bike/ Skate Park 350 School St., Owatonna Helmets required

River Rock Disc Golf Course 1025 Mineral Springs Pkwy., Owatonna 9-hole course

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

(Photo courtesy of Faribault Parks and Recreation)

(Photo courtesy of Faribault Parks and Recreation)

fees, programs and season passes at Faribault Family Aquatics Center, located in North Alexander Park at 1816 2nd Ave. NW, Faribault, visit ci.faribault.mn.us/404/faribaultfamily-aquatics-center or call 507-334-2064. 

Freelance

Sand Creek Adventures

3101 220th St W, Jordan

952.492.5333

sandcreekadventures.com

Sibley Park Petting Zoo

900 Mound Ave, Mankato

mankatomn.gov/city-servicesa-z

SkyDive Northstar

35493 110th St., Waseca 507-291-5867

skydivenorthstar.com

SPAM Museum

101 3rd Ave NE, Austin

spam.com/museum

Sparetime

333 18th St. SE, Owatonna 507-451-2524

bowling, laser tag, arcades

St. Peter Disc Golf Course

Riverside Park, St. Peter Near the intersection of Hwy. 22 & Hwy. 169 18 holes

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

bowling, restaurant, bar

The Bowling Center 1802 4th St. NW, Faribault 507-334-3262

faribaultbowling.com

Toners Lake Karting 8747 415th Ave., Janesville 507-835-1413

tonerslakekarting.org

dirt oval karting

Waseca Skatepark 527 6th Ave. SE, Waseca ci.waseca.mn.us

Winona Marine

Art Museum

800 Riverview Dr, Winona mmam.org

Art galleries, youth and adult programs

Waseca Disc Golf Course

Waseca County Courthouse

Park, 31831 120th St., Waseca wasecacounty.gov/facilities/ facility/details/CourthousePark-11

18 holes

Waseca Water Park

200 26th Ave NE, Waseca

ci.waseca.mn.us/waseca-waterpark

WOW! Zone

2030 Adams St., Mankato 507-625-26952030

wowzonefec.com

bowling, mini golf, arcade, laser tag

(Photo courtesy of the city of Owatonna)

(Photo courtesy of Faribault Parks and Recreation)

writer/collaborative pianist Jane Turpin Moore grew up in the Mankato area and is now based in Northfield. She blogs at timeformoore566445504. wordpress.com and fields emails at jturpinmoore@ gmail.com.

History

with Nicollet County exhibits, Treaty Site History Center, Cox House

By JANE TURPIN MOORE Guest Contributor

TBut it should be.

he Nicollet County Historical Society, situated within the Treaty Site History Center (TSHC) on St. Peter’s northeast side, might not be at the top of your list as a cool place to spend a couple of hours with family and friends of all ages in the warm weather months.

Three current and intriguing exhibits, coupled with the ever-present chance to learn about the pivotal 1851 Treaty of Traverse des Sioux (viewpoints from both the Dakota people and Euro-Americans are represented), are reason enough to stop rather than just cruise past while traveling Highway 169.

Topped off with a .7-mile outdoor loop trail (anyone else get tingles when hearing there are foundations of old businesses and homes from the mid-1800s Traverse des Sioux settlement along the pathway?) and an on-site 12x12-foot original settler’s cabin from the 1860s (yes, when the weather’s right you may go inside and ponder how you would have managed to exist in such a space with up to nine other people), not to mention an appealing gift shop, the Nicollet County Historical Society (NCHS) and TSHC promise a stimulating, multi-dimensional experience.

“There’s a misconception that it’s all about the Treaty of Traverse des Sioux,” said Jessica Becker, the energetic and informative NCHS executive director, “but this is also home to the NCHS and we have lots of other exhibits and things to do.”

Brewers and Bottlers: A Refreshing History of Beer and Soda-Making in Nicollet County; closes May 31

Thirsty yet?

You certainly will be after drinking in the wonderful collections of cases, aprons, photos, maps and other artifacts associated with the

brewmasters and soda-makers of the region’s past. Detailing the St. Peter area’s deep history of beers and sodas dating back to the mid-1800s, this exhibit just might send you in search of a current iteration; perhaps a post-visit stop at Paddlefish Brewing (a mere 2.2 miles south of NCHS) is in order.

Celebrating the Past, Cultivating the Future; open through June 29

Becker says this tribute to the area’s agricultural roots has been wonderfully received and well attended in the months since it opened.

“We’ve had such a positive response,” said Becker, mentioning the NCHS partnered with the Nicollet County Farm Bureau to feature the county’s 13 townships.

“There are exhibit cases for each township, and a centennial or sesquicentennial farm family from each township made a display for their respective township,” she added.

“It was really neat to see how it came together, and some are really next-level.”

An indoor barn constructed from wood repurposed from an 1890s model, complete with a lucky horse shoe nailed to a beam, is also on display

“Agri-tourism is a big thing right now, and it’s been wonderful to have folks digging in to the agricultural roots here,” said Becker.

Bonus: A binder, destined for permanent status in the NCHS archive, documenting all the centennial and sesquicentennial farms in Nicollet County’s townships.

More Than a Headline: A Closer Look at the Art and Life of Camilla Hall; open through Aug. 24

There’s a great deal of significance in this exhibit, including the fact that this spring marks 50 years since Patty Hearst was kidnapped by the Symbionese Liberation Army—and since St. Peter native and SLA member was killed in a shootout with Los Angeles, Calif., police (May 17, 1974, was that fateful date).

Curated by Rachael Hanel, herself a Waseca native and author of the book, “Not the Camilla

A tour of the Cox House in St. Peter was led by class of 1969 members Gary Campbell and Mark Halverson. (Photo courtesy of Yvonne Splettstoeser)

Treaty Site History Center (Photo courtesy of Nicollet County Historical Society)

We Knew,” this exhibit (most appropriate for ages 13 and over) shares an overview of Hall’s life, displays her art and explores how the daughter of two Gustavus Adolphus College professors (one being Hall’s mother Lorena, founder of the college’s art department) found herself in the middle of a counter-cultural revolutionary group and died a dramatic, arguably tragic, death at age 29. Said Becker, “It digs into the highlights of Camilla’s life and explains how she got involved with the Symbionese Liberation Army. “This is a very ‘current’ past event, if you know what I mean.”

Another “win:” The E. St. Julien Cox House

For extra NCHS-connected adventure, plan to see another noteworthy St. Peter landmark, the E. St. Julien Cox House.

“Eugene Cox and his wife Mariah had this house built for their family in 1871,” said Becker

“He was the first mayor of St. Peter and was a judge — and the couple raised interesting sons and daughters.”

The architecturally distinctive Carpenter Gothic house — named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970 — was home to the senior Coxes and their remarkable children, including Lillien Cox Gault (St. Peter’s first female mayor, elected in 1921) and Irene Cox Buell (a lawyer and one of the first women to argue a case before the Minnesota Supreme Court).

More detailed information about the Cox family is available at the Cox house itself, Becker notes.

Curious?

Then know the NCHS is partnering with the Blue Earth County Historical Society and the Mankato Area Foundation to display artist Marian Anderson’s art collection later this summer. Watch for more information about the collaboration in the coming weeks.

Summarized Becker about the Cox House and the NCHS exhibits and activities, “We have a lot to do here and it’s not just about the treaty — although it’s important to know that history, too.”

The Nicollet County Historical Society and Treaty Site History Center are located at 1851 N. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter. Visit nchsmn.org,

call 507-9342160 or email info@nchsmn. org for more information and admission rates. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The E. St. Julien Cox House is located at 500 N. Washington Ave., St. Peter. For tour times and fees, email cox@nchsmn. org or call 507934-2160. 

Freelance writer/collaborative pianist Jane Turpin Moore grew up in the Mankato area and is now based in Northfield. She blogs at timeformoore566445504. wordpress.com and fields emails at jturpinmoore@gmail. com.

MORE ART, HISTORY & MUSIC CENTERS page 10

The E. St. Julien Cox House is one of many sites in Nicollet County that received historical markers with the nation’s bicentennial in 1976. (File photo/southernminn. com)

The “Celebrating the Past, Cultivating the Future” exhibit at the Treaty Site History Center features numerous antiques and artifacts from Nicollet County’s local farming history and showcases centennial and sesquicentennial farm families. (Carson Hughes/southernminn.com)

Camilla Hall, second from right, with her parents, George, left, and Lorena and Patricia Soltysik, far right. (Photo from Gustavus Adolphus College and Lutheran Church Archives)

ART, HISTORY AND MUSIC CENTERS

Northfield Historical Society Museum

Women’sClothing

UniqueJewelry&Gifts

Alexander Faribault House 12 First Ave. NE, Faribault Call for tours: 507-332-2121 rchistory.org

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

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

Blue Earth County Historical Society 424 Warren Street, Mankato 507-345-5566 blueearthcountyhistory.com

E. St. Julien Cox House 500 N Washington Ave, St. Peter nchsmn.org/visit/e-st-julien-cox-house 507-934-2160

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

408 Division St. S, Northfield 507-645-9268

northfieldhistory.org

Paradise Center for the Arts

321 Central Ave. N, Faribault paradisecenterforthearts.org 507-332-7372

Owatonna Arts Center 435 Garden View Ln, Owatonna oacarts.org

Owatonna Farmers Market Central Park, Owatonna Saturdays 7am-3pm

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

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

RedWingMarineMuseum.com

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

rchistory.org

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

Wecarrypopular brandsincluding:

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

Democracy,FlyingMonkey,

KanCanJen&Co.,

WinterHours:

Thursday10-7

Friday10-5

Saturday10-2

Sunday12-3

324CedarN.Ave,Owatonna

ShopOnlineat

HiddenRoseBoutique.com

GraceandLace,&DownEast

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

Sibley County Historical Museum 700 Main St., Henderson 507-248-3434

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

Le Sueur County Historical Society, Museum and Genealogy Center

301 Second St. NE, Elysian 507-267-4091 lesueurcountyhistory.org

Little Prairie School 2980 130th St E, Dundas 507-332-2121 rchistory.org

Mayo Civic Center 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester mayociviccenter.com

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

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

Minnesota State Public School Orphanage Museum

540 West Hills Circle, Owatonna Orphanagemuseum.com 507-774-7369

Nicollet County Historical Society/ Treaty Site History Center 1851 N. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter 507-934-2160

mnhs.org/traversedessioux

Northfield Arts Guild

304 Division Street, Northfield info@northfieldartsguild.org 507-645-8877

sibleycountyhistoricalsociety.com

Steele County Historical Society Museum and Village of Yesteryear 1700 Austin Road, Owatonna 507-451-1420

steelehistorymuseum.org

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

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

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

wasecaartscouncil.org

Waseca County Historical Society Museum

315 2nd Ave. NE, Waseca 507-835-7700

historical.waseca.mn.us

West Concord Historical Society Museum

600 W 1st St, West Concord 507-527-2628

westconcordhistoricalsociety.org

W.W. Mayo House

118 N. Main St., Le Sueur 507-665-3250

mayohouse@mnhs.org

Shopping

Waseca antiques and primitives shops

By JANE TURPIN MOORE Guest Contributor

Antique-lovers and adventurous shoppers would be wise to get off the beaten path to explore the wonders of Waseca.

