Harvest Festival benefits county’s historical society; Nature Center 5K run is also this weekend

Published 8:08 am Thursday, September 21, 2017

The Mower County Historical Society’s Fall Harvest Festival at the fairgrounds on Saturday is free and will have numerous activities for families.

“We try to make the events family-friendly so everyone can find something they enjoy,” said Interim Executive Director and Curator Jaimie Timm.

Some of the events available at the festival this year are:

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• Horse and mule drawn wagon rides,

• Antique car rides,

• Apple cider press,

• Butter churning,

• Old-fashioned laundry,

• Mower County history scavenger hunt, and

• Yarn spinners.

There will also be a bake sale of fall and harvest goodies as well as pulled pork and hot dogs available for purchase. Families can also pick out their Halloween pumpkin from the pumpkin wagon.

All proceeds from the sales will benefit the MCHS, going toward general operating expenses like preserving the artifact collection.

J.J.’s Pick-Up Band, a traditional community instrumental band that plays old time music, patriotic marches and more, will perform live.

“(The Fall Harvest Festival) is a great way for people to get out together and get ready for fall,” Timm said. “They can enjoy the outdoors and learn about Mower County history and the Historical Society.”

The Fall Harvest Festival will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.  For more information, call 507-437-6082.

Schedule of Events

Friday, Sept. 22

• Austin Community Playgroup — Parent/Caregiver Day (Open Gym for Kiddos), 10-11:30 a.m. at Austin Congregational UCC. Meet other parents, caregivers, and children in an informal, friendly and fun environment. Please bring your own snacks. All dates are subject to cancellation for church needs. For more information, call Sheila at 507-399-1924, or go to Facebook.com/austincongoucc.

• American Red Cross Blood Drive, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St. Mark’s Living senior campus in the chapel. To schedule an appointment, use the Red Cross Donor app, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-733-2767. Walk-ins also welcome. Please bring donor card of photo ID.

• Bingo, 5:40-7:40 p.m. at the Austin VFW. Early Bird starting at 5:40 p.m. Open to the public. For more information, call 507-433-6039.

Saturday, Sept. 23

• Hormel Nature Center 8K Trail Run, 9 a.m. at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center. This event is organized and sponsored by Overby Orthodontics. Proceeds are donated to the Nature Center. All ages and abilities are invited to join. For more information and to register, visit hormelnaturecenter8k.org.

• Farmers Market Place LLC, 9 a.m. to noon at 1209 18th Ave NW by Shopko. For more information, call 507-438-3956.

• Austin Farmers Market, 9 a.m. to noon at 501 Oakland Ave E. For more information, call 507-279-2787 or email info@eatfreshaustin.com.

•Saturday Sweet Reads — Liberty the Therapy Dog, 10-11 a.m. at Sweet Reads Books and Candy. Come in costume, listen to stories, meet surprise guests. For more information, call 507-396-8660.

• Kids’ Studio — Paper Mosaics, 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Austin ArtWorks Center. With Krystal Lennie. For kids ages 4-14. Cost: $5. For more information, call 507-434-0934 or go to www.austinareaarts.org.

• Rib Cook-Off, 4 p.m. at the American Legion. Competition begins early in the day. Public tasting goes from 4-7 p.m., $8 for two bones and sides, $2 for additional bones. Co-sponsored by American Legion Riders Post 91 and Hoot and Ole’s. For more information, call 507-433-1151.

• ‘St. Andrew’s Sisters — Zero Shades of Gray,’ 7 p.m. at the Historic Paramount Theatre. Coni Nelson, Alice Holst and Penny Kinney are three friends who sing together as a trio of nuns presenting “song and shtick” and a positive message.

Sunday, Sept. 24

• Stick Time, 5:30-7 p.m. at Riverside Arena. Open ice time for kids to practice stick and puck handling skills. Sessions are $6 per time. For more information, call 507-433-1881.

• Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser, 8 a.m. to noon at the Eagles. Sponsored by the Austin Post Office, Union Branch 717. Cost is $6 per person. All proceeds go to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.