DJJ Days—Northfield wins again!

Fall has officially arrived when the re-enactors ride into town.  Flowing dusters on horseback, shouting, and gun shots fill the streets.  Jesse James’ Gang is defeated once again, but at no small cost for Northfield.  That is why there is a festival and has been since 1948.  Northfield stands because bank clerk Joseph Lee Heywood of the First National Bank of Northfield protected the interests of the people of Northfield before his own.  He paid the ultimate price when he told the James-Younger Gang something they had not heard before—No!  For the Historical Account of what happened that day and additional resources go here.

The Defeat of Jesse James Days, billed as being among the largest outdoor celebrations in Minnesota, will be held this year September 5-9.  Check out these special pre-festival events: the Horseshoe Hunt that begins on August 29 and runs through September 3, Labor Day.    Enjoy Northfield as you work through clues in your search for this unique, one-of-a-kind find.  See rules here.  Also, the Official DJJD Golf Tournament will be held Thursday, August 30.  For more information, go here.  Places to visit and things to see are located in downtown Northfield.  Buy an official 2018 Button for special Button events and to be able to witness the Bank Raid Re-Enactment from the street bleachers.  Visit the Northfield Historical Society Bank Site and Museum to view the exhibits and learn more about Northfield and that fateful day. 

Begin the festival by attending the Joseph Lee Heywood Graveside Memorial Service at noon on September 5.  Then attend any number of events over the weekend from the PRCA Professional Rodeo, the Northfield Arts Guild presentation of CASTastrophe!, a Vintage Baseball Game (1870 rules), to the Arts Guild Riverfront Fine Arts Festival.  Grab your bike and ride in the Jesse James Bike Tour or lace up your sneakers for the DJJ 15K Run or 5K Walk.  Among events for children are rides at the Carnival, a Pedal Tractor Pull, a Raider Derby, and a Kiddie Parade.  For the older folk, there’s Bingo on the Square, Craft Shows, a Cowboy Chili Cook-Off, and for everyone, there’s the Grand Parade.  For the complete list of events, contests, food offerings, and featured entertainment, go here.

These days are set aside each year to remember the townspeople who stood up to the thieving James-Younger Gang.  Their bravery is cause to celebrate. Without them, some speculate there would be no Northfield today.  The truth about the Northfield Raid is out there, however, the myth of Jesse James is too; it has been immortalized through song and film.  Books continue to appear exploring the life, motivation, and times of Jesse James.  For some good reads and enough information to keep you busy for awhile, see these listings from the Northfield Public Library.  And for all film enthusiasts, see Justin Tucker’s recommendations for the Top Ten Films about the James Gang at insidestl.com.  See you at this year’s Defeat of Jesse James Days.

Credit:  Wikimedia commons

Michael Hicks at Wikimedia Commons