What We’re Loving right now

A LITTLE LIST OF WHAT WE THINK IS AWESOME IN THE DRIFTLESS REGION THIS SUMMER...

SEED SAVERS EXCHANGE BENEFIT CONCERT – IS BACK!

The Seed Savers Exchange Heritage Farm, just north of Decorah, is a magical spot to visit any time of the year. And for many years, the magic was amplified (literally) with a late summer “Benefit Concert” featuring some of Iowa’s most authentic musicians. The event raised funds for the stellar organization, while also providing an epic evening of Iowa music and summer perfection (ok, even a thunder storm or two along the way –but those made good stories too!). Like many things, the Benefit Concert took a hiatus through the pandemic years, but has now returned, with a fresh crop of Midwest talent!

The 2023 SSE Benefit Concert will be held Saturday, August 5, featuring the music of David Huckfelt, Lissie, William Elliot Whitmore, Dave Moore, and Annie Humphrey. Ticket sales support SSE’s nonprofit mission to protect and promote America’s garden and food heritage.

Do not miss this magical night of music under the stars at Seed Savers Heritage Farm. Get your tickets ($40 advance / $45 door) at www.seedsavers.org/benefit-concert or 563-382-5990. Gates open at 5 pm – see you there!

(Want to know more about Seed Savers? Check out our podcasts featuring SSE Executive Director Mike Bollinger, and Development Director Cindy Goodner at www.decorah.fun)

TOOT, TOOT: WE WON AN AWARD!

The 7th Annual Iowa Rural Summit included a special recognition of seven rural leaders through the Rand Fisher Rural Leadership Award, and Aryn Henning Nichols and Benji Nichols of Inspire(d) were among those honored at a special reception at Iowa State University in April 2023.

The Iowa Rural Summit brings together leaders from small towns across Iowa each year, and this year’s event included a special tribute to a group of individuals who have made a difference in their rural community or region.

The Rand Fisher Rural Leadership Award, sponsored by the Iowa Area Development Group Community Foundation, recognizes individuals in rural economic and community development, philanthropy, the arts and utilities (iowardc.org). Rand Fisher is the recently retired president of the IADG and a true champion of rural Iowa.

“Aryn and Benji were selected for the energy and creativity they bring to Decorah, Winneshiek County and all of Northeast Iowa,” said Mark Reinig, board chairman of the Iowa Rural

Development Council (IRDC) which hosts the annual Rural Summit. “Their Inspire(d) Magazine tells positive stories about people, places, and things that make their community great, while promoting tourism, economic development, and town-pride.”

With a crowd of more than 360 individuals from 70 different small towns (including Decorah), the Iowa Rural Summit addressed issues ranging from childcare to health care to local food systems.

Other honorees included Cody Bunda, Pocahontas; Mark Edelman, Boone; Shannon Erb, Leon; Bruce Perry, Sac City and Heather Ussery, Knoxville.

We founded Inspire(d) Media in 2007 as an “experiment in positive news,” and we plan to continue bringing uplifting stories to the people of the Driftless Region and beyond for many years to come! We are beyond honored and grateful for this recognition of Inspire(d) and thank everyone that has been a part of our journey!

DECORAH GEAR EXCHANGE – GET READY!

Old Kayak just taking up room? Tent and backpack? Canoe? Bikes hogging valuable garage space? What about your overgrown fly fishing collection?!

Last year, a group of outdoor-minded folks got together to talk about re-kindling an outdoor equipment exchange that once-upona-time existed as the Decorah “Ski Swap”. That event took shape in the fall of 2022 as the first ever “Decorah Gear Exchange,” and was a rousing success. Year two of the event is in full planning mode, with Pulpit Rock Brewery coming on board to sponsor and host the event in their fantastic space at the corner of College Drive and Fifth Avenue on the West Side of Decorah.

Join in to sell and/or buy new or gently used outdoor gear such as kayaks, canoes, tents, backpacks, fishing gear, bicycles, skis, lifejackets, car racks, camp stoves, and more! Please note: No firearms or weapons will be accepted. Proceeds will benefit outdoor recreation projects in Decorah, including Decorah Parks and Recreation Initiatives, further expanding recreational opportunities in the area.

Gear drop off for the sale will take place September 21-22, with the actual Gear Exchange Sale taking place September 23-24, all at Pulpit Rock Brewing on the West Side of Decorah.

Sellers will be able to name their price (or ask for advice on this – or donate your items!) and the rest is taken care of. Unsold items must be picked up after the event on Sunday September 24, or donated.

The Decorah Gear Exchange is a collaboration of The Getup, The Decorah Hatchery, Decorah Parks and Recreation, Driftless Outdoors, Luther College Center for Sustainable Communities, Pulpit Rock Brewing, and Visit Decorah.

Questions? Email alyssa@visitdecorah.com