June 2008 Fairs & Festivals

Date Modified: 06/12/2008 8:33 AM

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JUNE 6 - 8
Butterfest (Sparta, WI)
The 24th Annual Butterfest will feature a carnival, live entertainment, magic shows, arts and crafts exhibits, music, food booths, quilt show, and classic car show. Large parade on Sunday. Entertainment includes: Little Vito and the Torpedoes, The Bonneville Roof Riders, Gary Brueggen & the Ridgeland Dutchmen, The Freezers, magician Glen Gerard, and comedian James Wedgwood. Check website for event schedule and locations.

Dates: June 6-8, 2008
Location: Sparta memorial Park, Sparta, WI
Phone: (888) 540-8434
Website: www.spartabutterfest.com

JUNE 7- 8
Rhubarb Festival (Lanesboro, MN)
Celebrate Rhubarb, Minnesota's sweet-tart favorite. Free tasting of rhubarb delights, Rhubarb Olympics for all ages, Rhubarb Rant Speaker's Corner, a Garrison Keillor Documentary, and more! Check website for schedule of events.

Dates: June 7- 8, 2008, 10am – 2pm
Location: Sylvan Park, Lanesboro, MN 55949
Phone: (800) 944-2670
Email: lvc@acegroup.cc
Web: www.rhubarbfestival.org
Directions from Rochester: Take Hwy. 52 S to Fountain, MN. Take Hwy 8 east at Fountain for 11 miles to Lanesboro.

JUNE 7- 8
Great Dakota Gathering & Homecoming (Winona, MN)
Celebrate at the 5th Annual Great Dakota Gathering & Homecoming with ceremonies, singing, drumming, dancing, feasting, demonstrations of arts, crafts & culture, Dakota history will be presented & a Canadian-American Moccasin competition will be held highlighting the different destinations of Dakotas. Check website for schedule of events.

Dates: June 7 - 8, 2008
Location: Jaycee's Pavilion in Lake Park, Winona, MN 55987
Phone: (800) 657-4972
Web: www.dakotahomecoming.org
Admission: Buttons required $5
Directions from Rochester: Take Hwy 14 E to Winona. Turn right onto Hwy. 61 S. Lake Park runs next to Hwy 14/61 in Winona. Either Mankato Ave or Huff St will take you to the park.

JULY 11 - 13
Mazeppa Daze (Mazeppa, MN)
Activities begin Friday evening with a parade, street dance and mini-fireworks display. Saturday will feature a flea market, ATV pull, chicken BBQ, fireworks and street dance. Softball tournaments on Saturday and Sunday. Volleyball tournaments, horse pull and car show will take place on Sunday.

Dates: July 11-13
Location: Mazeppa, MN

JUNE 13 - 15
Freeborn Days (Freeborn, MN)
Come to the Freeborn Days for a weekend of fun! Friday: Free outdoor movie and refreshments. Saturday: Pancake breakfast, garage and yard sales, games and contests, concession stands, prize drawings, kid’s pedal pull, fire and ambulance pork chop dinner, street dance and festival, fireworks show. Sunday: Community church service. The Historic District 15 schoolhouse is open all weekend for displays and presentations.

Dates: June 13-15, 2008
Location: Freeborn, MN
Phone: (507) 373-2316
Email: alcvb@smig.net
Website: www.albertleatourism.org

JUNE 13 -15
Pine Island Cheese Festival (Pine Island, MN)
This year’s Cheese Fest is the 72nd annual is free for the whole family! Events includes an arts and crafts show, food booths, carnival with rides, a tractor pull, fireworks, entertainment by the Johnny Holm Band, and the festival parade on Sunday.

Dates: June 13-15, 2008
Location: Main Street, Pine Island, MN
Phone: (507) 356-4591
Directions to Event:
From Rochester, MN: Take Hwy 52 N for 15 miles. Take CR-11 exit toward Pine Island to Main Street.

Check out this related story: Pine Island Cheese Fest starts Thursday, Post Bulletin.

JUNE 15
Art in the Park (Lanesboro, MN)
Art in the Park is sponsored by the Lanesboro Art Council with the support of the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council. It features 90+ art and craft booths as well as homemade foods and beverages provided by local organizations.

Date: June 15, 2008, All day
Address: Sylvan Park, Lanesboro, MN 55949
Phone: (507) 467-2696 or (800) 944-2670
Email: lacc@lanesboro.com
Web: www.lanesboroartcouncil.org
Directions to Event:
From Rochester, MN: take Hwy. 52 south until you reach Fountain, MN. Take Hwy 8 east at Fountain for 11 miles until you reach Lanesboro, MN.

JUNE 18 - 19
134th Viola Gopher Count (Viola, MN)
Since 1874 people have traveled to Viola, Minnesota on the third Thursday of June to celebrate the Viola Gopher Count. This event was originated after local farmer's efforts were rewarded for reducing the gopher population in this Southeastern Minnesota Township. With events like a soap box derby, street dance, races, contests, and of course a parade, no wonder the Viola Gopher Count is now second oldest in the nation! Stop by the Viola Gopher Count for a fun filled day of events, rides, food, and good old fashioned charm. Check website for schedule of events.