With a population slightly under 10,000, Waseca is blessed with a number of enterprising entrepreneurs who combine to create unique shopping experiences for those looking for something a little…well, different.

And three of those shops — loaded with antiques, repurposed furniture, retro candy, florals, paint and decor—happen to be located at different points along Waseca’s North State Street.

Hop off the interstate (Waseca is only 13 miles west of Owatonna and 25 miles east of Mankato) and your reward could be the kind of finds that make friends ask, “Where’d you get that?”

Shoot, bring your friends along because they’ll want in on the action, too.

Pearl Button Primitives

The most eclectic of the bunch, Pearl Button Primitives has been part of Waseca’s downtown landscape since 2009.

Owner Justine Meyer, a native of Long Island, N.Y., has called Waseca home since 1989, when she moved to town for a job at Brown Printing. Her building is an even more entrenched part of local history.

“It dates to the late 1800s,” she said, “and it started as a bakery; there are still original brick ovens in the basement.

“We’re in the process of reimagining the

CONTINUED from page 11

facade and hope to restore it to a more original state.”

Inside, Meyer has an assemblage of items for sale that she fondly terms “an eclectic mix of finds and needful things.”

“I’ve always loved antiques, poring through old shops, because my uncle and dad were really into art and antiques,” said Meyer Meyer’s motivation to establish Pearl Button Primitives arose when another Waseca woman needed a place to sell vintage Santa Claus figures.

“It went from being a one-time deal to once a month, twice a month and now we’re open every Thursday through Saturday—and by appointment,” said Meyer.

Meyer stresses that Pearl Button Primitives doesn’t peddle only antiques, though you’ll certainly find some, along with jewelry, glassware, garden decor and other decorative “stuff”—including buttons.

SHOPPING

Downtown Le Sueur South Main Street, Le Sueur facebook.com/ DowntownLeSueur

Downtown Northfield Division Street, Northfield downtownnorthfield.org boutiques, gift shops, coffee shops, restaurants

Homestead

Nancy Walters, proprietress of Homestead, wants to help you be right at home—not only at your own residence, but also at her lovely shop.

“I arrange my store as if it were a home,” said Walters, now in her 10th year at the North State Street site.

“It’s not overwhelming, and I don’t have all the same ‘stuff’ as everyone else.”

Walters says the design style typical at Homestead is “primitive,” with a Colonial flair.

“The primitive line is hard to find, and I usually have to go to market in other states three or four times a year,” said Walters.

Homestead is well known in the area for the versatile, high quality Fusion paint line it stocks.

“I like crafting, so we have vintage buttons, ribbons, trims and an assortment of random vintage playing cards, bingo cards, checkers and dominos,” said Meyer

“This is definitely a place you can dig around in.”

Experienced floral designer Julie Poehler (her side of the business is “Creative Touch in Bloom”) sells her arrangements via Pearl Button Primitives, too.

“We have an eclectic mix here and it’s always changing,” said Meyer. “So if you see something you like, you’d better pick it up soon because it won’t stick around forever and there’s probably not another one like it.

“I go for ‘the odder the better,’ and I focus on made-in-the-USA products and vintage items.”

Pearl Button Primitives, 206 N. State St., Waseca. Find Pearl Button Primitives and Creative Touch in Bloom on Facebook. Open Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and by appointment.

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

Downtown Red Wing Bush Street, Red Wing downtownredwing.org

refinished by Repurposed by the Peirces’.

“Melissa Peirce does a great job, and her items are always a draw,” said Walters.

Walters recommends following the lead of many Homestead customers and making a day of it to lunch in Waseca, shop at Homestead and check out other local shops.

“I’d say 85 to 90% of my customers are from somewhere other than Waseca,” she said, mentioning Wisconsin, Rochester, St. Cloud, Iowa, Winona, Minneapolis and Mankato as sites from which her clientele frequently hails.

“Paint sales saved my store when COVID had everything shut down,” said Walters. “But I’ve had that Canadian-based line for over nine years and it’s done nothing but grow.”

Other first-rate items Walters carries include lamps, candles, florals, bedding, curtains and “a lot of textiles,” listed Walters.

And Homestead is a rare regional source for the popular Mason Cash bowls of English origin.

Because Walters swaps out her inventory for certain seasons — think autumn and major holidays — patriotic, red-white-and-blue items are good sellers in June and July, and as Christmas nears, it’s all about table-topper Christmas trees.

“They’re pine with little pine cones on them, and they’re cute as heck,” promised Walters.

“Fall and Christmas are our busiest times of the year.”

Be sure to keep an eye out for one-of-a-kind repurposed furniture, painstakingly restored and

Downtown Rochester Broadway Avenue South, Rochester downtownrochestermn.com

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

Downtown Waseca State Street, Waseca discoverwaseca.com

Faribault Main Street

Central Avenue, Faribault visitfaribault.com/historicdowntown

“I love my customers, and helping them, so much.”

Homestead, 917 N. State St., Waseca. Find Homestead on Facebook and Instagram. Open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Past & Present Antiques & Gifts

For 27 years, Sandi Prange has peddled antiques and all manner of gift items from within a former gas station/service garage that displays its roots by way of a 1948 Plymouth on a hoist in the middle of her delightful milieu.

“Antiques take up about half the building— everything from glassware to small furniture pieces, cupboards, lanterns and cast-iron toys like tractors and cars—but there’s a lot more here,” said Prange.

She’s not kidding.

Birthday gifts for men, women or kids; inspirational signs; sports-themed items; rugs; florals; garden accents; garden figurines; puzzles; candles; linens (tabletop runners, hand towels, baby blankets); kitchen doodads; cards for all occasions; and gourmet foods are among the numerous items Prange says people keep dropping in to peruse and purchase.

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

River Hills Mall

1850 Adams St, Mankato riverhillsmall.com

Ultra Outlets

6750 W. Frontage Road, Medford ultraoutlets.com

In fact, when hosting spring open house days on the second weekend of April, Prange arrived to find 40 people waiting in line to enter.

Not all Minnesotans will love hearing that Prange maintains an array of Green Bay Packers items, but closet “Packer Backers” might like knowing they can feed their football fever with interesting options west of the Wisconsin/Minnesota state line.

Something everyone can get behind is Prange’s collection of candy — including the Minnesotamade Abdallah Candies and a wide selection of retro sweets.

“Those are things a lot of people remember from when they were kids,” said Prange, mentioning Necco wafers, gumballs and candy cigarettes, among other throwback treats.

“The candy cigarettes are our best-selling candy,” Prange whispered, adding she’s had customers buy entire cases of the slender, chalky sticks to distribute to classmates at high school reunions.

“People have great ideas,” said Prange. “I like hearing about the creative things they’re doing with what they buy at Past & Present.”

Past & Present Antiques & Gifts, 1101 N. State St., Waseca. Find Past & Present on

Facebook. Open year-round, Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Freelance writer/collaborative pianist Jane Turpin Moore grew up in the Mankato area and is now based in Northfield. She blogs at timeformoore566445504. wordpress.com and fields emails at jturpinmoore@gmail. com.

history & artExploring the of the Dakota outside

By AUDREY KLETSCHER HELBLING

Minnesota Prairie Roots

My interest in Indigenous Peoples, specifically the Dakota, spans more than 50 years. I grew up in southwestern Minnesota, in Redwood County, home to the Lower Sioux Indian Community, part of the Mdewakanton Band of Dakota.

While in high school, I wrote a research paper on the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862, which centered in Redwood and neighboring Brown counties. My ancestors on my mother’s side fled from rural Courtland to St. Peter for safety during the war. Admittedly, my long ago research was one-sided, written from the biased perspective of White people.

Today, I live in Faribault near Wapacuta Park, named after the Wahpekute, a band of the Dakota who were the original inhabitants of Rice County. Following the war, Taopi, a leader in the Little Crow Band of the Mdewakanton Dakota Tribe, and other Indigenous Peoples were sheltered on land owned by town founder, Alexander Faribault. Taopi, a member of a “peace party” during the war, relocated here from Redwood County. He’s buried in Maple Lawn Cemetery and is honored, along with Alexander Faribault and Bishop Henry Whipple, on a downtown historic-themed bench and in a painting at Buckham Memorial Library.

Not until I moved to Faribault some 40 years ago did I learn about Whipple, an Episcopal priest who befriended the Dakota and Ojibwe. He was known for his kindness, his honesty, earning him the nickname of “Straight Tongue.” But his generosity of spirit also earned him the animosity of many White people. After the U.S.-Dakota War ended, he pressed for President

Abraham Lincoln to pardon 303 Dakota sentenced to death by the U.S. government. Lincoln eventually pardoned all but 38. They were hung (along with two others) on December 26, 1862, in a mass public execution in Mankato. It is a profoundly awful moment in our state’s history.

Mankato recognizes that post-war atrocity, marking the site of the execution at Reconciliation Park along the Minnesota River in the heart of downtown. “The Mni (Dakota for “water”) Mural,” depicting the river and land before European settlement, provides a fitting backdrop to Reconciliation Park. Each time I visit the park, I feel weighted with emotion as I stand on sacred ground marked by injustice and subsequent forgiveness and healing. Here the names of the deceased are listed on an over-sized scroll on the “Dakota 38 Memorial.”

Nearby, a 67-ton bison statue sculpted from Kasota limestone stands as a symbol of the spiritual survival of the Dakota. Across the busy roadway on the grounds of the Blue Earth County Library, a second massive limestone sculpture, “Winter Warrior,” rests as does a large red pipestone feather sculpture representing the Dakota heritage. Throughout the city, art and history meld to tell the stories of the Original Inhabitants of the region.

Especially prominent in Mankato, among an abundance of public art, is a mural painted on eight 135-foot tall concrete grain silos at Ardent Mills not far from Reconciliation Park. The massive mural honors the diversity, the history, the culture of Mankato, focusing on the Dakota.

Leading into nearby Riverfront Park, the Mankato Kiwanis Centennial Mural, painted on a row of concrete barriers, shows stampeding bison and other colorful art. Bison are sacred to the Dakota. Within the park, nuances of history and art are also found. A metal sculpture, “Mni Wiconi/Water Is Life,” details rivers twisting through the region. A poem stamped into the sidewalk expresses regret over the hanging of the 38 Dakota in 1862.

I also penned a poem honoring the Dakota, and

The “Winter Warrior” sculpture is next to the Blue Earth County Library in Mankato.

Bison, sacred to the Dakota, are among the art featured in “The Mni Mural” along the Minnesota River in Mankato.

A bison sculpture stands in Reconciliation Park.

The Mighty Tatanka

Tatanka trips from my tongue like the steady beat of horse hooves pounding the prairie in pursuit of massive beasts. Bison. Honored. Sacred to the Dakota. Source of life and food and shelter.

Once roaming, grazing, stampeding this land upon which I stand.

In some ways my interest in the Dakota comes full circle in that poem. “The Mighty Tatanka” honors Native Peoples of southern Minnesota and their relationship with tatanka/bison rather than dishonors them as my long ago research paper did. Today I continue to learn, growing my knowledge via art, books, cultural events, and visits to Minnesota museums and historic sites. Now when I write about the Dakota, I write from a more balanced perspective that reflects and honors the history and heritage of this region’s Original Inhabitants. 

