By Charlene Corson Selbee
50′ x 30′ mural in Cresco, Iowa.
Photo by Charlene Corson Selbee
Looking for an event to attend from August 22-24? Cross the Iowa-Minnesota state line and head to Cresco, Iowa, to step back in time at the annual Norman Borlaug Harvest Fest.
Enjoy a tour of Dr. Borlaug’s boyhood farm south of Cresco and learn about his mission to feed the world. He is recognized for feeding a billion people. According to the non-profit organization IFDC, “Dr. Borlaug dedicated his life to confronting hunger and poverty and that food is a moral right to all who are born into the world.”
Norwegian immigrant Dr. Borlaug fulfilled his mission earning him the Nobel Peace Prize, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the Congressional Gold Medal, one of just seven people to have received all three awards. There is a statue of Dr. Borlaug in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda.
Looking for that special spot to take a selfie? In Cresco, visitors will find a 50’ x 30’ mural honoring Dr. Borlaug, created by Charles City artist Robin Macomber. The mural is located at 110 1st Ave. West and illustrates the importance of agriculture in Northeast Iowa and the life and times of Dr. Borlaug.
Other hallmark events celebrating Cresco’s honorary son that you do not want to miss include the Hospital Auxiliary Quilt Auction, Cruise to Cresco, 5K Run/Walk, parade, pop-up vendor market, farmers market, bingo, food vendors, and much more.
Enjoy a filling breakfast on Saturday morning and/or a dinner of steak and pork loin on Saturday afternoon at the VFW hall.
Make plans to stay and enjoy the sounds of Cresco resident and country music artist Braelyn McCarville at 6 p.m., followed by country music artist and former Winneshiek County resident Cory Farley at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday evening in the Harvest Fest Tent.
New this year is the Steak Cookoff Association (SCA) Steak Cookoff, an internationally sanctioned barbeque competition in Beadle Park. This event is an opportunity for grilling enthusiasts to take part in a sanctioned barbecue competition with certified judges, and offers an opportunity for festival attendees to talk with the competitors and gain some tricks of the trade.
The full schedule of events, including times and locations, can be found online at www.visitbluffcountry.com.
Upcoming events in Fillmore and Houston Counties
- August 13-18, Ag Days Celebration, Spring Valley, Minn.
- August 14-18, Houston County Fair, Caledonia, Minn.
- August 14, Rhythm by The River, Preston, Minn.
- August 15-17, Canton Day Off Celebration, Canton, Minn
- August 16, Music on the Bluff, Whalan, Minn.
- August 16, Bluff Land Tri: Run, Bike, Hike, Rushford, Minn.
- August 17-20, SEMBA Summer Bluegrass Festival, Houston, Minn.
- August 22-24, Norman Borlaug Harvest Fest, Cresco, Iowa
- September 4-7, Hesper-Mabel Steam Engine Days, Mabel, Minn.
