Visit Bluff Country

A guide to Historic Bluff Country

Visit Bluff Country

Wearing of the green

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By Charlene Corson Selbee

The Irish music reaches the depth of your soul and will have your feet stomping and your body waving to the fast-paced music. You might jump up out of your seat and start dancing the jig. Plenty of Irish music will be at the 18th Annual Irishfest in La Crosse, Wis., August 11-13.

Take a selfie with Clancy at the 18th Annual Irishfest August 11-13 in La Crosse, Wis.
Photo courtesy of Irishfest La Crosse

Say hi to the green and orange-clad with red hair leprechaun, Clancy, and don’t forget to take a selfie with him. He will be roaming the fest grounds all three days.

There will be many free activities for the Wee Folks, including an arcade for 10-year-olds and up. Watching the little ones is sure to be fun!

There are also highland games for the adults, a tug-of-war competition, a mashed potato eating contest, Irish Road bowling, and a fiddle contest.

Don your kilts and register for Killian’s 5K Kilt Run/Walk Saturday at 10 a.m.

Purchase a raffle ticket or two for a chance to win a trip for two to Ireland, a 2024 Irishfest La Crosse VIP weekend package for two, or a beautiful Irish theme quilt.

The annual fest offers a unique opportunity to research your Irish roots. Suppose this is your first attempt at genealogy. In that case, volunteers from the La Crosse Area Genealogical Society will be available to help you, and the La Crosse Public Library archives provide access to library resources on the internet and at the local library.

The vendor’s market sports everything from Irish sportswear, jewelry, sweaters made in Ireland, kilts, belts, footwear, fairy and dragon figurines, Irish silver and pewter pendants, bracelets, face painting, body art, glitter tattoos, jewelry, bags, Irish gifts, and one-of-a-kind items made from used whiskey barrels.

Rumor has it you want to make sure you sample all the tasty food available onsite.

Other Bluff Country events happening this weekend:

•August 10, Rhythm by the River, Preston, Minn.

•August 10-13, Western Days, Chatfield, Minn.

•August 11-13, Irish Fest, La Crosse, Wis.

•August 11-13, Fish Days, Lansing, Iowa

•August 11-13, Sweet Corn Days, Lime Springs, Iowa

•August 11-13, Millville Valley River Days, Millville, Minn

The Visit Bluff Country Magazine is delivered to more than 1,000 locations in 35 counties in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.  This magazine has a mission of promoting tourism in the Historic Bluff Country (Driftless) region.

For information on upcoming town festival and events in Historic Bluff Country, vacation ideas for lodging, recreation, dining and shopping, check out the magazine in print or online at www.visitbluffcountry.com.

Summer fun in Lanesboro

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Meet Buffalo Bill in Lanesboro at the town’s annual Buffalo Bill Days.
Photo courtesy of Laneboro Chamber of Commerce

By Charlene Corson Selbee

Join the community of Lanesboro, Minn. at the 39th Annual Buffalo Bill Days, August 3 through the 6.

Family movie night kicks off the four-day event. The Disney movie “Encanto” will start at 8:30 p.m. in scenic Sylvan Park.

New this year, a dunk tank! On Saturday, August 5, from 12-2 p.m., take aim at the Lanesboro Fire Department, from 2-4 p.m. teachers will be waiting in line to get soaked, and from 4-6 p.m. it will be the coaches turn. On Sunday, August 6, from 12-2 p.m., high school students will be taking the “hot” seat and from 4-6 p.m. community officials will be joining in on the fun.

Chairperson Kristen Asleson shared that the influx of softball teams has picked up. You do not want to miss the men’s softball tournament this year.