Audrey Kletscher Helbling explores southern Minnesota via day trips that take her along backroads, into small towns and to other places showcasing history, art and so much more. She documents her finds on her blog, mnprairieroots.com. Reach her at audrey@ mnprairieroots.com.

Indigenous Peoples in Southern Minnesota

To learn more about Indigenous Peoples in southern Minnesota, tour exhibits at county museums in Mankato, St. Peter (Treaty Site History Center), Faribault, New Ulm, Redwood Falls and Granite Falls as well as historic sites within those counties. Visit U.S.-Dakota War historic sites such as the Birch Coulee Battlefield and monument near Morton and Fort Ridgely in rural Fairfax.

At the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, visit Hocokata Ti, a cultural center of Dakota artifacts and educational displays.

In Faribault, stop by Taopi’s grave at Maple Lawn Cemetery. Also tour the Cathedral of Our Merciful Saviour, Bishop Henry Whipple’s church, where art and historic plaques reveal the relationship between Whipple and Indigenous Peoples. Across the street on the Central Park band shell, a mural depicts portraits and a scene from Fort Snelling.

In Cottonwood County, the Jeffers Petroglyphs feature 5,000 sacred rock carvings made by the ancestors of today’s Native Americans. This Minnesota Historical Society site is located on a Sioux Quartzite outcropping on the southwestern Minnesota prairie.

Experience a traditional Wacipi/Powwow at the Upper Sioux Indian Community in Granite Falls the first weekend of August or at Land of Memories Park in Mankato on the third weekend in September. .

RIVERS+LAKES

Clear Lake, Waseca

Boat launches: Off Clear Lake Drive across from Kieslers. Handicapped accessible fishing pier. North side of lake along Clear Lake Drive and adjacent to Lakeside Golf Course.

GEM Sailing MN

201 S Franklin St., Lake City

507-261-7473

GEMSailingMN.com

Sail the boat or enjoy the ride.

Henderson Station River

Access & Park

29030 River St., Le Sueur

Lake Jefferson Fishing Pier

28211 470th Street, Madison Lake

Loon Lake, Waseca Hwy. 14

DNR-assisted boat ramp 10th St. NW motor boats only

Roberds Lake, Faribault

Roberds Lake Boulevard Campgrounds and boat launches all around

Straight River Canoe Landing 5218 N Co Road 45, Medford

Tetonka Lake, Waterville

City-owned access off First Street Campgrounds and boat launches all around

CONTINUED page 16

An informational sign at Reconciliation Park lists sites around Mankato focusing on the Dakota. (Photos by Audrey Helbling/Minnesota Prairie Roots)

At Riverfront Park along the Minnesota River in Mankato, a sculpture celebrates water, a symbol of life to the Dakota.

OUTDOORS

Beaver Lake County Park

Steele County Road 28, Ellendale co.steele.mn.us

hiking trails, boat dock, fishing pier

Byllesby Park (Goodhue County)

Hwy. 19, 1 mile west of Cannon Falls boat launch, picnic area

Cannon Wilderness Park 3471 151st St. E, Faribault co.rice.mn.us

Canoe launch, hiking and horseback trails

Carleton College Cowling Arboretum

One North College St., Northfield 507-222-4543

apps.carleton.edu/campus/arb

Cedar Lake Regional Park 25875 Juniper Ave., New Prague 763-694-777

fishing, trails, picnic areas

Courthouse Park

Wilton Brideg Road, Waseca co.waseca.mn.us/Facilities

Camping, walking, crosscountry skiing and horseback riding trails

Covill Park

507 Nymphara Ln, Red Wing red-wing.org/facilities/facility/ details/Colvill-Park-9

Boat launch, tennis courts, volleyball, walking paths

Falls Creek Park 20506 Carr Avenue, Faribault ricecountymn.gov/facilities/ facility/details/Falls-CreekPark-6

61 acres, mainly wooded, with about 3,000 feet of creek frontage

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

Camping, swimming, hiking

Frontenac State Park 29223 County 28 Blvd., Frontenac Dnr.state.mn.us

Camping, hiking trails

Harmony Park 79503 298th St, Clarks Grove 507-402-8733 harmonypark.com

Kaplan’s Woods Park 1205 SW 18th St., Owatonna

ci.owatonna.mn.us

Paved trails, boat access, swimming

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

Lake Kohlmeir beach 1550 Mosher Drive, Owatonna 507-774-7372

ci.owatonna.mn.us

swimming, acquatic and trail equipment rentals

Lake Washington Regional Park & Campground

47102 Washington Park Road, Kasota co.le-sueur.mn.us

Camping, fishing, canoe launch, playgrounds

Linnaes Arboretum

800 W. College Ave., St. Peter gustavus.edu/arboretum interpretive center, gardens, prairie

Minneopa State Park 54497 Gadwall Road, Mankato 507-386-3910 dnr.state.mn.us camping, fishing, bison herd

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

Nerstrand Big Woods State Park

9700 170th St. E, Nerstrand 507-384-6140

dnr.state.mn.us self-guided interpretive trail, Hidden Falls waterfall

Ney Nature Center 28238 Nature Center Lane, Henderson 507-357-8580

neycenter.org

historic farm site, trails, wildlife

Okaman Park

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

CAMPING

Camp Faribo 21851 Bagley Ave., Faribault 507-332-8453

www.campfaribo.com

Clear Lake Park & Campground 35194 Clear Lake Lane, Le Center

primitive campsites, first comefirst served

Flandrau State Park 1300 Summit Ave., New Ulm 507-233-1260

dnr.state.mn.us

camping, swimming, hiking

Frontenac State Park 29223 County 28 Blvd., Frontenac 651-345-3401

dnr.state.mn.us

camping, hiking trails

Lake Washington Regional Park & Campground

47102 Washington Park Road, Kasota 507-357-8201

co.le-sueur.mn.us

camping, fishing, canoe launch, playgrounds

Land of Memories Campground

100 Amos Owen Lane, Mankato mankatomn.gov

fishing, canoeing, boat landing

Kamp Dells

14842 Sakatah Lake Road, Waterville 507-362-8616

www.kampdels.com

Kieslers Campground & RV resort 14360 U.S. Hwy. 14, Waseca 507-835-3179

kieslers.com

boat rentals, mini golf

Mill Pond/Riverside Park & Campground

227 S Front St., St. Peter Boat launch, fishing pond, playground

Sakatah Lake State Park

50499 Sakatah Lake State Park Road, Waterville 507-698-7851

dnr.state.mn.us

hiking, biking, camping

Rasmussen Woods 555 Stoltzman Road, Mankato mankatomn.gov

Hiking, wildlife

Reconciliation Park 100 N Riverfront Dr, Mankato mankatomn.gov

Flower gardens, Dakota art, access to regional trail

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

Richter Woods Park 35674 173rd Ave., Montgomery co.le-sueur.mn.us/Facilities/ Facility/Details/Richter-WoodsPark-10

wildlife, picnic shelters, firepits, basketball, volleyball, more

River Bend Nature Center 1000 Rustad Road, Faribault 507-32-7151

rbnc.org

trails, interpretive center, picnicking

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

Rush River Park 33503 Rush River Park Road, Henderson Co.sibley.mn.us

Horseback & hiking trails, swimming, camping

Sakatah Lake State Park 50499 Sakatah Lake State Park Road, Waterville Dnr.state.mn.us

Hiking, biking, camping

Seven Mile Creek County Park Hwy. 169 south of St. Peter co.nicollet.mn.us

multiuse trails with equestrian parking, boat landing

Traverse Des Sioux Park 1851 N Minnesota Ave, St. Peter mnhs.org/traversedessioux

Walking trails, biking trails, scenic views

A historical marker at the Cathedral of Our Merciful Saviour in Faribault focuses on the Dakota and Bishop Henry Whipple.

The Kiwanis mural, depicting stampeding bison and more, edges the road into Riverfront Park in Mankato.

Cannon Valley Trail

19.7-miles trail from Cannon Falls to Red Wing cannonvalleytrail.com

Cannon Wilderness Park

3471 151st St. E, Faribault co.rice.mn.us

canoe launch, hiking and horseback trails

City of Faribault trails

8.4 miles of trails

Map: bit.ly/319fqsT

City of Northfield trails

22 miles of trails

Map: bit.ly/3g4b7nd

City of Owatonna trails

17 miles of trails, including Buxton and Muckle ci.owatonna.mn.us/304/Trails

Courthouse Park

Wilton Brideg Road, Waseca

camping, walking, cross-country skiing and horseback riding trails

Falls Creek Park

20506 Carr Ave., Faribault 507-332-6112

Goodhue-Pioneer State Trail

When finished, the 47-mile trail will connect the Cannon Valley Regional and the Douglas State trails

High Island Creek Park 26428 341 Lane, Henderson co.sibley.mn.us

Lebanon Hills Regional Park 860 Cliff Road, Eagan, 651-554-6530

Mountain biking trails

Kaplan’s Woods Park, Kaplan’s Woods Parkway 1205 SW 18th St., Owatonna ci.owatonna.mn.us

paved trails, boat access, swimming

Mill Towns Trail

3-mile multi-use trail currently links Dundas and Northfield Plans to run from Faribault to Cannon Falls

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

Sakatah Singing Hills Trail

39-mile trail runs from Faribault to Mankato dnr.state.mn.us/state_trails/sakatah

Traverse des Sioux Trails

1851 N. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter facebook.com/TraverseTrails

A sign marks Taopi’s grave at Maple Lawn Cemetery in Faribault.

The “Dakota 38 Memorial” honors the 38 Dakota men hung in Mankato.

Customers lined up halfway to the front door to order a drink during a packed Paddlefish grand opening.

St. Peter’s new brewery emphasizes local

By CARSON HUGHES carson.hughes@apgsomn.com

St. Peter’s long-awaited new brewery, Paddlefish Brewing Company, finally opened in January.

The new establishment at 108 S. Minnesota Ave. is aiming to plant its roots in the St. Peter community.

While the owners and recent Gustavus Adolphus College graduates Luke Dragseth and Eric Johnson and owner/ manager Dave Long aren’t St. Peter natives, the trio have built up Paddlefish Brewery to serve as a living homage to the local area.

Taking its name from the growing population of paddlefish in the Minnesota River outside St. Peter, the brewery is littered with local connections — from a wall of historic local photos taken from the Nicollet County Historical Society and Gustavus archives and a painted mural of Minnesota River on the eastern wall down to even the names of the brewery’s signature beers.

Each of the establishment’s original drinks have been concocted by Dragseth, Paddlefish’s brewmaster, and carry a label paying tribute to the River Valley. There’s the Engesser Light American Lager, named after St. Peter’s historic Engesser Brewing Company, which was established in 1856 and grew so popular, it survived prohibition on selling soft drinks until it eventually brewed its last batch in the 1940s. The crowler, which

Paddlefish offers all its beers in, is decorated with circus elephants as a further tribute to the Engesser family’s traveling Schell Bros. circus.

