Summer fairs a’comin’
Summer fairs a’comin’
People gather together to celebrate everything—from births and birthdays to lives well lived, the anticipation of something new and the memories of times passed. Celebrations are good and as old as time itself. God rested on the seventh day of creation, not because He needed it but to acknowledge the work accomplished and the goodness of appreciation. He went on to establish feasts for his people Israel to help them remember his loving and faithful care for them. Remembering God’s goodness and blessing—these were at the heart of the feasts and worthy of celebrating.
Generations since have taken this to heart and then some, remembering God and his blessing on mankind, and celebrating as well such things as family heritage, the arts, agriculture, industry, and technology. These events are always accompanied by food and fun and goods for sale. Minnesota’s versions include local events like Northfield’s Riverwalk Market Fair, Lakeville’s Summer Festival Pan-O-Prog, and Faribault Heritage Celebration. Then there are all the county fairs and historical re-enactments and ethnic festivals and many more opportunities for fun throughout the summer capped by the granddaddy of them all, The “Great Minnesota Get-together” in St. Paul August 23-September 3—The Minnesota State Fair.
So kick off the summer with a visit to Northfield’s Riverwalk Market Fair, the first Saturday in June and every Saturday, from June 2 to October 20, 9:00 am-1:00 pm at Bridge Square. Walk along the river; enjoy the music of the day; talk to local farmers and pick up some of their organic produce. Looking for Scandinavian baked goods to go with the locally produced coffee? Find it at this market fair. Homemade treats, goats’ milk soaps, Alpaca woolen goods, fine arts and crafts of all sorts—come look them over, meet up with friends and enjoy the morning in downtown Northfield. Then, when the genealogy bug bites, visit the Rice County Historical Society Museum during the Faribault Heritage Celebration June 13-16. Learn about the town and its people, visit the museum and its outbuildings, and conduct your own research through the resources and programs available there. Tour the Faribault Woolen Mill or the Cannon River in a kayak; discover fur trading from a group of voyageurs or just enjoy yourself at the Carnival in the Park. There’s lots to do in just a few days. Check out the calendar here to plan your visit. If you haven’t been to Lakeville in a while, plan a trip July 4-15 for their Panorama of Progress, their own Summer Festival. Fireworks, Family, Food, Fun and a Grand Parade are only the beginning of this special festival now in its 52nd year. The fun ranges from a Miss Lakeville Scholarship Pageant, a Classic Car Cruise Night, races, tournaments, and contests of all sorts. Check it all out here—you don’t want to miss all the fun in store.
For the county fair crowd, Minnesota counties are happy to oblige by hosting over 90 fairs beginning June 15 and running through September 9. Minnesota County Fairs lists them all with links to the ones you most want to see. According to Danielle W at lifeinminnesota.com, one of the top 12 county fairs to visit last year was the Rice County Fair. This year promises to be just as great so set aside time July 17-22 to visit the Fairgrounds in Faribault for this year’s Rice County Fair. You won’t want to miss the Pro Dirt Jam dirt bike stunts, the Enduro Auto races, Barnes PRCA Rodeo, NTPA Truck & Tractor Pull, and the Demolition Derby, and that’s just the Grandstand lineup! There will also be plenty of music, 4-H and other Exhibits, food, and activities for all ages. For a great end of summer, be a part of the Minnesota State Fair August 23-September 3. There’s nothing like anything big and grand and this is it. For those of you who can’t get your fill of festival fun, go here to learn more about the 2018 Minnesota Festivals and Top 140 Events and county Fairs. Have a great summer and don’t forget your sunscreen.
CREDIT: Hometownsource.com
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