Asleson also mentioned that anything you want fried you will be able to get. Check out Stumpy’s Concessions for pizza, fries, strips, corn dogs, fried pickles, etc.; Charlie’s Concessions is serving cheese curds, onion rings, corn dogs, and drinks; Abby’s menu includes sandwiches, fried food, and drinks; L & L Kebab House has gyro sandwiches; Big Dog Concessions is serving everything fried; The Snack Shack has mini donuts, cotton candy, nachos, pretzels with cheese, slushies, and drinks; and Fillmore County American Dairy Association is serving soft serve ice cream.

Fillmore County Cattlemen will be serving up their famously delicious steak dinner, supporting the Lanesboro EMS on Friday, August 4. 

Dance in the street to Blue Ringers, a pop, rock, and country band, on Friday night from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Next 2 Nothing will be rocking the beverage and brat tent from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. on Saturday.

Other popular events include the car cruise in at the community center, beverage and brat tent, farmers market, live music, bingo, co-ed volleyball tournament, and men’s softball tournament, Buffalo Roam 5K and one-mile run, golf tournament, Grand Parade, and fireworks at dusk on Saturday night, and duck races.

Buffalo Bill Days apparel (t-shirts and hats) is available at the city office.

Organizers remind visitors and residents to shop locally. The stores are open all day.

Other Bluff Country events happening this weekend:

• August, HARC Art Month, Houston, Minn.

• August 4-5, Wapsi Days Festival, Riceville, Iowa

The Visit Bluff Country Magazine is delivered to more than 1,000 locations in 35 counties in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.  This magazine has a mission of promoting tourism in the Historic Bluff Country (Driftless) region.

For information on upcoming town festival and events in Historic Bluff Country, vacation ideas for lodging, recreation, dining and shopping, check out the magazine in print or online at www.visitbluffcountry.com.

Second kayak winner of the summer

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Congratulations to Jill Heiderscheit, of New Albin, Iowa, who won a brand new kayak from a drawing conducted on June 30, 2023.

Pamela Eddy, of La Crosse, Wis., won a brand new kayak from a drawing conducted on June 2, 2023.

As the magazine celebrates 38 years as the premier tourism publication of Historic Bluff Country (a.k.a. The Driftless Area), they will be conducting prize giveaways each month from May through September. Prizes include kayaks, a Blackstone griddle, and a Green Mountain Grill.

The next drawing for a brand new kayak will be July 31, 2023. Please go to www.visitbluffcountry.com/thebest to enter this drawing.

The Visit Bluff Country Magazine, the premier tourism publication of the Historic Bluff Country (Driftless) region, is delivered to more than 1,000 locations in 35 counties in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

For information on upcoming town festival and events in Historic Bluff Country, vacation ideas for lodging, recreation, dining and shopping.

Over the summer months, Visit Bluff Country Magazine will give away more than $4,000 in gift cards and prizes with four different contests.

The Visit Bluff Country Magazine Golf Tour offers $25 gift cards that will be given away with a contest on the Visit Bluff Country Facebook Page.

The Brewery, Distillery & Winery Contest runs on the Visit Bluff Country Magazine Facebook page.  This contest will include a weekly $25 gift card giveaway for 13 consecutive weeks.

Visit Bluff Country Magazine will also giveaway $100 in gift cards with the Choose Your Adventure Contest, accessible at www.visitbluffcountry.com/adventure.

Never forgotten

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The Moving Wall in Sumner, Iowa, in 2022. Photo by Charlene Corson Selbee

By Charlene Corson Selbee

The traveling half-size replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall was in Houston 19 years ago during the 2004 Hoedown Days and will be in town again this year in conjunction with the town’s well-known celebration. There will be plenty of time for Fillmore County Journal readers to visit the wall between July 27 and July 241 and pay their respects. Whether you have seen the wall or not, you will be moved.

The Houston American Legion is sponsoring The Moving Wall at the Trailhead Park, Houston. The wall will be on display for public viewing 24 hours a day. Volunteers are still needed to guard the wall and assist with name rubbings and answer questions. Sign up by leaving a message at (608) 304-8619.