Paddlefish’s drink menu also includes the likes of the First Apostle Porter (a reference to Saint Peter himself), a nod to St. Peter’s lost bid for state capital in the Almost Capital APA, the Red Owl Amber, an homage to the Red Owl supermarket that used to occupy Nicollet Plaza, and it even alludes to the origins of the Green Giant company in nearby Le Sueur with the Jolly Giant Hazy IPA.

“Community is really important to us and having a gathering place that’s really grounded in this area that is for these people is super important and part of that is being very sure of the history of the place that we’re operating,” said Johnson. “We love this town so much so it’s really fun to feel connected to it through the history and through the people.”

Along with the Gustie Golden Ale, Rotating Seltzer, Off the Road Again Sour and Fountain Mama West Coast IPA, Paddlefish has cultivated a menu of nine drinks that will serve as year-round staples. In total, the brewery has 20 taps and Johnson said their plan is to create a unique drink for each one as the business grows through adding a rotation of seasonal beers and adopting more experimental brews as time goes on.

“The beauty about a brewery is there’s no limit to what we can have. It’s going to be fun once we get experimental,” said Johnson. We’re going to be very solid in our staples and our flagships and that’s obviously important, but you can get these styles

(Carson Hughes/ southernminn. com)

Paddlefish Brewing Co. Owner Eric Johnson takes customers orders during the brewery’s grand opening. (Carson Hughes/southernminn. com)

(Left to right) Josh Wills, Stacy Hahn, Joe Bergstrom and Ben Smith play a game of crokinole while enjoying glasses of Paddlefish’s Red Owl Amber Ale and Engesser Light American Lager. (Carson Hughes/ southerminn.com)

anywhere, so eventually it will be fun to branch out and try new things.”

Behind the scenes, Long noted that Dragseth brings his own scientific background to the brewing process, using what he learned studying yeast in college to harvest it from their vats.

“It’s very atypical of a brewery because normally breweries will buy their yeast but Luke is very passionate about cultivating it,” said Long. “He’s like a mad scientist.” Paddlefish Brewing is positioning itself to be both a family-friendly and a dog-friendly environment. While Long may serve as the face of Paddlefish as its day-to-day manager, his dog Izzy is practically the establishment’s mascot and will be a regular sight around the brewery. Customers will be able to dip into a bowl of treats to satiate their own canines while families, students and gamers can also enjoy the brewery’s stock of board games. The business also aims to serve as an entertainment venue with a lighted performance area in the northeast corner of the taproom to host open mic nights, musicians, comedians and other acts.

“The goal is to make this a community space where even if you don’t like beer you can come and have a seltzer, or we’ll have River Rock’s cold brew on tap or just any drink,” said Paddlefish Team Member Lindsey Westerberg.  Reach Reporter Carson Hughes at 507-931-8575.

BREWERIES, WINERIES, CIDERIES & DISTILLERIES

10,000 Drops

28 Fourth St. NE, Faribault 10000drops.com

Availability: Bottles

Taproom: Yes

Angry Hog Brewery

500 23rd Ave. NW, Austin angryhogbrewery.com

Availability: Draft

Taproom: Yes

Aspelund Winery 9204 425th St, Kenyon aspelundwinery.com

August Schell’s Brewing Co. 1860 Schell Rd., New Ulm schellsbrewery.com

Availability: Draft, bottles, cans

Taproom: See website

Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery and Distillery

1179 E. Pearl St., Kasota 507-931-0089 chankaskawines.com

Chapel Brewing 15 Hester St., Dundas chapelbrewing.com

Availability: Draft, growlers

Taproom: Yes

Foremost Brewing Cooperative

131 W Broadway St, Owatonna Foremost.coop

Availability: Draft, crowlers, growlers

Taproom: Yes

Giesenbrau Bier Co. 1306 1st St. NE, New Prague giesenbraubierco.com

Availability: Draft Taproom: Yes

Gravity Storm Brewer 309 Main Street N, Austin facebook.com/ GravityStormBrewery

Availability: Draft

Taproom: Yes

Half Pint Brewing Company

40099 150th St., Waseca www.halfpintbrew.com

Availability: Draft, Growlers

Taproom: Yes

Imminent Brewing

519 Division St. S, Northfield imminentbrewing.com

Availability: Draft

Taproom: Yes

Indian Island Winery

18018 631st Ave., Janesville indianislandwindery.com

Keepsake Cidery

4609 135th St. E, Dundas mncider.com

Availability: Draft, bottles

Taproom: Yes

Kinney Creek Brewery

1016 7th St NW, Rochester

Kinneycreekbrewery.com

Availability: Draft, crowlers, growlers

Taproom: Yes

LocAle Brewing Company

228 Poplar St., Mankato localebrew.com

Availability: Draft, cans, growlers

Taproom: Yes

Loon Liquors in Northfield 1325 Armstrong Rd., Northfield loonliquors.com

Availability: Bottles

Taproom: Yes

Mankato Brewery

1119 Center St., Mankato, MN mankatobrewery.com

Availability: Draft, cans, bottles, growlers

Taproom: Yes

Mineral Springs Brewery 111 N Walnut Ave, Owatonna Mineralspringsbrewery.com

Availability: Draft, crowlers, growlers

Taproom: Yes

Montgomery Brewing Co. 306 2nd St. NW, Montgomery montgomerybrewing.com

Availability: Draft, growlers

Taproom: Yes

Mousse Sparkling Wine Company

115 1st St E, Jordan moussewinery.com

Next Chapter Winery 16945 320th St., New Prague nextchapterwinery.com

Paddlefish Brewing

108 S. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter paddlefishbrewing.com

Availability: Draft, crowlers

Taproom: Yes

Roets Jordan Brewery 230 Broadway St., Jordan roetsjordanbrewery.com

Availability: Draft

Taproom: Yes

Schell’s Brewery 1860 Schell’s Rd, New Ulm Schellsbrewery.com

Availability: Draft, cans, bottles, growlers

Taproom: Yes

South x Southeast Minnesota Brewing Company

51146 US-52, Pine Island

Sxsebrewingmn.com

Availability: Draft, cans

Taproom: Yes

Tanzenwald Brewing Co.

103 Water St. N, Northfield tanzenwald.com

Availability: Draft, growlers

Taproom: Yes

Tilion Brewing Company 432 Mill St. W, Cannon Falls tilionbrewing.com

Availability: Draft, growlers

Taproom: Yes

Ward House

308 S. State St., Waseca wardhousebrewing.com

Availability: Draft, growlers

Taproom: Yes

Whitewater Wines

10832 Fischer Hill Dr, Plainview

Whitewaterwines.com

A

Summer

bucket list tradition:

By ASHLEY HANLEY Guest Contributor

As the cool air slowly warms to spring, and the sound of tweeting birds returns, the idea of fresh new life from vegetation begins to bud. Yes, we are blessed in Southern Minnesota to have a multitude of options when it comes to our selection of fruits and vegetables from the grocery store or farmer’s markets, but as a mother of three little ones, there is something specifically unique about taking an adventure to a local apple orchard or other fruit farm to pick your own delicious treats.

Although the trees look pretty bare right now, as you drive by Welsh Heritage Farms off of Highway 60 near Lake Crystal, I implore you to add this stop to your summer bucket list.

While there are several options to choose from and other treats to purchase, my family chose to pick our own apples, filing a fivepound bag.

After you purchase your bag inside the warm

and friendly store (that looks just like your grandpa’s big red barn), you can head out back to the selection of ripe, crisp, apples. Each row has different flavors and kinds for you to fill your bag.

My heart filled with nostalgia or my own memories as a kid, selecting the ripest apple from my own family’s one tree. But here, my three kids (ages 6, 4 and 2) had the opportunity to select from so many. It reminded me of a scene from Little House on the Prairie, where the kids could just go out and explore the woods on their own, with no sense of time and not a care in the world.

As my littles made their way closer to the apple trees, they soon learned they could try and eat whatever apple they wanted. If you know toddlers, you know they have a strong sense of independence, especially when it comes to selecting their own food. If you know adults, you know the pure joy of hearing the squeals of delight from a toddler as they excitedly make their choice and bite into the crunchy, crisp apple.

My kids are true Minnesotans, liking the Honeycrisp kind the best. So, as we made it down the row, they each got to look over and find their apple of choice, making sure they

picked one that was the right shape, size, and color for their little eyes.

It didn’t take long for the bag to become overflowing with apples. I even had to try one to see what all the excitement was about. And let me tell you, it was the best apple I had ever tasted. Was it because Welsh Heritage Farms grows delicious apples? Absolutely. But I also think it was a combination of the sweet memories I had hoped to create, and the knowledge of knowing someday I would look back on this day as one of my favorites. A day filled with so much laughter and joy. And a day filled with wonder and excitement. 

Donahue’s Greenhouses

420 10th St. SW, Faribault donahuesclematis.com

Greenhouse, outdoor area, clematis specialists, more

Drummer’s Garden Center

281 St Andrews Dr #8584, Mankato

drummersgardencenter.com

Greenhouse, outdoor area, landscape design, more

Houston’s Greenhouse 914 Mantorville Ave N, Kasson houstonsgreenhouse.com

Greenhouse, gift shop

Knecht’s Nurseries and Landscaping

1601 Hwy 19 West, Northfield Knechts.net

Garden center, trees, landscaping, bagged products, more

Paisley Gardens

600 Division St. S., Northfield paisley-gardens.com

Seeds, plants, pots, bagged products, landscaping, more

Sargent’s Nursery

3352 N Service Dr, Red Wing Sargentsnursery.com

Greenhouse, garden center, outdoor area, more

Souba Greenhouse 4003 Crane Creek Rd, Owatonna

soubagreenhouse.com

Greenhouse, outdoor area, wholesale, hay, more

Traverse des Sioux 1702 US-169, St Peter tdsgardencenter.com

Greenhouse, nursery, outdoor area, more

Alternative Roots Farm 11197 130th St., Madelia alternativerootsfarm.blogspot. com

Apples, berries, vegetables

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

Aronia berries

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

Apples, raspberries, summer vegetables

Firefly Berries 5542 23rd St. NE, Rochester fireflyberries.com

Strawberries, blackberries, grapes

Fireside Orchard & Gardens 2225 Lonsdale Blvd E, Northfield Firesideorchard.com

Apples, donuts

Irish Mountain Orchard 24214 480th Street Elysian Irishmountainorchard.com

Apples, pears

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

Blueberries, strawberries

Lorence’s Berry Farm 28625 Foliage Ave., Northfield

Lorencesberryfarm.com

Strawberries, raspberries, asparagus

Minnesota Harvest Orchard 8251 Old Hwy. 169 Blvd., Jordan Minnesotaharvest.net

Apples

Miracle Strawberry Farm

60687 T-41, Dodge Center

Miraclestrawberryfarm.com

Strawberries

Montgomery Orchard 15953 MN-99, Montgomery montgomeryorchard.com

Apples

Silkey Gardens

5561 115th St. E, Northfield Silkeygardens.com

Apples, raspberries, blueberries

Straight River Farm 3733 220th St. E, Faribault

Straightriverfarm.com

Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, apples

Trumps Orchard 1020 St Paul Ave., Faribault trumpsorchard.com

Apples, plums

Welsh Heritage Farms 20758 528th Ave Building 2, Lake Crystal welshheritagefarm.com

Apples, jams, cheese and pie

Turtle Creek Nursery & Landscaping

2449 Rose St, Owatonna

tcnursery.com

Greenhouse, outdoor area, nursery, landscaping, more

Thomas Gardens 917 St Paul Ave, Faribault twiehoffgardens.com

Greenhouse, vegetables, bird seed, more

New owners reopen

after years of renovations

By PHILIP WEYHE philip.weyhe@apgsomn.com

Christine Michaletz knows what it’s like to be uncomfortable with guns, but the blast of a pistol no longer alarms her senses. Perhaps that’s what makes her uniquely qualified to welcome any and all to the shooting sports community.