Dates: June 18-19, 2008
Location: Viola, MN
Phone: (507) 545-2766
Email: gophercount@worldnet.att.net
Website: www.gophercount.com

JUNE 18 - 22
Winona Steamboat Days (Winona, MN)
Winona's festival to celebrate its steamboat history is in its 61st year. There are fun things for all to do, from the carnival to crafts to exhibits. On Sunday there is a huge parade starting at 1pm and lasting several hours. Sunday night is the fireworks display, come and sit on the bank of the Mississippi River and watch, starts at 10pm. Check website for schedule of events.

Date: June 18-22, 2008
Location: Levee Park, Winona, MN 55987
Phone: (507) 452-0735
Website: www.winonasteamboatdays.com
Admission: Buttons are $3 and are required for some events. Tickets required for rides.
Directions to Event:
From Rochester: Hwy 14 East into Winona. Turn right onto Hwy. 61 S. Turn left onto Gilmore Ave. Continue on Sarnia St. Turn left on Main Street.

JUNE 19 - SEPTEMBER 25
Thursdays on First (Rochester, MN)
Thursdays on First & 3rd will be returning for the Fifth year, this time with extended dates and space. Beginning Thursday, June 19, the newly renovated Peace Plaza, 1st Avenue and Historic Third will be taken over by local artists, vendors and musicians to bring you a Summer Market & Music Festival. Every Thursday you can here wonderful music, taste local food and see the talent of people in the surrounding areas. Check website for schedule of events.

Dates: Every Thursday, June 19 - September 25, 2008, 11:00am to 8:30pm
Location: Peace Plaza, 1st Avenue and 3rd Street, Rochester
Phone: (507) 424-2866
Website: www.downtownrochestermn.com

JUNE 20 - 22
Covered Bridge Music & Arts Festival (Zumbrota, MN)
Zumbrota's annual Covered Bridge Music & Arts Festival will be held the weekend of June 20th - 22nd 2008. Events include Arts in East Park, Flea Market, Crafts & Antique Sales, 11th Annual Goodhue Pioneer Trail 5K or 10K Fun Run/Walk, Softball & Volleyball Tournaments, Street Dance, Kids Games, Petting Zoo, Medallion Hunt & Cemetery Walk. The Grand Parade down Main Street Saturday night is followed by a free street dance & fireworks show. Check website for schedule of events.

Date: June 20 - 22, 2008
Location: Zumbrota, MN 55992
Phone: (507) 732-7318
Email: dking@ci.zumbrota.mn.us
Website: www.ci.zumbrota.mn.us

JUNE 20 - 22
Hot Air Balloon Festival (Red Wing, MN)
Featuring three balloon launches: 6 p.m. Friday, 7 a.m. Saturday, 6 p.m. Saturday, entertainment and music. Launches depend on weather conditions.

Dates: June 20 - 22, 2008
Phone: (800) 498-3444
Website: www.redwing.org

JUNE 20 - 29
Plein Air Arts Festival (Red Wing, MN)
In plein air painting, the artist paints outdoors and creates the picture from the outdoor setting. Artists will be located throughout the Red Wing area. During the festival, special painting and community events will be scheduled. The event will culminate on Sunday, June 29th with a reception, show and sale of the plein air artwork in the Depot gallery. Check website for schedule and event locations.

Dates: June 20 - 29, 2008
Location: Red Wing, MN
Admission: FREE
Website: www.redwingartsassociation.org

JUNE 21 - 29
Rochesterfest 2008 (Rochester, MN)
The theme of Rochesterfest 2008 is “Best of Times” and judging from this year’s entertainment schedule, it truly will be the “Best of Times.” The week-long affair is jam pack with fun and excitement. Rochesterfest food vendors, located on Civic Center Drive SE, have the recipe to satisfy any appetite. The 30+ vendors are open for business everyday of the fest from 11am till 10pm.

In addition to the excellent food, Rochesterfest offers entertainment for all ages. Some of the most popular events include: the annual Midwestern Lumberjack Championships, the Million Dolllar Hole-in-One Golf Shoot Out, the Mayor’s Cup Hot Air Balloon Flight & Moon Glow, the Grand Parade, street dances, 22nd Annual Sandblast, Water Ski Show, Rochester Triathlon, plus many more! Check website for schedule and event locations.

Dates: June 21 to June 29, 2008
Phone: (507) 285-8769
Website: www.rochesterfest.com

JUNE 22
Olde Tyme Days (Mantorville, MN)
Mantorville's Old Tyme Day celebration including an Old Time tractor pull at Riverside Park, Historic displays and enactments throughout downtown, an Art Show held at the new Mantorville Artist's Guild, the Opening Weekend of the 2008 Mantorville Theatre Company's Meledramas and much more.

