By Charlene Corson Selbee
No need to rush to Rushford, Minn., for Rushford Days, happening July 16-20, there’s plenty for all ages to do and enjoy.
“Mark your calendars and join us in celebrating Rushford Days 2025. We look forward to seeing you there and sharing these unforgettable experiences together!” exclaimed organizer Jennifer Feine.
Collectible pinback buttons can be purchased in advance for $10 at Rushford Foods or Pam’s Corner, or for $15 at the fest tent during the festival. This year’s button was designed by fifth grader Kate Jewison, daughter of Ellen and Dave Jewison.
The unofficial start of the festivities is Tuesday evening, July 15, with a teen swim at the town’s aquatic center. On Thursday night, there will be a teen dance.
A glance at the event poster makes it clear – competition is alive and well at Rushford Days! Attendees are encouraged to take part in the Shoebox 5K and 1-mile Fun Run, trap shoot competition, the Bluff Land Trojan Kids Challenge course, bean bag or baseball tournament, or the Thunder Valley 3v3 basketball tournament.
Show off your photography skills by entering the Rushford Days Digital Photo Contest. Amateur only entries are due by Sunday, July 13. The only category is by age. Online voting will take place from Monday, July 14 through Saturday, July 19. Cash prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd placed winners.
The popular car cruise is set for Wednesday, July 16 at 6 p.m., and the car show will be held at the fest grounds on Saturday.
In addition to food truck, the Masonic Lodge will serve a pancake breakfast Saturday morning, featuring plain or blueberry pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, and beverages. Also on Saturday, the Rushford Lions will serve a pork chop dinner, and St. Joseph’s Church will host the ever-popular Pie & Ice Cream Social. On Sunday July 20, enjoy a fly-in breakfast and plane rides at the Rushford Municipal Airport.
Live entertainment on Friday and Saturday night will feature The TraveAce Trio and Red Dirt Road band; both are sure to be crowd-pleasers.
Like every great Midwest community celebration, there will be a grand parade and Rushford Days is no exception. Don’t miss it on Saturday, July 19 at 7 p.m., followed by a spectacular fireworks display.
Wondering what to do with your little ones? Rushford goes all out with kids activities, so your children won’t be disappointed. In fact, they’ll want to return to Rushford Days every year!
Upcoming events in Bluff Country
• July 8 – Music in the Park, Caledonia, Minn.
• July 8-12 – Winneshiek County Fair, Decorah, Iowa
• July 10 – Rhythm by the River, Preston, Minn.
• July 13 – Music in the Bandstand, Peterson, Minn.
• July 16-20 – Rushford Days, Rushford, Minn.
• July 18-20 – Root River Antique Engine & Tractor Show, Rural Spring Valley/Racine, Minn.
• July 20 – Music in the Bandstand, Peterson, Minn.
• July 21-26 – Fillmore County Fair, Preston, Minn.
• July 22 – Music in the Park, Caledonia, Minn.
• July 31-August 3 – Buffalo Bill Days, Lanesboro, 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.