It’s only been eight years since she first went hunting with her family, but she can now call herself a certified firearms instructor. She can also call herself the co-owner of a shooting club.

“Safety is the No. 1 priority,” Christine said. “We also want it to be welcoming and inclusive. And we wanted to incorporate an entertainment and hospitality element.”

The club

As far as the shooting goes, River Ridge offers six primary activities.

In view of the parking lot and clubhouse are the archery ranges. Each comes with a shelter to shoot from and numerous targets to hit in the field. Crossbows are also usable.

Christine and husband Joe Michaletz are set to reopen the River Ridge Shooting Club (formerly called the River Ridge Gun & Archery Club) in Nicollet County near Courtland. Five years after taking over, with sweeping renovations now in place, and some long delays in the rearview mirror, the couple opened the facilities up to the public in summer 2023. They hope to tick a number of boxes.

Just beyond the archery fields are the trap fields, which adhere to Minnesota State High School League clay target guidelines. They are

Christine Michaletz hopes the new River Ridge Shooting Club is a safe, welcoming and enjoyable space for those interested in shooting sports. (Philip Weyhe/southernminn. com)

A pistol range with six bays is one of the offerings at the renovated River Ridge Shooting Club in Nicollet County near Courtland. (Philip Weyhe/southernminn. com)

Borne out of the desire of co-owner Joe Michaletz, the rifle range at River Ridge Shooting Club expands 1,000 yards. The Michaletzes also own Best of the West, a manufacturer of long range rifles in Wyoming. (Philip Weyhe/southernminn.com)

also voice activated and marked with lines. Head down a bit further through some of the trees, and you’ll arrive at the pistol range, which includes six different bays. There is one covered 12-lane pistol bay with targets from 10 to 40 yards to aim at. There is one open 80-yard bay for single and group rental. And there are four 50-yard bays for single and group rental.

Keep following the trail past the pistol range, and you’ll head into the woods, where a winding 14-station sporting clay shotgun course resides. The 1/2-mile loop offers some scenic views overlooking the Minnesota River and wooded valleys with creeks.

Back near the clubhouse, but just up the road, guests can find the rifle range. Shooters can take aim from one of three heated shelters built with sound mitigation materials. Important to Joe Michaletz is the 1,000-yard distance the rifle range offers.

“I was really interested in the long range shooting, and we were able to talk with the neighbors and acquire some adjoining property to put in the 1,000-yard rifle range, and that was big for me,” said Joe, a serious hunter, who spends a lot of time in the Great Plains. “I love shooting long range. I love very accurate, precision shooting systems. It makes you a better hunter. It doubles or triples your effective range. Many times when you’re on a hunt, especially out west or in different areas, you’ll have the longer range shot opportunities, and if you don’t have the confidence to make it, you shouldn’t take it.”

The rifle range meshes nicely with the Michaletzes’ other business, Best of the West, where long range rifles are manufactured, plus a sister optics company, which manufactures the scopes for those rifles.

The clubhouse, along with an on-property residence, was the vision of Christine, with the help of the Mankato Design Center. Complete with a lobby and check-in, a pro shop, and a club room, Christine hopes people will feel encouraged to spend time before or after shooting (alcohol will be served in the club room, but customers will not be allowed to consume it before shooting; also, due to license restrictions, guests must be taking part in one of the River Ridge activities to eat at the facility).

“I hope that they find it to be safe, inviting, clean, fun,” Christine said. “I hope they’ll find a staff that is very welcoming and helpful.”

Also inside the clubhouse is a shooting simulator, where people can practice and train in a lower stakes environment.

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

Ahlmans Guns/shooting range

9525 2. 230th St., Morristown

507-685-4243 ahlmans.com

Arlington Raceway

801 W Chandler St., Arlington

507-380-6998 arlingtonraceway.com

Berne Wood-Fired Pizza & Concert Series

23148 County Rd 24, West Concord

507-356-4340

Concert nights Wednesday 5-9 p.m. (June through August)

Betsy-Tacy Houses

332 and 333 Center St., Mankato

507-345-9777

Book a tour at betsytacysociety.org

Cannon Valley Farmers Market

1814 2nd Ave NW, Faribault Thursdays 4-7 p.m. (June through September)

Caribou Gun Club 30649 380th St., Le Sueur 507-665-3796

caribougunclub.com gun club, hunting preserve Drive a Tank 550 Cherry St. W, Kasota 507-931-7385 driveatank.com

Faribault Family Aquatic Center 1830 Alexander Dr, Faribault ci.faribault.mn.us/404/ Faribault-Family-AquaticsCenter

Faribault Farmers Market

Central Park, Faribault Saturdays 7am-noon (June through October) Wednesdays 1:30-5:30 pm (July through September)

Inside Swing 685 W Bridge St., Suite 5, Owatonna insideswinggolf.com

Indoor golf simulators

Kasota Prairie Scenic & Natural Area 367th Ave., Kasota Park on road shoulder dnr.state.mn.us

Kenyon Farmers Market

First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Kenyon

Third Thursday of the month

4-7 p.m. (May through October)

Le Sueur Community Center

821 E. Ferry St., Le Sueur cityoflesueur.com/155/ Recreation-Community-Center Ice rink, gym, racquetball courts, golf simulator

Le Sueur Farmers Market

101 N 2nd Street, Le Sueur Saturdays 8 a.m.-noon (May through October)

Minnesota Zoo 13000 Zoo Blvd., Apple Valley mnzoo.org

Pleasant Grove Pizza Farm 41142 160th St, Waseca 715-523-0857 pleasantgrovepizzafarm.com music, pizza, farm

River Ridge Shooting Club is located at 47028 547th Lane, Courtland, MN. Get more information online at riverridgeshootingclub. com. 

Owatonna Farmers Market

Central Park, Owatonna 7 a.m.-noon (May through October)

Riverwalk Farmers Market 419 8th St. W, Northfield 847-441-1848

Saturdays 7:30 am-12:30 pm

RadZoo 6750 W Frontage Road, #402, Medford 507-455-1465 theradzoo.com

reptiles and amphibians

Red Barn Farm 10063 110th St E, Northfield facebook.com/ RedBarnFarmPizza

River Ridge Shooting Club 47028 547th Lane, Courtland Archery and crossbow, pistol ranges, shotgun course, indoor simulator

St. Olaf Natural Lands 1520 St. Olaf Ave., Northfield wp.stolaf.edu/naturallands forest, prairie, wetlands, bluebird trail

St. Peter Farmers Market Corner of Mulberry Street & Minnesota Avenue, St. Peter facebook.com/ stpFarmersMarket Saturdays 8:30-12:30 (May through October)

The Golf Box 409 Central Ave. N., Faribault thegolfbox.net Indoor golf simulators

Traxler’s Hunting Preserve 37699 Hunting Preserve Lane, Le Center 507-357-6940 traxlers.com

Philip Weyhe is the editor of Scene.

The stations within the River Ridge sporting clays course offer some beautiful views. (Philip Weyhe/southernminn.com)

THURSDAY, APR 25

Author Talk with Antti Tuomainen - St. Peter-6 p.m., St. Peter Library. The Finnish author is the award-winning crime fiction writer known as the “King of Helsinki Noir.”

Plasticosis Artist ReceptionNorthfield-- 6-8 p.m., Northfield Arts Guild, 304 Division St. S., Northfield. The Main Gallery currently hosts the whimsical works of Dina Fesler, environmental activist. Her gown collection features pieces created from single use plastics, drawing attention to the plague that is plastic consumption. The show runs through May 11.

Technologies, 1100 N. 4th St., Le Sueur. Join for local tastes and tunes from Duelly Noted and taps from the region. Proceeds benefit Ridgeview Le Sueur Campus.

Rock of Ages - St. Peter-- 6-9 p.m., Flame Bar and Grill, 225 Nassau St., St. Peter. Listen to some rock and blues.

Kit Kildahl - St. Peter-- 6-9 p.m., Paddlefish Brewing, 108 S. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter. Hear some tunes from veterans musician Kit Kildahl.

Thomas StichaMedford-- 7-10 p.m., Medford Muni, 203 N. Main St. Playing country and fold across Minnesota.

Showgrounds, 34605 265th Ave., Le Sueur. Free admission. 100 acres of indoor/outdoor shopping with 900 vendors. Tools, crafts, antiques, farm equipment, furniture, tractor & car parts, food, clothing, garden implements & art, tires, tractors, honey, jewelry, toys, western wear, etc. Show starts 6 a.m. April 26 and runs until 5 p.m. April 28.

Spring Celebration - Owatonna-8 a.m.-5 p.m., Souba’s Greenhouse, 4003 Crane Creek Rd, Owatonna.

Experts on hand, farm animals, hay rides, Pleasant Grove pizza.

Bruce Burniece - Faribault-- 7-10 p.m., With a set list of 900 hit songs spanning more than 70 years, Bruce encourages song requests as well as singing along and dancing. He is best known for his showmanship and it has earned him a reputation as a very memorable performer.

We Are The WillowsFaribault-7:30 p.m., Shattuck-St. Mary’s, Faribault. We Are The Willows is the project of Minneapolis based singer/ songwriter/ producer Peter M. His unique countertenor voice is often supported by Jeremiah Satterthwaite (guitar), Travis Collins (bass/ voice), Hilary James (cello/ voice), and Josh McKay (drums). Whether as a band or a solo artist, we are the willows crafts dynamic songs with a contemplative air. The songs cover a lot of conceptual ground: from family history to modern social life and personal identity. Tickets $5-$10 online.

FRIDAY, APR 26

Tastes, Tunes & Taps - Le Sueur-- 5:30 p.m., Inspired

SATURDAY, APR 27

GTX and Sean BenzLe Center-12 a.m., Le Center Municipal Liquors, 20

N Waterville Ave. GTX offers not only great music but an entertaining show. Crowd involvement is a must. Sean Benz enjoys singing and playing guitar to music that many enjoy, like Johnny Cash, Roger Miller, Buck Owens, Hank Williams, Sr, Eddie Arnold, Ritchie Valens, Elvis Presley, Rick Nelson, Bobby Vee, Bobby Vinton, Eddie Cochran and others.

Pioneer Power Swap Meet - Le Sueur County-12 a.m., Pioneer Power

Earth Day CelebrationNorthfield-9 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Armory Square Event Center, 519 Division St., Northfield. Workshops, like build a bluebird house and bee lawns, from 9-11 a.m. Then from noon to 4 p.m., a local market, live music, kids activities, eco exhibitors and more. Speakers from 4:30-5:30 p.m. There is also a kickoff event from 7-10 p.m. Friday — the Earth Day Contra Dance.