Make sure to purchase a Houston Hoedown Days button and a festival t-shirt or hoodie. Both memorabilia feature The Moving Wall on an olive-green background. The shirts are available at the Rushford State Bank in Houston and the button is available at local Houston businesses.

Kick-back at the 49th Annual Houston Hoedown Days is July 28, 29 and 30, includes live music, queen’s contest, a kiddie parade (theme “Here Comes the Circus”), Grand Parade, kiddie pedal tractor pull, craft/flea market, bingo, men’s softball tournament, diesel truck and tractor pull, live entertainment, 5K run/walk, cornhole and horseshoe tournaments, antique tractor display and a car show. The festivities end on a bang with fireworks show. Don’t forget to attend the Looney Valley Lutheran Church’s pie and ice cream social on Sunday at the community center.

What’s happening in Bluff Country this week:

•July 25, Music in the Park, Caledonia, Minn.

•July 27-29, Prairie Dog Blues Festival, Prairie du Chien, Wis.

•July 27-29, Nordic Fest, Decorah, Iowa

•July 28, Relay for Life, Fountain, Minn.

•July 28-29, Swiss Heritage Days, Alma, Wis.

•July 28-29, Riverboat Days, Elkader, Iowa

•July 29, Heritage Fest, Charles City, Iowa

•July 29, Hole in the Sock Gang 1880s Street Theatre, McGregor, Iowa

•July 240, Music in the Bandshell, Peterson, Minn.

The Visit Bluff Country Magazine is delivered to more than 1,000 locations in 35 counties in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.  This magazine has a mission of promoting tourism in the Historic Bluff Country (Driftless) region.

For information on upcoming town festival and events in Historic Bluff Country, vacation ideas for lodging, recreation, dining and shopping, check out the magazine in print or online at www.visitbluffcountry.com.

Fair time!

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Don’t these BBQ ribs look mouthwatering delicious? Photo from previous 2021 contender My Slabs BBQ.
Photo by Charlene Corson Selbee

By Charlene Corson Selbee

Celebrate 165 years of tradition, food, entertainment, and exhibits at the 2023 Fillmore County Fair, July 17-23. The fairgrounds is located just minutes west of Hwy. 52 in Preston.

Food is one of the top reasons fairgoers attend county fairs. Food, especially fair food, challenges all five senses.

Whether it is a bag of fluffy sticky sweet cotton candy, grilled burger, gigantic turkey leg, curly fries, fried cheese curds, walking tacos, ice cream, pie, or pork chops you are bound to find your favorite at this year’s fair.

The 4-H stand not only offers a menu of hearty Mmidwestern food, but the annual fundraiser supports the county 4-H program. The kids provide exceptional service.

Follow the smell of barbeque to the KCBS sanctioned BBQ Cook Off, Saturday, July 22, from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. featuring chicken and ribs. 15 teams are competing for the title of grand champion. Take time on late Friday afternoon or Saturday morning to chat with the competitors. You just might find out what their secret ingredient is.

What is a fair without food contests? West End contests include the Minnesota hot dish competition on Wednesday, the apple pie contest on Thursday, and the chocolate chip cookie contest on Friday.

The beer garden is open during the fair from 11 a.m. to midnight. The Dueling Pianos, Trouble Shooter, Red Letter Band, or Rustic Moon will be performing in the beer garden throughout the week.

Grandstand entertainment includes the ranch rodeo on Wednesday night, tractor pull on Thursday night, the T&C rodeo on Friday night, and the grand finale on Saturday night is the demolition derby.

Tuesday night at 7 p.m. is church night, featuring the Rev. Mark Woodward, Maple Leaf Parish United Methodist Church. Sister Luv will be performing. Local food vendors will be available. Free will donation benefits the Preston Area Food Shelf.

On Sunday morning, July 23, the annual “Pay it Forward” benefit breakfast sponsored by B&B Bowl of Preston benefits the family of Beth and David Anderson.

