Best Bets: Thrice the fun in small towns this weekend

Prepare for the trifecta. Mower County’s small towns LeRoy, Brownsdale and Racine have reached the pinnacle of summer.

LeRoy Summerfest

LeRoy’s weekend jumps out of the gate first at 1 p.m. Friday with a family-friendly movie, “Lady and the Tramp,” at LeRoy’s public library, southeast of Austin on Highway 56. Then it’s time to party with a street dance from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. and another dance Saturday from 6:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. It all closes with a parade at 2 p.m. Sunday, but check out plenty of other prior events, as well.

Brownsdale Fest

Or head to Brownsdale, north on Highway 56. Brownsdale Fest, largely held by the Brownsdale Fire Department, kicks off at 6 p.m. with a car show at the fire hall.

Like LeRoy, Brownsdale has street dances from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday and features oldies and tropical themes, respectively. The celebrations close with a community picnic at noon on Sunday.

Racine chicken dinner

Head to the northeast corner of the county if you want chicken — and a lot of it. Racine’s annual chicken feed dance is from 4 p.m. to midnight on Saturday, and it’s got 600 chicken halves to fend off the guests. Meals are $8, music starts at 8 p.m., and there is no fee to get in. The entire event is just north of Main Street in Racine, at the community center.

Antique Power Show

While you’re near Racine, don’t forget about the Root River Antique and Power Association’s annual event near Deer Creek Speedway on Highway 63. The blast from the past runs from Friday through Sunday with steam-powered displays, antique tractors, historical dress, historical buildings, a tractor pull, mini train rides and more. Cover-alls and suspenders not required to attend, though they are well-respected and likely encouraged.

Ole Barn BBQ Bash

Didn’t make it out of Austin? At least head down to Oak Park Mall for the Ole Barn BBQ Bash from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday. Competition barbecuing, pony rides and a tractor show all await. Just don’t wear a clean, white shirt.

Other events

For those who haven’t been, it’s time to check out Tuesdays on Main in Austin. The recently designated event features vendors, music, food and fun from Oakland Avenue to Fourth Avenue on Main from 3:30 to 9 p.m. Also on Tuesday, check out the sounds of Koo Koo Kanga Roo for free at the Hormel Historic Home.

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