By Charlene Corson Selbee
Saddle up and head to the 58th Annual Western Days in Chatfield, Minn., from August 7-10. Shine them boots, starch them jeans, and slap on that cowboy hat – it’s four days of Yee-haw! and good ol’-fashioned fun!
This year’s Trail Boss (Grand Marshall) is Peggy Baker, and Tony Lamme is the Honorary Grand Marshall. Give ‘em a big ol’ howdy when you see ‘em!
Rustle up a Western Days button to show your support. And when you’re hankerin’ for some grub, mosey on over to one of the approved food vendors. Your support helps the organizers wrangle up all these free shindigs year after year!
Western Days sponsored food vendors include St. Paul Lutheran Church, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, delightful desserts at Horse Arena, Stumpy’s Concessions, Two Scoops and a Bar, Rolling Roasters, Hanson Girls Concessions, Minne ‘SNO’ da Shaved Ice, Big Dog Concessions, Fillmore County Dairy Association, Jem Theatre, and VFW chicken BBQ.
Friday night kicks off with a real crowd pleaser – the Best of the Midwest $20,000 Horse Pull at Mill Creek Park. The excitement starts at 6 p.m. Come watch the strength and teamwork of these amazing animals and their handlers in a truly unforgettable competition. Admission is free.
The ever-popular toad race is a fun event for the little cowpokes. They are encouraged to wrangle their favorite and fastest pet toad and bring them to the city park on Thursday night to compete. Just make sure that they are not over 2” in length.
Round up the young’uns and bait a hook and drop a line, do some relaxing, reel-spinning fun for cowpokes at the fishing tournament. A wild, sudsy time for older kids happens on Saturday afternoon.
Check out the “Stand Still” tractor parade on Saturday, August 9 at 6 p.m. at the Chosen Valley Care Center. Browse the vintage and modern tractors on display.
Organizers have rustled up a mighty fine lineup of free musical entertainment which can be found throughout Western Days at the city park. Listen to the sounds of the RavensFire Band, Dave Wilson and the Root River Jam, Chatfield Brass Band, Embers, and Brad Boice “Elvis Tribute Artist” and the Big Wave. Don’t forget to bring your lawn chairs and blankets.
End the celebration with a bang on Sunday, August 10 at 9:30 p.m. at Mill Creek Park. A heartfelt salute to veterans, followed by a sky full of sparkle.
2024 photo by Barb Jeffers,
Fillmore County Journal and Bluff Country Photography
Upcoming events in Bluff Country
• August 8, Rhythm by the River, Preston, Minn.
• August 8-11, Western Days, Chatfield, Minn.
• August 13-18, Ag Days Celebration, Spring Valley, Minn.
• August 14-18, Houston County Fair, Caledonia, 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.
