Good Morning from The Depot!

Hello members, local residents and friends of Lanesboro,

Well, this is a surprise. Call it our September Fools joke from the Depot. We weren't planning to have a Depot Delivery today - planning to transition to an "every-other-week" delivery through the fall and winter - but a few important things came up that we didn't want to wait another week to share with you.

Also, as Jonathan says, "Some things came up last Thursday and other things we plumb forgot, so we have a very short delivery but with some very important information."

Let's look at this as a bonus, ok? And, because Jonathan and I both love words, it really isn't "very short," but stick with it and peruse it all because there's some good stuff in here!

Thank you, as always, for your continued interest in our community and support of our organization.

I hope you have a wonderful day,

Melissa

Tonight!

Celebrating New Businesses, Business Owners

Join the Lanesboro Area Chamber of Commerce and the Lanesboro Economic Development Authority for a Business Social at Sylvan Brewing on Thursday, Sept. 7, to honor our business owners who either opened a new business or invested in a new business this year!

Guests of honor include:

- Michael Boho - Hero Insurance
- Bridget and Jason Harvey - new owners of High Court Pub
- Ryan and Ally Palmer - Paddle On Coffee & Maker Emporium
- Zach Lind - Driftless Trading Post
- Greg Bonow - Financial Advisor at Thrivent
- Brian McConnell and Sally McConnell - new owners of Green Gables
- Alayna Sobieniak - new owner of Knotty Pines
- Property Developer Rick Lamon

We will gather at Sylvan Brewing from 5:30 to 7 p.m. to celebrate our new entrepreneurs. All are welcome to come and mingle!

Important Announcements

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.

The Lanesboro Area Community Foundation provides grants to support programs that further our mission to be a good neighbor by investing in the vitality of the people and community of Lanesboro. The foundation serves the city of Lanesboro and the surrounding area.

Lanesboro Area Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that serves the Lanesboro area by strengthening today and building a better tomorrow.

If you need more information, contact Tom Smith at [email protected] or by calling 507-467-2505 or 507-226-1975.

River Clean up event 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. Gloves and bags will be provided, and there is more information to come - including contests and prizes. Join us to pay tribute to Steve by helping to clean up the river he loved.

Community Choir to hold rehearsals for fall cantata

The Community Choir will be performing a fall cantata in November featuring the talents of anyone who wants to join and who can make the rehearsals.

Join the Lanesboro community choir for a Christian cantata called "He Lived the Good Life," the story of Jesus’ life with a 1970s vibe! The “mini-cantata” consists of five upbeat songs, including instrumentalists and readings. Songs are two-part unison, with repetitive choruses that can be intergenerational with young choir voices too. All singers and all levels are welcome! 

Rehearsals will be on Wednesdays, Oct. 4 through Nov. 15, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran, Lanesboro.

Performances will be Saturday, Nov. 18, at 7 p.m. at Bethlehem, and Sunday, Nov. 19, at 2 p.m. at Sons of Norway Hall.

Sign up by contacting Julie Kiehne at [email protected] or 507-272-4581 with your interest to join the community choir! Also, an electric and bass guitarist is needed.

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.

Lanesboro Arts hosting series of free community

workshops to discuss building anti-racist culture

Lanesboro Arts presents “Disrupting the Binding: Building Anti-Racist Culture,” a series of free community workshops led by artists Ben Weaver with Carolyn Holbrook, Jothsna Harris and Walken Schweigert.

This three-part series will take place on Saturday, Sep. 9, Sunday, Oct. 8, and Sunday, Nov. 5, at the St. Mane Theatre.

This workshop invites community members into an emergent and circular space to contextualize and better understand the systemic and pervasive nature of racism and bias. This year will differ from previous years’ iterations by focusing on a community visioning process that will ask: “How can we all work together to create structure to do this work in the community?” Our facilitators will work with participants using poetry, music and storytelling to explore the necessary healing that precedes our ability to truly imagine and create a new culture that does not perpetuate the existing structural harms. In each workshop, participants will receive writing prompts, and will be invited to share the resulting writing/poems at the final Capstone. The Capstone will also feature music from Ben Weaver and Walken Schweigert, as well as a reading from Carolyn Holbrook.

This work is lifelong and ongoing, thus we invite both new and past participants to join us. We also ask if you are considering joining us that you attend all four of the workshops. Disrupting the Binding is capped at 15 participants. Registration is free, but required to participate. Participants can register by Clicking Here to reserve a place.

Workshop 1: Saturday, Sep. 9, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Led by Ben Weaver and Carolyn Holbrook

Workshop 2: Sunday, Oct. 8, 1 to 4 p.m.

Led by Ben Weaver, Jothsna Harris

Workshop 3: Sunday, Nov. 5, 1 to 4 p.m.

Led by Ben Weaver, Walken Schweigert

Capstone: Sunday, Nov. 5, 7 p.m.

Performance with Ben Weaver, Walken Schweigert and Carolyn Holbrook. 

Ear to the Ground

Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde is now showing at the Commonweal Theatre. Tonight, Sept. 7, is the "Pay What You Can" performance. To claim the offer, call the box office at (800) 657-7025. Any amount will do. Commonweal's Pay What You Can Program is made possible by generous support from the Mayo Clinic Community Engagement. 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.

Lanesboro Arts is thrilled to present Humbird on Saturday, Sep. 9, at 7 p.m. at the St. Mane Theatre. This indie folk group’s music has the air of both Folk and Americana, but the incredible instrumentation and powerful lyrics transcends genre. Each song tells a story that will encapsulate the listener. Tickets are $25, ($22 for Lanesboro Arts members) and available on Lanesboro Arts website by Clicking Here. 

The Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch Opening Day is 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.

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. If you would like to add your sale to the list, you have until Friday, Sep. 8. Fill out the form by Clicking Here to be included on our digital Google map. We need your address, hours of operation and a few items you will have for sale.

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. 10, you’re ol’ buddy Schmidty will be rocking the crowd. On 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!

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. On Friday, Sep. 8, Mike Munson will be bringing his slide guitar to add to the country-blues vibe. On Saturday, Sep. 9, Tom and Barb Schramm are doing their thing again. 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 Fantasy and Football on the Sep. 12, so brush up on your sword, board and gridiron knowledge for that. Don’t “Quote” Me is 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.

September 23 is the duel celebrations of the Beer and Wine Fest and the Boutique and Business Crawl. Come to Lanesboro to enjoy great deals at our retail shops, special dishes and pairings from our restaurants and other fun surprises to be had throughout the day.

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. 14.

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

We will resume weekly calendar reminders in the spring.

Click Here for more information about Lanesboro Chamber Of Commerce Depot Delivery - September 7, 2023