Northfield

When I moved to Northfield a little over eight years ago, I was accompanied by my wife, Kathryn, and her ancient and beloved fox terrier, William (pictured on a walk some time ago). Among our first projects as we settled in was figuring out how to take care of William in our new city.

There is something charmingly timeless about Winter Walk. In many ways, it represents the best of what small-town Midwestern life has to offer. When the sun goes down, the lights come on, and seemingly everyone in town crowds onto Division Street to sing, shop, visit Santa, or take a ride on a horse-drawn wagon.  It’s hard to imagine Winter Walk anywhere else, and each year it just feels like it must have been a part of Northfield forever.

Living in Northfield with two small boys, questions about the Cannon River are inescapable.  “Why is it called the Cannon River?” asks my 6-year-old, probably hoping that the answer has something to do with gunpowder and large projectiles.

Looking for the townhome lifestyle before winter? Choose from a 2 bed 3 bath 1576 sqft two-story townhome in Liberty Park in Northfield or a 4 bed 2 bath 2048 sqft split entry end-unit in Millstone Square in Dundas.

“In every job that must be done there is an element of fun.
You find the fun and snap! The job’s a game...”
Mary Poppins, A Spoonful of Sugar

Whether it is tidying up the nursery or cleaning the local stretch of the Cannon River, work done with friends old and new is never really work.

So, what’s happening this week?  Labor Day celebrations?  Those were yesterday—check!

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.

Are you new to town or have you lived here forever?  Do you have school-aged children or are yours the four-legged variety?  Whatever your situation, Northfield Public Schools has something to offer you.

The dog days of summer are upon us—I’m talking about the temperature here—hot, sultry, above normal, those lazy, hot days at the end of summer.  (For a nice explanation of what the phrase really means, visit nationalgeographic.com.)  Once we get into August, the summer seems to pass quickly before our attention swings back toward the school year and sports and shopping.

It is summer and July is almost over so it must be time for the Vintage Band Festival.  The festival was founded in 2006 by Dr. Paul Niemisto to celebrate the best and the brassiest of traditional band music.  Bands from near and far will gather in downtown Northfield’s Bridge Square on July 28 for this year’s special one-day musical event.