Another busy week in Northfield

Another busy week in Northfield

So, what’s happening this week?  Labor Day celebrations?  Those were yesterday—check!  First day of school?  That’s today—check!  A regular schedule?  Perhaps, tomorrow.  But in the meantime, the James-Younger Gang comes to town, one more time, bringing with them memories of times past.  The Defeat of Jesse James Days officially kick off September 5 and runs through September 9 with re-enactments, parades, food, contests, carnival fun and more, everywhere in town. In fact, you may have a hard time getting around without experiencing some of the fun.  For the complete schedule, go here

But, is that the only game in town?  Not by a jugful!  Other activities include Storytime for babies and families at the Northfield Public Library and Trivia Tuesday, Game Night, and a heap of music at local establishments such as the Tavern Lounge, the Contented Cow, and Imminent Brewing.  See the listing here for dates and links.  The Northfield Arts Guild hosts its Riverfront Fine Arts Festival September 8 & 9 along the Cannon River Walkway.  Why not take a stroll along the riverfront and visit a few of the 65 fine artists and craftsmen displaying their wares?  From photography to fiber to jewelry to ceramics, their artistry is only the beginning of what you will see.  For a listing of this year’s vendors and a preview of some of the artistic offerings that will be on display at the festival, visit the guild’s facebook page and check out the links to the artists’ own pages.

NASCAR raceWhat is happening nearby?  Faribault always has something going on around town.  If you have a hankerin’ for fresh fruit and homemade anything, then mosey on over to the Farmers’ Market  at Central Park on Wednesday or Saturday and try their tasty baked bread, fresh picked tomatoes or corn on the cob.  If your interests are more eclectic, then look up the Fall Rice County Historical Society fundraiser Flea Market on September 8.  You never know what you will find at a flea market.  Or, cheer on your favorite farmer at the nearby United Methodist Church Tractor Pull.  After lunch take a Walk with a Naturalist at the River Bend Nature Center.  Learn a little more about your natural surroundings and learn a little more about the programs at the nature center. 

September 8 activities don’t stop there.  If your interests lean more in the direction of growing grapes, then prepare to trade in your western grog for the fine wines of the Cannon River Winery Harvest Experience in nearby Cannon Falls.  They promise this is an experience unlike any other wine-tasting in Minnesota.  You will not be stomping grapes with your feet but you will visit the winery and vineyard and receive “an educational hands-on harvesting experience, followed by a delicious catered meal and wine tasting.”  For a complete description of the harvest experience, go to cannonriverwinery.com.  And, lastly, for those who would rather trade in their DJJD western horses for fast cars and their wine glasses for pop and stadium food, then you might want to go the extra mile to the Elko Raceway in Elko-New Market.  Here you will find family-friendly racing and all the excitement associated with watching Monster trucks, school buses, NASCAR racing, stunts, and spectator and outlaw drags.  Bring your favorite foods for your own Tailgate Party before the race and don’t forget your ear plugs. 

School, sports, work, the outdoors—welcome to September!  There’s always something to do in our quiet, frenzied world.  Take time to explore something new or something quiet or something crazy. Explore, learn, and share the fun of a new season.  Happy September!

Photo Credit:  stux at pixabay.com

Skeeze at pixabay.com