Independent Bookstore DayNorthfield-- 10 a.m.5:30 p.m., Content Bookstore, 314 Division St. S, Northfield. Kids activities, golden tickets and prizes, free copies of “The Hill We Climb” by Amanda Gorman, a scavenger hunt, and lots of deals.

How-To FestivalWaseca-- 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Learn a wide variety of skills at this community-based interactive learning event. Make body butter, raiser chickens, make soup in a blender, create a terrarium, do basic bike maintenance, and several more sessions all available.

An Evening with Michael Perry and Benjamin PercyNorthfield-7 p.m., Grand Event Center, 316 Washington St., Northfield. Writers (and friends) Michael Perry and Benjamin Percy will read from some of their bestselling work, chat about all things writerly, and answer audience questions. So, after a fabulous day at the bookstore, grab your best bookish pals and mosey over to the Grand for a bite, a drink, and a delightful conclusion to your Indie Bookstore Day festivities.

Adam MoeOwatonna-- 7 p.m., Foremost Brewing Cooperative, 131 W. Broadway St, Owatonna. An ever-changing array of classic country and folk music combined with his original songs, which have been described as both witty and poignant. Backed with his custom-built tenor guitar and delivered with clear, classic country vocals, he takes audiences back to a time when telling the story was more important than selling it.

Magic and Comedy Show - St. Peter-- 7 p.m., 2nd Story Comedy, 303 S. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter. Close-up magic with Michael Callahan at 7 p.m. Friday, April 26 is $20. All ages magic matinee show at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 27 is $10. Comedy show with Jeff Pfoser at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 27 is $25. Tickets online.

Moonshine Prophets - Waseca-- 7 p.m., Boxcar Bar, 202 W. Elm Ave, Waseca. Fun high energy variety party rock and country band playing songs from across the decades.

The Man Who Came to DinnerOwatonna-7:30 p.m., Little Theatre of Owatonna, 560 Dunnell Dr # A, Owatonna. Little Theatre of Owatonna presents its spring comedy, directed by Jeffrey Jackson. Sheridan

Whiteside — critic, lecturer, wit, radio orator, intimate friend of the great and near great — having dined at the home of the Stanleys, slips on their doorstep and breaks his hip. The result is a tumultuous six weeks of confinement.

Shows 7:30 p.m. April 26-27, plus 2 p.m. April 28. Tickets online.

The Matchmaker - Northfield-- 7:30 p.m., Northfield Arts Guild Theater, 411 Third Street West. Before the world fell in love with “Hello Dolly!”, there was The Matchmaker.

Cunning, crafty and thoroughly modern, Dolly Gallagher Levi knows a good catch when she sees one. The Matchmaker is an uproarious romp that reminds us to embrace the unexpected in our lives.

Shows 7:30 p.m. April 26-27, plus 2 p.m. April 28. Tickets online.

Loose GravelHenderson-- 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m., Charlie Neisen’s Bar, 523 Main St., Henderson. Playing music people love to listen to — classic hits and songs for dancing.

Voodoo BenderFaribault-- 9 p.m., Boxers Grill & Bar, 429 Central Ave. N, Faribault. Coming to rock.

Do you want to submit an event to this calendar?

Send details to editor@southernminnscene.com.

HickTown MafiaKasota-- 9 p.m., Blue Moon, Kasota. A Southern Minnesotabased country and rock party band.

SUNDAY, APR 28

Spring Clothing

Swap - St. Peter-1-5 p.m., The Capitol Room, 419 S. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter. Bring your own bag to your goodies home. Bring men’s, women’s and genderfree clothing (clean, no stains, no holes unless intentional). Accessories and shoes also welcome. Don’t bring kid’s clothes, undergarments or non-wearables. Drop-off anytime during the four hours. Take equal or less than what you brought. Leftover items will be donated to CADA.

Name

MONDAY, APR 29

That Town with Doug OhmanOwatonna-6:30 p.m., Owatonna

Public Library, 105 N. Elm St, Owatonna. Journey throughout the state of Minnesota with photographer and storyteller Doug Ohman, as he explores towns and villages. This program focuses on the rich history of various locations and cities with fun and interesting stories relating to the town names.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 01

Bike Night and County Line Duo - Kasota-- 5-9 p.m., Prairie Saloon & Grill, 140 N. Webster St., Kasota. Bike nights have entertainment, bike night food menu, discounts on NA beverages, and more. County Line Duo will offer country music.

Wild About WildflowersFaribault-- 6-7 p.m., Buckham Memorial Library, 11 Division St. E, Faribault. Naturalist Andrew Wendt will talk about Minnesota wildflowers and will also talk about other great things going on in the state parks.

Mark KreitzerNorthfield-- 7-10 p.m., Reunion, 501 Division St. S., Northfield. Mark has been playing music on stage since almost before there were two Germanys. He has played in rock, country, bluegrass, folk, traditional jazz and gypsy jazz bands, as well as being involved in theatrical and classical music.

FRIDAY, MAY 03

Quantum Mechanics

THURSDAY, MAY 02

Old Guy & The KidSt. Peter-4-7 p.m., Patrick’s on Third, 125 S. Third St., St. Peter. They call themselves “The Old Guy and the Kid.” The grandfather, grandson duet has brought music to the area for years. Mark Braun and Kaleb Braun-Schulz’s musical collaboration began years ago. Labeling their music anywhere from rock, blues, country to Americana.

WAC Gallery OpeningWaseca-- 12-5 p.m., Waseca Art Center, 200 N. State St. It will feature Eric Zuccola, a Minneapolis-based artist. He will be in the Harguth Gallery. We also have an exhibit, at the same time in the Beckmann Gallery, it features the center’s own art appreciation group. The opening reception will be held on Thursday, May 2.

- St. Peter-- 6-9 p.m., Paddlefish Brewing, 108 S. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter. A pseudoscience jazz fusion band from this dimension.

Tyler HerwigKasota-- 6-8:45 p.m., Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery and Distillery, 1179 E. Pearl St., Kasota. One voice and six strings in the back of his truck is all it took to launch Tyler Herwig into one of the Mid-West’s favorite

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acoustic artists. Prepare to be entertained as Tyler takes the stage and share’s his incredible talent through original music and stylings of songs from all genres. You will be captivated by his soulful voice and energizing performance.

Family TraditionJanesville-- 6-8:30 p.m., Indian Island Winery, 18010 631st Ave, Janesville. Performing old and new hit country music.

Pie & Puzzles

- Le Sueur-6-8 p.m., Le Sueur Public Library, 118 Ferry St. Puzzlers unite! Assemble a team of up to four players to compete in a jigsaw puzzle competition and enjoy some pie. The first team to complete the puzzle wins a prize. Register a team by calling the library or emailing Jessi at jzimmerman@tds.lib.mn.us.

runs 7 a.m. to noon Saturdays in Central Park from June through October, plus 1:30-5 p.m. Wednesdays from July-September.The Kenyon Farmers Market runs 4-7 p.m. the first and third Thursday of each month in the First Lutheran Church parking lot from June through October.

The Rustic Mamas Spring MarketOwatonna-- 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Four Seasons Centre, 1525 S. Elm Ave., Owatonna. Over 100 vendors. Shop while sipping on a beverage, or grab some grub from one of our many food trucks. Furniture, home decor, yard art, jewelry, foodies, junkers, precious gems, authors, soaps, baby items, and the list goes on and on. Free admission and parking.

The Comeback Kids Art Exhibition

ReceptionSt. Peter-- 4-6 p.m., Hillstrom Museum of Art, 800 W College Ave, St. Peter. The senior studio art major exhibition for Gustavus students. They describe their work as “eclectic, bold, nostalgic, experimental, tender and funny.” The reception is free to attend and will include food.

Whiskey Peddler - Waseca-- 7:30 p.m., Starfire Event Center, 206 2nd Ave SW, Waseca. A young rock and country band based out of Minnesota.

Whiskey Peddler is ready to bring an energetic and attractive show to you for any occasion. Each of us bring many musical influences to the table and we are excited to share them with you.

Books in Bloom - St. Peter-- 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Folke Bernadotte Memorial Library, Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter.

Benjamin Raye and EricaFaribault-7-10 p.m., 10,000 Drops, 28 4th St NE, Faribault. For all your music needs, from rock to country, originals to covers. Benjamin Raye on guitar and vocals, with Erica on keyboard and vocals.

SATURDAY, MAY 04

Books in Bloom is a biennial event that features floral arrangements by designers and florists who interpret a book, film, or other academic resource selected from the Library’s holdings. The event runs 3-5 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.

Tony Rook Band - Northfield-- 6 p.m., Imminent Brewing, 519 Division Street South Unit 2. Thoughtful arrangements serve the songs and allow the players to add nice touches. This is fine bluegrass music rooted in tradition, but with a contemporary feel. It shows off Rook’s considerable skills as a singer, picker, and songwriter.

KillinTimeKasota-- 8 p.m., The Blue Moon Bar & Grill, 300 S. Webster St., Kasota. Brad Ingalls and Mark FitzSimmons have teamed together to form a country variety duet venue known as KillinTime. Brad and Mark are veteran singers and entertainers with the Mankato Opry Show and have enjoyed singing together.

SUNDAY, MAY 05

Gallery Openings

SoMinn Scene Farmers Markets-- 7 a.m.-12 p.m., Southern Minn Scene Region. The Owatonna Farmers Market runs 7 a.m. to noon Saturdays in Central Park from May 4 to Oct. 26.The Riverwalk Market Fair in Northfield takes place 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays in Bridge Square from May 18 to Oct. 26.The Northfield Farmers Market takes place 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays, plus 9-11 a.m. Saturdays at Riverside Park from May 7 to Oct. 30.The Waseca County Farmers Market runs 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays at the Waseca County Fairgrounds from June through October.The Le Sueur Farmers Market runs 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays on N. Second Street from June through October.The St. Peter Farmers Market runs 8:30 a.m. to noon Saturdays in the Co-op parking lot from June through October.The Faribault Farmers Market

Cinco de Mayo Community FestivalOwatonna-- 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Central Park Owatonna, 100 E. Main St, Owatonna. A variety of food vendors, live music from Grupo Esplendor Norteno, and activities for all, including train rides, pinatas, music, bounce house, dancing and retail vendors.

Todd Thompson

TrioDundas-- 4-6 p.m., Chapel Brewing, 15 Hester St, Dundas. An acoustic three-piece Americana band playing blues, bluegrass, cajun, pop, & country, covers and originals.

Jeff ReinartzOwatonna-- 6:308:30 p.m., Mineral Springs Brewery, 111 N Walnut Ave, Owatonna. Jeff Reinartz is a singer/ songwriter from Austin, Minnesota. He’s been performing live for over 30 years and is a veteran of several bands. He is now a solo acoustic performer and has released two EPs that were produced by Scotty Rohr at Zension Studio in Austin.

- Owatonna-1-5 p.m., Owatonna Arts Center, 435 Garden View Ln, Owatonna. The 71st annual Steele County Art Exhibition, plus a painting exhibition by artist David Salerno titled “Together: a Portrait of Americans.” The exhibition will run through May 26. Salerno will be in the gallery at 2 p.m. May 5 to give a talk.