Date: June 22, 2008
Phone: Riverside Gifts at (507) 635-5464
Website: www.mantorvilletourism.com

JUNE 25 - 27
Great River Shakespeare Festival (Winona, MN)
The Great River Shakespeare Festival's 2008 Summer Season will feature William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice, directed by Paul Barnes, and The Taming of the Shrew, directed by Alec Wild. Check website for schedule of performances and ticket information.

Dates: June 25 - July 27, 2008
Location: The Performing Arts Center, Johnson Street and W. Howard Street, Winona State University, Winona, MN 55987
Phone: (800) 657-4972
Website: www.grsf.org
Directions from Rochester: Hwy. 14 East into Winona. Turn right onto Hwy. 61. Turn left onto Huff St. toward downtown. Turn right onto Mark St. and follow signs to Festival Parking.

JUNE 26 - 29
Lewiston Heartland Days (Lewiston, MN)
Lewiston celebrates 145 years. There will be a pageant to crown Miss Lewiston. An "Amazing Race" will be held as teams journey through the City for prizes. Bicycle tour of Winona County of 10, 30 or 50 mile tours. Uptown stroll features craft vendors as well as food vendors. Little League and softball tournaments, chicken BBQ, a classic car cruise, polka band, street dance featuring “The Dweebs,” and much more! Check website for schedule of events.

Date: June 26 - 29, 2008
Address: Downtown and High School, Lewiston, MN 55952
Phone: (507) 523-2982
Email: ambulance@lewistonmn.org
Website: www.lewistonmn.org
Admission: Most events require a $1 button.
Directions from Rochester, MN: Travel on I-90 E toward LaCrosse. Take the CR-29 exit, EXIT 242. Turn Left onto CR-29, Turn Right onto CR-106. Turn Left onto CR-25. End at 120 County Road 25, Lewiston, MN 55952.

JUNE 27 - 29
Tri-State Outdoor Festival (St. Charles, MN)
The Tri-State Outdoor Festival is tailored for family fun in the outdoors and is the perfect place to try out new products or introduce your kids to a new outdoor sport. The "Hands On" area is huge and includes activities in the areas of Fishing, Fly Casting, Archery, Speed Shooting (air guns), Dog Events, Rock Climbing, Bike Riding and much more. Skilled professionals are also on hand to coach the experienced or inexperienced outdoors person. Over 200 vendors will be on hand to showcase and sell products, making this festival a great place to compare products and prices of all outdoor related equipment. Don’t miss the fun in the great outdoors! Check website for schedule of events.

Dates: June 27 - 29, 2008
Location: Winona County Fairgrounds, St. Charles, MN
Phone: (507) 429-9121
Website: www.tri-stateoutdoorfestival.com
Admission: $8 adult, Kids under 16 Free, Discount tickets available at Kwik Trip
Directions from Rochester: Take Hwy 14 E for about 19 miles. Turn right on Loppnow St. Turn right at W 7th St.

JUNE 27 - 29
Water Ski Days Festival – 37th Annual (Lake City, MN)
Lake City’s 37th Annual Water Ski Days Festival celebrates Ralph Samuelson's invention of Waterskiing on Lake Pepin. Live bands each evening in the Beer Tent, Carnival Rides, Antique and Craft Fair, Antique Auto Show and Swap, Family Games and Activities, Grand Parade on Sunday. Check website for schedule of events.

Date: June 27 – 29, 2008
Address: Citywide, Lake City, MN 55041
Phone: (651) 345-4123
Email: chamberevents@lakecity.org
Web: www.lakecity.org

JUNE 28
Mayowood Family Festival (Rochester, MN)
The second annual Mayowood Family Festival focuses on recreating a day in the rich life of the Charles W. Mayo family who moved into the mansion in 1911 and lived there until his death in 1939. Activities include a “history hunt,” nature hike, fairy gardens, Birds of Prey from Oxbow Park, Revival Dance Group performance, and Mayowood Mansion tours.

Date: June 28, 2008
Time: 9:00am-4:00pm
Location: Mayowood Mansion. Parking is at Autumn Ridge Church, 3611 Salem Road SW. A shuttle is provided for transportation to the mansion and back.
Admission: $9 Adults, $6 Children (4-17yrs), under 3 free
Website: www.olmstedhistory.com/mayowood

JUNE 30 – JULY 5
Cannon Valley Fair (Cannon Falls, MN)
Since 1915 the Cannon Valley Fair Association has strived to bring you a great fair, designed to promote livestock, agriculture, education and manufacturing. One of the most popular events is the Demolition Derby. This year the Cannon Valley Fair will feature three Demolition Derbies. Check website for schedule of events and ticket information.

Dates: June 30 - July 5, 2008
Location: Cannon Falls, MN 55009
Phone: (507) 263-3548
Website: www.cannonfalls.com/ftp/cannonvalleyfair