Other Bluff County celebrations that are happening this week:

• July 18 – Music in the Park, Caledonia

• July 19-23 – Floyd County Fair, Charles City, Iowa

• July 19-23 – Allamakee County Fair, Waukon, Iowa

• July 21 – Party in the Park, Charles City, Iowa

• July 23 – Music in the Bandshell, Peterson

The Visit Bluff Country Magazine is delivered to more than 1,000 locations in 35 counties in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. This magazine has a mission of promoting tourism in the Historic Bluff Country (Driftless) region.

For information on upcoming town festivals and events in Historic Bluff Country, vacation ideas for lodging, recreation, dining, and shopping, check out the magazine in print or online at www.visitbluffcountry.com.

It’s farmers market season

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Owl Bluff Farm, one of the many vendors selling at the La Crescent Farmers Market.
Photo by Charlene Corson Selbee

By Charlene Corson Selbee

Fresh, nutritious, and delicious tasting veggies are now in season! Shoppers will now find a large selection of veggies. In addition to veggies, shoppers will find a selection of jams, pickles, mushrooms, jerky, fish, beef, wine, flowers, homemade pie and bread, handmade dog treats, baby ducks and chicks, handcrafted items like potholders and scrubbers and dish towels, clothing, and art. The items sold vary at each market.

Try a new vegetable whenever you visit your favorite farmers market. Not sure how to cook all the new veggies you are finding? Start with tender kale and make crunchy chips (425° oven, olive oil, and sea salt for 15 minutes). Your kids will love them!

  Farmers markets are also perfect for socializing, relaxing, and enjoying live music. 

  Some farmers market accepts SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and offers market bucks, a program that doubles SNAP-EBT purchases up to $10 at participating locations.

  Markets are typically open from May to October.

Tuesday

• La Crescent Farmers Market, 595 Veterans Parkway, La Crescent from 4-7 p.m.

• Rushford Peterson Valley Farmers Market, 109 N. Mill St., Rushford from 4-6:30 p.m.

Have you tried kohlrabi? It is delicious raw or added to a pot of vegetable soup.
Photo by Charlene Corson Selbee

Wednesday

• Spring Grove Farmers Market, 107 Maple Dr., Spring Grove from 4–7 p.m.

Thursday

• Chatfield Growers and Makers Market, 305 Main St. S., Chatfield from 3–6 p.m.

Saturday

• Decorah Farmers Market, 300 block of Heivly St., Decorah from 9-11 a.m.

• Caledonia Farmers Market, parking lot behind the Crooked Quarter, Caledonia from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

• Simple Living Farmer’s Market, 501 E. Prairie Ave., Mabel from 8:30–11:30 a.m.

• Lanesboro Farmers Market, 202 Parkway Ave S, Lanesboro) from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

• Preston Pop-Up Market, Fillmore Street SE by the courthouse, Preston on August 12 and September 16, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Upcoming events in

Bluff County

• July 11-15, Winneshiek County Fair, Decorah, Iowa

• July 13, Rhythm by the River, Preston, Minn.

• July 13-16, Rushford Days, Rushford, Minn.

• July 14-16, SummerFest, LeRoy, Minn.

• July 14-16, Root River Antique Engine & Tractor Show, Spring Valley, Minn.

• July 15, Rail Fair, La Crosse, Wis.

• July 15, Spring Creek MX Pro National, Millville, Minn.

• July 15, Southwest Music Festival, Platteville, Wis.

• July 15-16, War of 1812: Battle of Prairie du Chien Re-enactment, Prairie du Chien, Wis.

• July 16, Music in the Bandshell, Peterson, Minn.

The Visit Bluff Country Magazine is delivered to more than 1,000 locations in 35 counties in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. This magazine has a mission of promoting tourism in the Historic Bluff Country (Driftless) region.   

For information on upcoming town festivals and events in Historic Bluff Country, vacation ideas for lodging, recreation, dining, and shopping, check out the magazine in print or online at www.visitbluffcountry.com.