Pizza Season

Country Roads: The Music of John Denver - Faribault-7:30 p.m., Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave N, Faribault. Headlined by Dennis Curley, Country Roads is a tribute show to one of America’s best-loved performers and draws deeply on Curley’s own love of John Denver’s music. Backed by a fantastic six-piece band, Curley’s renditions of the music of John Denver are sure to bring a smile to audiences of all ages. Tickets $15-$25 online.

Opening - Waseca-5-7 p.m., Pleasant Grove Pizza Farm, 41142 160th St, Waseca. Pizza season has arrived at the grove. Stay tuned for a live music announcement.

THREENorthfield-- 7 p.m., Northfield Arts Guild Theater, 411 Third Street West. Producer and pianist extraordinaire Lori Dokken, power vocalist Rachel Holder and she-can-singanything Judi Vinar. Skilled in multiple styles and genres. THREE combines their diverse voices to create an incredible performance that’s rich in color, character, and confidence.

TUESDAY, MAY 07

Buzzing Bees

- Henderson-- 1011:30 a.m., Ney Nature Center, 28238 Nature Center Ln, Henderson. From honeybees to native bees, learn about these incredibly industrious insects. We will be playing a pollination game outside to learn more about how these amazing insects help our landscapes. You

Did we miss something?

Let us know! We may still be able to get an important event on one of our weekly pages that run in the newspapers.

Poets Scott

Lowery and Leslie Schultz

- Northfield-6:30 p.m., Northfield

Public Library, 210 Washington St., Northfield. Poets Scott Lowery (Milwaukee, WI) and Leslie Schultz (Northfield, MN) are teaming up for a shared reading. As they take turns at the mic, their poems will be in conversation with each other on a range of topics: small town landscapes, sonnets, visual art, climate anxiety, farm animals.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 08

Roll-InKilkenny-5-8 p.m., Toy Box Saloon, 216

Kilkenny

Rd., Kilkenny. A classic cars show with live music from Gary West.

THURSDAY, MAY 09

Trainwreck Duet - Faribault-- 7-10 p.m., 10,000 Drops, 28 4th St NE, Faribault. Acoustic piano duo featuring Trent Shaw on guitar and Tim Schommer on piano.

Ron & Steve UnpluggedNorthfield-- 7-10 p.m., Flaherty’s Northfield Lanes, 1700 Highway 3 S. Good tunes and bad jokes. Ron & Steve perform music from the 50s-80s.

SATURDAY, MAY 11

Craft and Vendor Fair, Bake Sale - St. Peter-- 9 a.m.-1

p.m., St. Peter American Legion. Shop local with vendors, crafters and a bake sale. Lunch also available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Artist Development SeriesOwatonna-- 6-8 p.m., Owatonna Art Center, 435 Garden View Ln, Owatonna. A series of free opportunities for professional and amatuer artists of all disciplines to increase their learning on a variety of topics. The topic of this session is art and technology.

The Development of 1860s

PhotographyFaribault-- 6-7 p.m., Rice County Historical Society, 1814 NW 2nd Ave., Faribault. Andy Ebling of Bridgewater Township will endeavor to time travel with you for an evening while looking through a camera lens from the 1860s, with some slightly modern twists for safety. He will do a sitting for some members of the audience and take their photos with a process perfected during the mid 1850s.

P.A.W.S. Carnival - St. Peter-- 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Thompson Dog Park, 1125 N. Swift St., St. Peter. Kick off with a short walk. Then demonstrations, vendors, animal organizations and more. Proceeds go toward Providing Animals With Shelter.

Ray Coudret & Curt Johnson - Northfield-- 7-10 p.m., Reunion, 501 Division St. S., Northfield. Featuring Ray Coudret on guitar and vocals with Curt Johnson on piano.

FRIDAY, MAY 10

Girls Nite OutNorthfield-- 4-5 p.m., Downtown Northfield. Drink, dine and dance downtown! Food and drink specials, live music and a variety of fabulous entertainment throughout the evening.

Minnesota BBQ Contest - St. Peter-- 5 p.m., Nicollet County Fairgrounds, 400 Union St., St. Peter. BBQ, beer and live music at this 25th anniversary contest. Tickets are $5 online. Food and drink purchase separate.

Phil Berbig - St. Peter-- 6-9 p.m., Paddlefish Brewing, 108 S. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter. Phil Berbig is a unique music act. He plays an acoustic guitar, sings and throws in some harmonica. Phil plays a lot of different artists like Johnny Cash, Jim Croce, John Denver, Beatles and Rolling Stones. He also mixes in some others that are a very pleasant surprise to people.

Tony Aguirre Los Originales de San Juan - Owatonna-- 11 a.m., Steele County Fairgrounds, 18th St SE, Owatonna. Spanishlanguage music to dance to. Tickets online.

Helen ForsytheDundas-- 4-6 p.m., Chapel Brewing, 15 Hester St, Dundas. With nature as a backdrop, the talented Forsythe dazzles at Chapel on a regular basis, and often brings an equally talented friend to play with her. If you haven’t seen Helen at Chapel yet, here’s your chance.

Barn Boys - Janesville-5:30-8:30 p.m., Indian Island Winery, 18010 631st Ave, Janesville. Live guitar and vocals. Fourperson band playing old country

The Space Force - Owatonna-6-8 p.m., Mineral Springs Brewery, 111 N Walnut Ave, Owatonna. The Space Force are a buncha dudes playing songs that were overplayed way before they were born.

The Zillionaires - Northfield-- 6 p.m., Imminent Brewing, 519 Division Street

South Unit 2. From Northfield, selfstyled alt-variety band The Zillionaires perform compelling original songs by Wendy Smith and covers from a diverse catalogue of Americana, country, roots, rock, and blues. The Zillionaires entertain music lovers with their skilled musicianship and well-honed sense of fun.

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PaperbacksOwatonna-- 7 p.m., Foremost Brewing Cooperative, 131 W. Broadway St, Owatonna. Paperbacks is an indie pop band based in southern Minnesota, consisting of Sven-Erik Olsen (vocals & guitar), Julie Sweet (keyboards), Michael Brewer Carina (bass) and Dan Greenwood (drums).

Peter and the Starcatcher - St. Peter-- 8-10 p.m., Gustavus Adolphus College, 800 West College Ave, St. Peter.

Peter and the Starcatcher is the Tony Awardwinning play based on the bestselling novels that have charmed audiences all over the globe.

This action-adventure play tells the origin story of Peter Pan, Captain Hook, Tinkerbell, and the characters that populate Neverland. Show 8-10 p.m. May 9-11, plus 2-4 p.m. May 11-12. Tickets online.

Strange DazeOwatonna-- 8 p.m., Reggie’s Brewhouse, 220 N. Cedar Ave., Owatonna. This band plays newer rock covers by Weezer, Tonic, 3 Doors Down, and Nickelback. They play older rock covers by Van Morrison, Rick Springfield, Jimmy Hendrix and the Georgia Satellites. They also play some of their own original music.

Rhino - Faribault-9 p.m., Boxers Grill & Bar, 429 Central Ave. N, Faribault. Rhino is

a four-member, high energy Twin Cities band playing an array of modern, alternative, 80’s, and current top 40 dance tunes, with twists of country and other surprises splashed in.

SUNDAY, MAY 12

Taylor Swift Tea Party - St. Peter-11 a.m.-2 p.m., The Capitol Room, 419 S. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter. Complimentary tea and small bites to enjoy while also making your own friendship bracelets, getting your photo taken by AK Photography, and celebrating those moms, daughters, sons, and friends in your life. Pupup shops, craft-making and specialty cocktails and mocktails, plus water and lemonade, also available. Tickets online.

Mother’s Day Sip & Shop - Le Sueur County-12-3 p.m., Next Chapter Winery, 16945 320th St., New Prague. Celebrate Mom this year with wine, shopping, soaking up the sun on the patio, walking the vineyard, and specialty cocktails. A variety of local vendors will be on hand. The Brick Oven Pizza Bus will also be on site.

Joe & AnnWaseca-- 5-7 p.m., Pleasant Grove Pizza Farm, 41142 160th St, Waseca. Get loose with Joe & Ann belting out the best. Nate Boots plays before, starting at 3:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, MAY 14

Michael Hall

Author TalkFaribault-- 6-7 p.m., Join in the library’s Great Hall (2nd floor) for a presentation by New York Times Bestselling author and MN Book Award Winner Michael Hall. While simple in appearance, his books are thought exercises that draw on word play, metaphor, and visual experimentation to examine themes such as otherness, disability, war, and science.

THURSDAY, MAY 16

Martha Larson & Brian JohnsonNorthfield-- 7-10 p.m., Reunion, 501 Division St. S., Northfield. Martha was classically trained as a youth, but expanded to jazz and rock as a college student while earning her mechanical engineering degree at Northwestern University. She was active in the Chicago music scene for over ten years, performing with various rock and jazz ensembles.

Songwriters in the Round - Northfield-7-9 p.m., Grand Event Center, 316 Washington St., Northfield. Enjoy a variety of local artists showcasing their original work, and sharing stories of how those songs came to be. Free admission. All ages welcome. Throwback Thursday dinner starts at 4 p.m.

Deuces Wild Dueling Pianos - Kasota-- 7-10 p.m., Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery and Distillery, 1179 E. Pearl St., Kasota. This is a second show after the first sold out. Dave Eichholz and Ted Manderfeld are Deuces Wild Dueling Pianos. Their high energy mix of comedy, music and extensive audience participation makes this a show unlike any other. Tickets online.

Poets Book

LaunchNorthfield-7 p.m., Northfield Public Library, 210 Washington St., Northfield. The launch of poetry anthology, “We Look West,” by poets Becky Boling, Heather Candels, D.E. Green, Steve McCown, and Julie A. Ryan. Five poets look west while they insightfully reflect on their long paths from sunrise.

FRIDAY, MAY 17

Cabin of Love - St. Peter-- 6-9 p.m., Paddlefish Brewing, 108 S. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter. Cabin of Love is Julia and Nathan Bloom, a folk pop duo in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Since 1998, the Blooms have performed in coffee shops and breweries, living rooms, city parks, church gatherings, benefit concerts, backyards, campfires, a county fair, a soup kitchen, a 10k race, a 5k walk, a butcher shop, livestreams from their living room, and any other soapbox they are offered.

Craft

Waseca-- 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Waseca County Fairgrounds. Vendors and crafts, galore. Open 4-7 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.

Spring Flea Market

- Faribault-- 8 a.m.-2

p.m., Rice County Historical Society, 1814 NW 2nd Ave., Faribault. Tons of vendors and a great atmosphere.

Entrance and parking to the flea market is free to all.

1000 Rustad Road, Faribault. Take a walk with a naturalist and learn tips and tricks for identifying different woodland flowers.

Cabin of LoveDundas-- 4-6 p.m., Julia and Nathan Bloom, a folk/ pop duo who’ve been writing songs and making music together for over 25 years.

are available at the studio in advance, or at the door. Shows at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.

GTX - Janesville-5:30-8:30 p.m., Indian Island Winery, 18010 631st Ave, Janesville. Performing old and new hits.

Car Cruise NightFaribault-- 6-9 p.m., Downtown Faribault, Central Ave. Classic and new cars in the historic downtown. Music and food also provided.

