Good Morning from The Depot!

Hello members, local residents and friends of Lanesboro,

I hope this week's Depot Delivery finds you enjoying these cooler temperatures and emerging fall colors. I'm not sure I'm completely ready to say goodbye to summer, but fall is a pretty wonderful time of year in our area.

Members of the Lanesboro Area Chamber of Commerce and the Lanesboro Economic Development Authority, as well as some community members, attended our Welcoming Week Business Social at Sylvan Brewing last Thursday to honor business owners who either opened a new business or invested in a new business this year! In the photo at the top, you can find several of those who were honored as well as EDA Director Cathy Enerson, far left, and me, the Chamber Director, as we held a ceremonial ribbon cutting. Standing between us are Rick Lamon of Lamon Properties; Alayna Sobieniak and her children, the new owner of Knotty Pines; Brian McConnell, new owner of Green Gables; Zach Lind, owner of the Driftless Trading Post food truck; and Ryan and Allie Palmer, new owners of Paddle On Coffee & Maker Emporium. Not shown, but also mentioned that evening were Michael Boho of Hero Insurance; Bridget and Jason Harvey, new owners of High Court Pub; and Greg Bonow, the new Financial Advisor at Thrivent.

It was a fun evening of networking and visiting with local business owners about the summer and enjoying some good pizza from Clara's and some great beverages from Sylvan Brewing. If you had to miss this business social, the Chamber will be hosting another in the coming months.

On Tuesday morning, we held an individual ribbon cutting at Paddle On Coffee as we return to honoring new businesses as they open. Shown in the photo above are Jonathan Levine, our office administrator; business owners Allie and Ryan Palmer; and Sheryl Johnson of Cedar Valley Resort, our chamber treasurer. Don't worry, I was there - I was just behind the camera this time. Ryan and Allie have created a wonderful space to sit and enjoy some coffee and breakfast. We also took a photo inside and were joined by several of their customers and other chamber members who congratulated the Palmers on their new venture. I can't wait to spend more time in their beautiful space. I'm not very familiar with all the coffee varieties, but I'm willing to learn.

We have one more ribbon cutting planned for this Saturday to welcome 5th Sun Gardens owner Luis Hummel to the business community. Please join us at 1 p.m. to celebrate the opening of this establishment at 201 Parkway Avenue North. Luis is also hosting his grand opening that day, so I'm sure we will learn a lot more about this business and what Luis will be bringing to Lanesboro and the surrounding community. I have attached the invitation below, so please join us if you are able.

We have had a busy week celebrating our members and Jonathan and I have visited with several others as we continue our membership drive and begin work on our visitor guide for 2024. We have learned a great deal about what our members want, what they like about we are doing and even what they hope we can do better. Those things are all important to our growth and our success. We continue to strive to do our best to promote Lanesboro and Whalan as well as provide support and resources for our members. Please feel free to reach out if you ever have anything to discuss. We are always here for you and want to know what you are thinking.

Please keep reading about some exciting events coming to Lanesboro this fall, and I hope you have a wonderful day,

Melissa

Fun fall events coming your way!

Make plans to spend weekends in Lanesboro this fall

Our favorite part about autumn in Lanesboro is all the amazing events and activities that people in town and in the region work so hard to put together. Each one is fun and unique to the area experience, and we are blown away by the awesome creativity of the execution each time. Just look at what is coming in the next month:

- This weekend, Sep. 15-16: 60-Mile Garage Sale and Lanesboro Area Art Trail
- Sep. 23: Boutique & Business Crawl and Beer & Wine Fest in Lanesboro and "Continue the Crawl" in Whalan! Scroll down for more information!
- Oct .7: Fall into Lanesboro
- Oct. 14: The Filthy 50 - Gravel Road Bike Race
- Oct. 20: The Premier of "Voice of Shadows," the short film shot right here in Lanesboro will be at the St. Mane Theatre.

There are over 70 garage sales listed on the map for the 60-mile Garage Sale which is happening in every town along the Root RIver Trail this weekend. Because the Root River Trail Towns moved the garage sales to the fall, it is coinciding with the second weekend of the Lanesboro Area Art Trail! You can find the garage sale map by Clicking Here!

The Boutique & Business Crawl and the Beer & Wine Fest will take place on Saturday, Sep. 23, and will feature discounts and deals at our many retail shops. Be sure to keep the crawl going to Whalan, grab a slice of pie from the world famous Aroma Pie Shoppe and enjoy live music in the gazebo, located right off the trail. In Lanesboro, make sure to stop by The American Legion, the Saloon, the High Court Pub and Sylvan Brewing as well as Pedal Pushers and Junipers Restaurants for drink specials, specialty taps and more.  Sylvan Brewing is releasing it’s Oktoberfest as well as holding a raffle drawing at 3 p.m. for a chance to win unique hand-made beer steins from local artist Sue Pariseau. Tickets are on sale now at Sylvan Brewing. Click on the images below to download a poster for the events.

