Northfield

Well, blow me down! Minnesota wind power does it again! While a neighbor to the Plains’ Five Windiest States in the country, Minnesota outranks most of them as a Top Ten Wind Producer and for the twelfth year! (see article) Turbines have sprung up around the state since 2000, adding up to 1200 to the landscape.

Mark your calendars, check your closets, it’s time for the Vintage Band Festival. This year’s brass extravaganza is a one-day event in downtown Northfield at Bridge Square on July 29 from 10 am-10 pm. Come dressed to the nines in period clothing, costumes, or long contra dance skirts. Kick up your heels or clap your hands as you enjoy the music presented by 11 bands from near and far.

Traditionalists and Baby Boomers with healthy retirement accounts may “age in place” wherever they choose. Others may need to be more discerning. According to the Twincities.com article “As Minnesota ages, more services aim to keep seniors at home”, 80 percent of aging homeowners plan to age in their homes. Many government agencies, nonprofits, and private businesses are working to make this easier.

July 4, 1776. To many people, that is just another day in the history of the world but to citizens of the United States of America, it represents much more. That day has come to represent independence, the birth of a new nation, OUR nation, and reason to celebrate. The Declaration of Independence states why those first thirteen colonies were so intent on gaining their freedom from the British Crown. So, was it written on that date by Thomas Jefferson?

School is out and summer is here.  Yay!  Are your kids bored yet?  No?  Yay, again.  But, when that time comes, why not take them to the park?  Northfield's parks are a great place to unwind, rewind, play, and enjoy the outdoors.  There are playgrounds, soccer fields, walking trails, picnic tables, lots of green and open spaces.  And, on certain Wednesdays from 1:00pm to 4:00 pm throughout the summer, there will be Arts in the Park brought to you by the friendly and creative folks at Northfield's United Methodist Church. 

Minnesota is an interesting state.  Traditionally, farms conjure images of wheat fields, livestock and dairy production.  They consist of large tracts of land worked by one family for generations.  In recent years, Minnesotans have tweaked that picture.  They may now involve the community to help young families grow a successful farm through CSA programs or produce alternative sources of energy on solar or wind farms.  They may

If this is a Saturday in June, then it must be the Riverwalk Market Fair.  Welcome to Northfield's own open-air market!  Located in historic downtown Northfield, this event, now in its seventh year, fills Bridge Square and spills unto the Cannon River Walkway every Saturday now through October 22.  Vendors are ready to welcome you come rain or shine from 9 am to 1 pm.  Enjoy the scenery as you shop their booths for locally grown summ

A path worn in a wilderness is meant to be followed.  It leads to adventure and newly discovered worlds.  It was created for a purpose.  Perhaps that is one reason why trails are so popular today.  Northfield's Heritage Preservation Commission published At Home in Northfield: A Walking & Biking Tour focusing on Central Park's neighborhood of grand buildings original to the town.  A peek into the past here serves as

Robin Williams was right when he said, "Spring is nature's way of saying, 'Let's party!'" (quotegarden.com). So, accept the invitation and take a stroll through the park, explore some local history, and walk walk walk. Where? Northfield is the perfect place and downtown is the perfect place to begin. Follow the advice of a local poet:  "Do not be afraid to let your mind wander" while your feet search out the winning entries of t

As of February, Northfield and six other Minnesota communities sported a new kind of community garden. This one is a community shared solar array, commonly called a solar garden.