Mark Ross - Faribault-7-10 p.m., 10,000 Drops, 28 4th St NE, Faribault.

Straight River Art

Introducing Mark Ross & the Three-Nineteen is a compelling Americana/ Indie/Alternative Rock band led by the talented singer-songwriter Mark Ross. With heartfelt lyrics, captivating melodies, and a dynamic sound, this group has been making waves in the music scene since its formation in 2019.

Steve & SteveNorthfield-- 7-10 p.m., Flaherty’s Northfield Lanes, 1700 Highway 3 S. Some rock music to enjoy outside.

Mary Cutrufello

DuoFaribault-- 7-10 p.m., Corks & Pints, 22 4th St. NE, Faribault. Mary and Randy return to C&P’s delightful patio in downtown Faribault. Mary originals and country gold.

Festival - Faribault-- 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Heritage Park, 401 Heritage Pl., Faribault. Come and enjoy 35+ local artists, food, entertainment and shopping for the day in beautiful Heritage Park along the Straight River. Bring the kids for some fun activities in the Paradise Center for the Arts’ booth or just sit and enjoy one of our musical artists.

Circus Manduhai

- Northfield-- 1010:45 a.m., Central Park, 430 2nd Ave NW, Faribault. A four-person Mongolian circus delivers dazzling feats of balance and flexibility with hula hoops, foot juggling, and contortion.

Deerfield Township Cemetery Bus Tour

Make Some Noise Dance ShowsOwatonna-- 5 p.m., Owatonna High School, 1455 SE 18th Street, Owatonna. Jill Hoggard Academy of Dance is celebrating its 44th year. Tickets

Acoustic ViewOwatonna-- 6-8 p.m., Mineral Springs Brewery, 111 N Walnut Ave, Owatonna.

Acoustic View is a two-piece acoustic duo for all occasions playing variety from Fleetwood Mac to Johnny Cash & Pink Floyd.

CONTINUED page 30

- Owatonna-- 1 p.m., Steele County Historical Society, 1700 Austin Rd., Owatonna. Participants will be driven to Crane Creek, North Crane Creek (Hoffman), Meraker Norwegian, and Corpus Christi Catholic Cemeteries, where SCHS volunteers will share stories of the Steele County residents who came before us. To purchase tickets and register, call 507-451-1420.

Registration closes Friday, May 3.

Melissa SchulzDundas-- 7-10 p.m., Dawn’s Corner Bar, Dundas. Melissa Schulz is a classically-trained pianist and singer based in southern Minnesota. Performing over 250 shows each year, Melissa showcases her musical talents at venues that range from rowdy bars to chill breweries to upscale restaurants, fairs, and private events.

Couples ComedyFaribault-- 7:30 p.m., Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave N, Faribault. Tim Harmston and Mary Mack are each comedy headliners by their own merits. Two national comedy headliners, who happen to be married to one another, hash it out playfully on stage. Tickets $15-$25 online.

SATURDAY, MAY 18

4-H

Garage SaleWaseca-7 a.m.-2 p.m., Waseca County Fairgrounds. Great deals on clothing, furniture, books, movies and much more. Open 3:30-8 p.m. Friday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, and super saver Sunday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Festival of Nations - St. Peter-1-5 p.m., Nicollet County Fairgrounds, 400 Union St., St. Peter. Celebrating culture and community with music, art, dance and food. All are welcome.

Woodland Flowers WalkFaribault-- 1-2 p.m., River Bend Nature Center,

CONTINUED from page 29

Swinging Country Band - Henderson-7:30-11:30 p.m., Charlie Neisen’s Bar, 523 Main St., Henderson. Some old fashioned country to dance to.

County Line DuoKasota-- 8-11 p.m., Prairie Saloon & Grill, 140 N. Webster St., Kasota. Playing a wide variety of country music.

Cole Diamond - Elko New Market-- 8 p.m.-12 a.m., The Doublewide, 421 Saint Joseph St., Elko New Market. Three sets of all your favorite songs about drinking, cheating, and the Chattahoochee River. Free admission | 21+.

Midwest FarewellWaseca-- 5-7 p.m., Pleasant Grove Pizza Farm, 41142 160th St, Waseca. Wide variety of acoustic covers by artists such as Dawes, The Last Revel, Van Morrison, and more.

TUESDAY, MAY 21

Sun Yung

Shin Author TalkFaribault-6-7 p.m., Buckham Memorial Library, 11

Division St. E, Faribault. Sun Yung Shin is a poet, writer, editor, professor, and cultural worker. She has won numerous awards for her poetry, and is the co-author of the picture book Where We Come From with Diane Wilson, Shannon Gibney, and John Coy. She is also a teaching artist with the MN Prison Writing Project, and co-directs the community organization Poetry Asylum in Minneapolis.

THURSDAY, MAY 23

FRIDAY, MAY 24

Fred the BearNorthfield-6 p.m., Armory Square Event Center, 519 Division St., Northfield. Performing original songs and classic rock/ country rock/alternative rock covers.

Whiskey WhiskersOwatonna-6:30-8:30 p.m., Mineral Springs Brewery, 111 N Walnut Ave, Owatonna. A Southern Minnesota band playing music you love.

The Acoustic DuoNew Prague-8:30-11:55 p.m., Outlaw Saloon, 103 Main St. W., New Prague. Chad Johnson and Jeenti Dutta, playing a unique blend of Americana and country-rock sound for original music and crowd favorite covers.

SUNDAY, MAY 19

Syttende Mai Celebration - Owatonna-12:30-4 p.m., Village of Yesteryear, 1431 Austin Rd, Owatonna. Celebrate Norwegian Constitution Day. Learn Norwegian phrases and dance. Sing Norwegian hymns. Try Norwegian crafts. Hunt for a medallion. Taste a new Foremost Brewing beer. Check out the fancy cake and bake sale. Norwegian market plus lefse dogs and heart waffles available for purchase.

Paradise GalleryFaribault-- 12-5 p.m., Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave N, Faribault. Last chance to see Curt Lund and Doug Clement in the Carlander Gallery, Dan Crombie in the Vranesh Gallery, Made at the PCA in the K&M Gallery, and Shattuck St. Mary’s in the Creger Gallery. Show open during regular PAC hours through June 1.

Changing Minds IV - St. Peter-- 1-5 p.m., Arts Center of Saint Peter, 315 S. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter. Last chance to see the fourth biennial exhibition of work by patients at St. Peter Regional Treatment Center, Changing Minds IV is a showcase of visual, literary, and musical work produced independently and in the course of year-round workshops hosted by the Arts Center. The show is open during regular ACSP hours through May 25.

Line DancingLe Sueur County-- 6 p.m., Next Chapter Winery, 16945 320th St., New Prague. Learn three or four dances from award-winning choreographer Kerry Maus. Songs will be a mix of pop and country. Register online.

Jigsaw Puzzle Competition

- Kasota-- 6:309:30 p.m., Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery and Distillery, 1179 E. Pearl St., Kasota. Teams up to four. Prizes will be given away for the first three teams to finish not only their puzzle but also their wine and charcuterie board! There will be a time limit of three hours set, if no teams have finished at that point, winners will be decided by the number of pieces completed. Tickets online.

SATURDAY, MAY 25

Steam & Gas Engine Show

- Dundas-12 a.m., Rice County Steam & Gas Engine showground, Hwy. 3 south, Dundas. Swap meet and flea market, tractor pull, consignment auction and food vendors.

TractorheadDundas-- 4-6 p.m., Chapel Brewing, 15 Hester St, Dundas. Bluegrass, countrywestern and folk tunes. A local favorite.

DowserFaribault-7-10 p.m., 10,000 Drops, 28 4th St NE, Faribault. Band led by John Kurtis Dehn. With influences like Leonard Cohen, Tom Waits, Paul Simon and Damien Rice, Dehn’s music is melodic, passionate, and introspective, and his performances are personal and captivating.

SUNDAY, MAY 26

Joe Weckwerth - St. Peter-- 1-4 p.m., Paddlefish Brewing, 108 S. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter. Hear some acoustic tunes at the brewery.

Jasper LepakWaseca-5-7 p.m., Pleasant Grove Pizza Farm, 41142 160th St, Waseca. A child of the Sonoran Desert, Jaspar Lepak is a folk/Americana songwriter whose remarkable gift for melody is only surpassed by her poetry.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 29

Bike Night & Kayla Daniels - Kasota-- 5-9 p.m., Prairie Saloon & Grill, 140 N. Webster St., Kasota. Bike nights have entertainment, bike night food menu, discounts on NA beverages, and more. Kayla Daniels will offer the live music.

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Paradise Center forthe rtsA Connect.Experience.Create.

SHOWS

CountryRoads: TheMusicof JohnDenver

SATURDAY,MAY4AT7:30PM

Member:$20/Non-Member:$25/ Student:$15(18andunder)

HeadlinedbyDennisCurley,CountryRoadsis atributeshowtooneofAmerica’sbest-loved performersanddrawsdeeplyonCurley’s ownloveofJohnDenver’smusic.Backedby

afantasticsix-pieceband,Curley’srenditions ofthemusicofJohnDenveraresuretobring asmiletoaudiencesofallages.Someofthe featuredtunesinclude“TakeMeHome,Country Roads,”“RockyMountainHigh,”“LeavingonaJet Plane,”and“ThankGodI’maCountryBoy.”Front manDennisCurleyinterspersesthesongswith personalrecollectionsofgrowingupwithJohn Denver’smusic,aswellasstoriesfromfriendsand familythatwilltouchyourheartandtickleyour funnybone.Andinatrulyuniquetwist,heinvites audiencememberstosharetheirpersonal storiesaswell.CountryRoadswilldelightfansold andnewandisidealforallages.

FRIDAY,MAY17AT7:30PM

Member:$20/Non-Member:$25/Student:$15 (18andunder)

SponsoredBy:

Improv101: IntrotoImprovwithBuddyRicker (Ages16+)

SATURDAYS,MAY11-JUNE22,12:30-2PM

Member:$70/Non-Member:$80

GALLERY EDUCATION

Theseactivitiesaremadepossiblebythe votersofMinnesotathroughagrantfromthe MinnesotaStateArtsBoard,thankstoalegislative appropriationfromtheartsandculturalfund. Formoreinformation&tickets: www.paradisecenterforthearts.org

TimHarmstonandMaryMackareeachcomedyheadlinersby theirownmerits!Twonationalcomedyheadliners--whohappen tobemarriedtooneanother--hashitoutplayfullyonstage!This husband-and-wifepowerhouseisteaminguptoco-headlinean amazingnightofcomedybliss!

Thiscoursewillfocusonthefundamentalsofimprovactingwithanemphasisonimprov comedy.Through“handson”exercisesandlaughter,wewillbringoutthecreativeimproverinyou.Thefinalsessionwillbeachanceforyoutoshowoffyournewskillsasyoudazzle yourfamilyandfriendswithacourseendingshowthatshowcasestheimprovartistinyou.

CarlanderGallery

CurtLund

DougClement

VraneshGallery

DanCrombie

K&MGallery

MadeatthePCA

CregerGallery

FridaMcGrogan

CurtLund

DougClement

DanCrombie