Whalan is also getting in on the fun on Saturday, Sep. 23, when "The Crawl Continues" to the Autumn Trail festivities at the gazebo and throughout the community. Matt and Brenda Steir will be performing from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the gazebo. One can also try free samples of rommegrot and grab some caramel apple bowls. The Whalan Depot will be giving out fudge samples and O's Poppin' Kernels will have some kettle corn to try. Treasures on the Trail will be providing bars and fall punch for a tasty treat. Find some good deals with some of the vendors who are setting up in the area as well.

October 7 is also Fall into Lanesboro, our annual harvest festival featuring free horse-pulled wagon rides, pumpkin decorating, local artist vendors and more. Make your way around town, finding neat and out-of-the-way treasures, and saving the day for good in the ‘Lanesboro Quest’ scavenger hunt. This event is a family friendly and fun-filled day of activities for all ages so be sure to bring the whole squad for this one.

Finally, come for what is truly a wild weekend every year: the Filthy 50 Bike Race. The Filthy 50 is an annual 50-mile unsupported gravel bicycle race that sees 1,000 riders come to town to race in either a 25-, 50- or 100-mile race through the bluffs along gravel roads. Watching hundreds of riders lining up along Parkway Ave at 10:30 a.m. on a Saturday morning is quite the sight, and whether you’re riding or just watching, it’s a truly awesome thing to see. Registration for this year's event has reached its capacity, but if you’re a rider, there’s still time to get on the waitlist, and for anyone who loves a unique spectacle and great stories, this weekend is one you don't want to miss!

Breaking News

Mark your calendars for screening of movie filmed in Lanesboro area

Almost exactly two years ago today, principal photography for the independent movie "Voice of Shadows" began filming in Peterson. Over a period of three weeks, film crews were shooting day and night at the Thompson House B&B and throughout town.

Now, the film is finished and Director Nick Bain will be showing the world premiere right here in Lanesboro! Join Nick, and hopefully some of the featured local talent, for a spooky movie perfect for the spooky season.

The premiere will be held on Oct. 20 at 7 p.m. at the St. Mane Theatre. Mark your calendars, but we'll remind you and provide more details as the event gets closer.

Important Reminders

Community Foundation accepting applications

Lanesboro Area Community Foundation (LACF) is accepting applications for requests ranging from $250 to $5,000 from registered 501©3 nonprofits or government agencies whose projects will enhance the lives of people who call Lanesboro home through education, supportive services, the arts, etc. Applications are available at city hall, the LACF website (grants→Lanesboro Area Community Foundation) or by contacting Tom Smith ([email protected]). Applications must be submitted by Sep. 30, 2023. If you need more information, contact Tom Smith at [email protected] or by calling 507-467-2505 or 507-226-1975.

Reminder: River clean up planned in memory of Steve Sobieniak

The Root River Rod Company is inviting the public to join them in remembrance of Steve Sobieniak with River Clean Up on Sunday, Sept. 17, at 9 a.m. Meet at Root River Rod Company to receive directions. Gloves and bags will be provided. Join us to pay tribute to Steve by helping to clean up the river he loved.

Reminder: There are no "pop-up plays" this September

Here's a reminder from History Alive! Executive Director Jane Peck about the changes to the "pop-up plays" schedule.There are no "pop-up plays" planned by History Alive Lanesboro for this September. History Alive is on hiatus and had planned to move the pop-ups to May last spring when the organization experienced some problems. Rest assured, Jane says the group will have some programming again in the spring.

Ear to the Ground

Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde is now showing at the Commonweal Theatre. On the fog-bound streets of London, Dr. Henry Jekyll conducts mysterious experiments that unleash a shadow self — Edward Hyde. He’s an eerily endearing brute who’s unafraid to pursue his basest desires. When Hyde falls in love with a young chambermaid, Jekyll fears for her life and decides to end his experiments. But is it too late? Thus begins a savage game of cat-and-mouse, leaving a trail of mayhem in its wake. Commonweal favorite Jeffrey Hatcher reimagines this classic tale of horror that probes the nature of humanity and oozes with suspense. "Women in Jeopardy" returns in rep at the Commonweal this weekend. "Women in Jeopardy" by Wendy MacLeod is a hoot! It’s Murder She Wrote meets Sex and the City. Best friends Mary, Jo and Liz are single, divorced and loving it. But danger looms when Liz starts dating an unhinged dentist, Nancy Drew inspired mysteries and bawdy hilarity ensues.

The Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch Opening Day is this Saturday, Sep. 16! Big Spring Farms Pumpkins and Farm Maze is open from Sep. 16 to Oct. 29 this year. The Corn Maze is created over 10 acres with 4.5 miles of trails with a theme of Emojis. With multiple ways to enjoy the maze, this is sure to be fun for everyone! September hours are from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; October hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the exception of the Flashlight Mazes on Oct. 20, 21 and 28. Daily admission is $12 and a season pass is $22, children 3 and under are free.

Lanesboro Arts Welcome Potluck for Sequoia Hauck is on Tuesday, Sep. 19, from 6 to 7 p.m. Over a shared meal, Sequoia will share examples of past work as well as discuss the project they’ll be working on during their residency. Sequoia will share how community members can participate in the residency events, and answer any questions about their work. Bring a dish to share! Sequoia Hauck (they/them) is a queer, non-binary, trans, two-spirit, Anishinaabe and Hupa filmmaker and interdisciplinary performance artist and director who creates work that explores ways to indigenized the process of art-making. Their work weaves Indigenous epistemologies, queer identity and the exploration/possibilities of Indigenous futurism. They make art surrounding the narratives of continuation and resiliency among their communities. On Sunday, Sep. 24, from 1 to 4 p.m. and Tuesday, Sep. 26, from 4 to 7 p.m., Sequoia will hold a Community River Installation at Gateway Park. Community members are invited to contribute to the river installation by adding fabric, painting on the river, and/or attaching poetry.

Jillian Rae will be bringing her classically-trained violin skills, pop orchestrations, genre-bending songs and her own unique spin on music to the St. Mane Theatre on Saturday, Oct. 7. Jillian Rae has been creating powerful songs since before 2013 when she released her debut album, Heartbeat. Despite having roots in traditional folk and country bands, Jillian Rae’s latest album, "I Can’t Be the One You Want Me to Be," was released in 2019 and took a decided turn into pop and rock with unflinching, hard-hitting songs. It also showcased her orchestration abilities with layered violin tracks saturated in heavy grooves and moody arrangements. The concert will take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m., and tickets are available now - by Clicking Here - for $25 General Admission ($22 for LA members).

The Lanesboro Area Art Trail returns for its second weekend of the year on Friday and Saturday, Sep. 15 and 16. Grab a map from the Visitors Center and head to some of the coolest art studios in all of Bluff Country! (You can also download the map by Clicking Here, but we’d love to see you at the Visitors Center).

The 60-Mile Garage Sale has moved its dates from summer to fall. This year it will be held on Saturday, Sep. 16. This is an awesome opportunity to strap a buggy to your bike and find some amazing deals in every town along the trail. View our digital map by Clicking Here!

The Fall Boutique & Business Crawl features Lanesboro’s finest retail shopping on Saturday, Sept. 23, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Start your “crawl” at any participating business to pick up your bingo card that lists each business’ deals, samples and special events. As you visit businesses, mark your bingo card, and once you reach a bingo (diagonal, vertical, horizontal, black out), you can turn in your card to Stone Mill Clothing and Gifts by 4 p.m. to enter for one of many prizes donated by downtown businesses. No purchase necessary. Continue to shop, dine and explore all day in downtown Lanesboro!

Also, on Saturday, Sept. 23, is the Beer & Wine Fest. Enjoy Oktoberfest and seasonal fall beers and wine from Midwestern breweries and wineries at Lanesboro bars and restaurants. A "punch card" will be available at restaurants and bars so you can see all the specials for the day!

The Farmers Market is open every Saturday morning, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., in Sylvan Park, from now through October. Find produce, baked goods, plants, canned goods and so much more!

Sylvan Brewing's Summer Sundays are continuing into fall. Bring a friend, have a couple drinks, and enjoy an afternoon in Lanesboro! This Sunday, Sep. 17, Sarah Peterson is having an EP release party (details in next entry); Tom Carpenter will be on the 1’s and 2’s on Sep. 24 and on Oct. 1, join my friends and I in welcoming the group My Friends and I to Sylvan’s patio. Celebrate autumn with an Old Gnarly ale – or try the many very popular sours, Amaretto, Cran-Orange and Sour-Rita, before they're gone! Grab a sandwich from the Driftless Trading Post and enjoy the tunes! And while the summer is ending, the good times at Sylvan Brewing go all year round! 

