Events

Editor’s note: Due to the

COVID-19 pandemic, many events may look different than in past years. It is recommended to confi rm dates prior to attending.

HUTCHINSON JAYCEE WATER CARNIVAL

This popular summertime festival will celebrate its 78th anniversary with a week of activities from Sunday, June 14, through Sunday, June 21. Water Carnival Commodore Jon Beach and Vice Commodore Ryan Elbert will coordinate the festival’s many activities ranging from bike rides and distance runs to live music, children’s activities and the Grande Day Parade. Welcoming guests will be Mr. Hutchinson Joe Keilen as Mr. Hutchinson and Maxine Engwall as Hutchinson Woman of the Year; Miss Hutchinson Erika Tillmann and Princess Abigail Riewer; and Junior Queen Julia Knorr and Junior Commodore Javier Alvarado Jr. For more information, visit the Hutchinson Leader website at hutchinsonleader.com or the Hutchinson Jaycee Water Carnival website at watercarnival. org.

RIVERSONG MUSIC FESTIVAL

Billed as “Minnesota’s Homegrown Music Festival,” Hutchinson’s RiverSong is celebrating its 13th season. The rain-or-shine event in July brings together live music on two stages at Masonic/West River Park along the scenic Crow River. Food is provided by on-site vendors. Wine, beer and other beverages are also available. For more about Riversong, visit the festival’s website at riversongfestival.org.

ORANGE SPECTACULAR

The Upper Midwest AllisChalmers Club hosts its annual Orange Spectacular Friday through Sunday, July 23-25, at the McLeod County Fairgrounds in Hutchinson. The show, which attracts thousands of people from across the United States, Canada and Europe, features everything Allis-Chalmers from tractors to farm implements. Many of the tractors are put to work in a tractor-pull competition or in the popular field demonstrations. The show also features a large farm toy show, a swap meet of tractors and parts, and a variety of food and musical entertainment. Admission and parking is free. For more information, visit orangespectacular.com.

HEATWOLE THRESHING SHOW

The annual Heatwole Threshing Show has celebrated farming for more than 40 years. It takes place at 15498 Walden Ave., about 4 miles south of Hutchinson. The two-day event was started by farmers to preserve the way farming once was done and relive the effort the second weekend of August each year. The show welcomes all makes of antique tractors and implements and features demonstrations, a tractor parade and pull, a sawmill, blacksmith shop and more. Admission is free. For more, call Corey Henke at 320-587-9143 or visit coreystractorrepair.com.

March to a furry beat when the Teddy Bear Band takes the stage. This family-friendly Hutchinson Jaycee Water Carnival event is free and the public is welcome. Visit watercarnival.org for more information. Returning in 2021 to the McLeod County Fair is fan favorite — the Johnny Holm Band. Hear this rock ’n’ roll powerhouse 8:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 20, in the Corporate Tent.

MINNESOTA GARLIC FESTIVAL The Minnesota Garlic Festival is a one-day salute to “everything garlic.” It returns August 2022 at the McLeod County Fairgrounds, 840 Century Ave. S.W., Hutchinson. For more information and updates about the festival, visit mngarlicfest.com or call 763244-6659.

MCLEOD COUNTY FAIR

The McLeod County Fair is celebrating 149 years, Thursday through Sunday, Aug. 19-22, at the fairgrounds, 840 Century Ave. S.W., Hutchinson. Its fourday run features activities for all ages from live music, entertainment, Grandstand shows, exhibits, animal judging, contests, rides, games and more. All fair information is conveniently available at mcleodcountyfair. com. Want to take advantage of special deals to save money? Gate admission and Grandstand packages and deals are available on the website, too. Information is also available by calling the fair offi ce at 320-587-2499.

When the fair isn’t in session, the McLeod County Fairgrounds are available for rent. It is used for activities ranging from concerts and wedding receptions to dog shows, craft fairs, garage sales and more. The fairgrounds also are the year-round home to the McLeod County Extension Service, 4-H and McLeod County Parks. For more information, call 320-4844334 or visit www3.extension. umn.edu/county/mcleod.

ARTS AND CRAFTS FESTIVAL

The 47th annual Arts and Crafts Festival is Friday and Saturday, Sept. 17-18, at Library Square in downtown Hutchinson. This event also includes the Ambassadors’ Taste of Hutchinson and Friends of the Library Used Book Sale. The festival attracts more than 100 talented artists and crafters from throughout the Upper Midwest. Admission is free. For more information, call the Hutchinson Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism at 320-587-5252 or visit explorehutchinson.com.

ELKS GUN AND COIN SHOW

Collectors of guns, knives or sports memorabilia won’t want to miss the Elks Gun and Coin Show. This two-day annual event is Sept. 25-26. It typically features more than 300 tables of merchandise in the Commercial Building at the McLeod County Fairgrounds, 840 Century Ave. S.W., Hutchinson. Vendors come from throughout the Upper Midwest. The show is the largest fundraiser for the local Elks Lodge with the proceeds going to Hutchinson-area youth programs. For more information, call Dale Harbarth, show manager, at 320-587-8989.