Stories

By Charlene Corson Selbee

The first fall festival of the year has arrived. Head over to Cresco, Iowa, to immerse yourself in the Norman Borlaug Harvest Fest Friday, August 25 through Sunday, August 27.

Borlaug is only one of seven people in the world to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the Congressional Gold Medal.

“An unforgettable celebration paying homage to our rich heritage and legacy of the esteemed Dr. Norman Borlaug,” explained Howard County Business & Tourism Community & Business Development Specialist Spiff Slifka.

The Norman Borlaug Heritage Foundation will have farm tours on Saturday, August 26 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Norman Borlaug’s birthplace and boyhood farm sites located just minutes south of Cresco.

On Thursday evening check out the open-air market in Beadle Park from 3-6 p.m. followed by the tractor show, kids’ activities and a free meal at Accura HealthCare from 4-7 p.m.

Early Friday evening, Crestwood High School is conducting tours of their new addition. The beer tent opens at 5 p.m. and Friday night is puzzle and bingo night at the Harvest Fest tent.

Start Saturday off with breakfast at the VFW hall from 7-10 a.m. followed by the Cruise to Cresco car show from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in downtown Cresco. The steak cook-off in Beadle Park starts at 8 a.m. and ends at 6 p.m. on Saturday and runs from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Join in the fun at the first annual pickleball tournament on Saturday at Evans Court.

In celebration of 135 years, CUSB Bank is hosting a free lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the bank’s parking lot with live entertainment by JR Brink Band. The bank is hosting kids’ games, bounce houses, and a petting zoo from 12-4 p.m. and the Buffalo Alice Band will be performing from 2-6 p.m. in the bank parking lot.

At 3 p.m. the veterans will start serving their steak and pork loin dinner in the VFW hall on Saturday and again on Sunday at 12:30 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

At 4:30 p.m. the Harvest Fest Parade kicks-off. Note that there is a new route this year.

Head to the Harvest Fest tent Saturday night at 9 p.m. for three hours of live music featuring northeast Iowa’s local country singer Cory Farley.

On Sunday morning enjoy a down home ranch breakfast at the Cresco Country Club from 8 a.m. to 12 noon. At 2 p.m. is the annual ice cream social at historic Kellow House.

Other Bluff Country events happening this weekend.

• Hole in the Sock Gang 1880s Street Theatre, McGregor, 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.

By Charlene Corson Selbee

Local Caledonia resident, Luan Hammel’s 30-year Snoopy collection will be on exhibit during the Houston County Fair. The fair runs from August 16-20, in Caledonia, Minn.

Fairgoers can find the collection in the Houston County Historical Society agricultural building. Hammel started the collection when she was in college after purchasing a calendar. She was immediately hooked on Snoopy, the slick white dog, and the Peanut gang. The exhibit is only half of her collection.

Fair goers will also have an opportunity to view a collection of Houston County images. A volunteer has spent a lot of time processing, cleaning, sorting, labeling, and filing the society’s collection of 22,000 plus glass negatives. A slide show of images will be available to view during the fair in the agricultural building. The society is hoping that visitors will be able to help identify the people in the pictures.

Another new exhibit is the Turning of the Quilts in the agricultural building. Volunteers will explain the history of the Turning of the Quilts and the Murphy bed as well as stories of the 20 quilts. Presentations are on Thursday, August 17, Friday, August 18, and Saturday, August 19, at 1:30 p.m.

Ever wished you could tour the historical buildings located on the fairgrounds? All four of the buildings (Presbyterian Church, Flatten-Swenson Pioneer Home, Mayville Town Hall and the Daley School) located on the fairgrounds will be open during the fair. “The four buildings are everything the settlers were looking for when they settled in the new world,” explained Vice-President Debra Way. There will also be demonstrators throughout the fair.

The agricultural building and the historical buildings will be open Thursday from 12-8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Sunday from 12-3 p.m. There is no admission fee to tour the buildings and attend the presentations, thanks to volunteers that staff the buildings.

There will be plenty of traditional fair activities happening during the fair and lots of delicious food.

Other Bluff Country events happening this weekend.

• August 17-20, SEMBA Summer Bluegrass Festival, Houston, Minn.

• August 17-25, Apollo Music Festival, Houston, Minn.

• August 18-20, Canton Day Off Celebration, Canton, Minn.

• August 19, Art-A-Fest, Charles City, Iowa

• August 19, LizFest/Apple Blossom Bike Tour, La Crescent, Minn.

• August 19, Bluff Land Tri: Run, Bike, Hike, Rushford, Minn.

• August 10-20, Art in the Park Fine Arts Festival, Elkader, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.