Album Release Party, you say? On Sunday, Sep. 17, at 4 p.m., Sylvan Brewing will host the debut album release party for the Driftless Region's own Sarah Peterson. You’ve marveled at her photography, she’s helped create your ad for our visitors guide, but did you know she has the voice of an angel? Join Sarah for an evening of covers and original music off her new debut album! Come on down and enjoy great beer and an eclectic mix of modern and classic country and Americana music.

The Oktoberfest Tapping for Sylvan Brewing is on Saturday, Sep. 23. Be sure to buy your raffle ticket ahead of time for a chance to win a signature beer stein made by our very own Sue Pariseau! The drawing starts at 3 p.m., but be sure to get there early to get your first taste of Marzen for the season. There will be live music all day long with Ron Vorwerk getting a little weird hot-dogging on the accordion at 2 p.m. and then the Arnold Bradley Band will be rocking it out from 5 to 7 p.m. The Driftless Trading Post will be serving up German-style food, including schnitzel and German potato salad. A good time is sure to be had by all!

Jokes on Tap returns once again to Sylvan Brewing on Friday, Sep. 29, for our monthly night of stand-up hilarity! Comics Ryan Stock & Andy Holt host open mic night on the last Friday of each month. Ryan & Andy bring in comics from the region to showcase their talents and try out new material. If you want to try your hand at stand-up, arrive a little early to check in with the host to sign up! Otherwise just show up early to get a seat, grab a pint, and get ready for some laughs!

The final Lanesboro Barn Dance of the year will be held at the Sons of Norway Hall on Saturday, Sep. 23! It will be a raucous square dance that’s still fun for the whole family. Live music and live calling make for a fun, interactive night of dance and fun from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Admission is $8. Caller is Rina Rossi with music by AJ Srubas and Bob Bovee.

As the sun sets a little earlier, and the crisp hints of fall around the corner, there’s something special about catching a performance on the patio or from the bar at the High Court Pub. Charlie Warner will be bringing his usual fun times on Friday, Sep. 15, and Orchid Jane will bring some more of it on Saturday, Sep. 16. Kid Dakota (Darren Jackson) will bring his award-winning musical talents to the HCP on Friday, Sep. 22. I would recommend you come and see this show, you will not be disappointed. River Crossing returns to the stage at the HCP to bring in the good times on Saturday, Sep. 23. Tom and Barb are back on Friday, Sep. 29, and Jason Helder will mix covers of John Prine and Dylan with his deep catalog of thought provoking originals on Saturday, Sep. 30.

Tuesday Trivia rests for no season! Held, outside on the patio, for as long as the weather allows, always provides a setting for a good time. There are three rounds of (usually) 10 questions that truly fit that Goldilocks rule - fitting just right in the middle where it’s accessible to everyone, but still feels good when you get it right. Be sure to like and follow the High Court Pub on Facebook for weekly freebie questions of the week! Like and comment on those posts for a chance to win a free drink token. The winning team gets $25 in drink tokens and there are trophies and other prizes as well. Truly, a fun time will be had by all. Upcoming categories include Don’t “Quote” Me on Sep. 19 so be sure to leave your Bartletts at home! On Sep. 26, like everything else in life, you have no original ideas because the Simpsons Did it First.

Remember to swing by Granny’s Liquor every Saturday from 12 to 3 p.m. for a Complimentary Tasting.

October 7 is Fall into Lanesboro. Join us as we celebrate harvest season with fun activities for the whole family just as the leaves are hitting their color peak! There’s the Lanesboro Quest scavenger hunt, wagon rides, pumpkin decorating and so much more! Bring the whole extended family, all the friends, and everyone else you can think of to join us for this awesome day.

Important Reminders for Members

Renew your membership. We have been working on our membership drive for the past several weeks and ask that you send in your membership renewals by Sep. 15. We are transitioning back to an earlier membership drive and visitor guide production based on feedback from our members. The membership renewal is for 2024 and will make sure you have a prominent presence in our visitor guide.

Share your photos. As we are working on our visitor guide and other marketing materials, we are always searching for fun and interesting photos of Lanesboro, local attractions and businesses. We LOVE photos with people in them and colorful and bright scenes. If you have photos you would be willing to share, please Drop Them Here.

Join us again, for another Depot Delivery, on Thursday, Sep. 28.

If you have something to include, please email [email protected]. Just a reminder, the Depot Delivery will arrive in your email every other week instead of weekly. We will resume weekly emails in the spring.

Click Here to view the Lanesboro Chamber Of Commerce Depot Delivery - September 14, 2023