Good Morning from The Depot!

Hello members, local residents and friends of Lanesboro,

We have been having a great few weeks here at the Depot. As I shared last time, I was anticipating a night out on the town with my niece, Katelyn, as we had tickets to “A Night in Andalusia” at the St. Mane Theatre, featuring the Twin Cities Flamenco Collective. Three of the dancers are shown above, performing at the St. Mane. We had a wonderful time and Katelyn was flooded with memories of Spain. As you can see in the photo I attached of the two of us, we got “fancy” and wore flowers in our hair just like the dancers. It was just such a fun night to enjoy a delicious meal and a unique program at the St. Mane. We are so lucky to have Lanesboro Arts hosting programs like this and I quickly vowed to take in more of these special events whenever I get a chance. I encourage all of you to do the same.

Over the past few weeks, Jonathan, Ann and I have also visited with a lot of friendly people at the visitor center. They have traveled to Lanesboro from all over Minnesota, the Midwest and beyond. Last week, one couple stopped into the depot and said they were returning to Lanesboro for their anniversary after “stumbling across” the town on their honeymoon 20 years ago. A construction detour caused them to “recalculate” their route to their destination and they got lost. Laughing, they said it had been a “meant to be” occasion and explained they decided to delay their arrival at their original destination to enjoy an unexpected night in Lanesboro, dining at a fun restaurant and strolling along the bike path in the moonlight. They have returned several times in the 20 years since their first visit, bringing their children with them to enjoy what they described as a “friendly and welcoming community.”

Just yesterday, I was on the phone with the publisher of the Rochester Visitor publication and she shared how they had brought their son to Lanesboro when he was younger and had eaten a meal at the restaurant with the “accordion-playing butcher.” They had come to ride the bike trail, but had found so many other fun things to do they had to return another day to fit in their planned ride. That led to several return trips to Lanesboro through the years, many memories created on the Root River Trail and a strong affection for our community.

These stories reinforce my belief that Lanesboro is a magical place that people want to visit, over and over again. While we have the trail and the river and a beautiful downtown, I believe it is the people they encounter and the interactions they have with our community members that make them want to return. Hearing these stories has become a frequent occurrence for me - whether I’m working in the depot or out and about. When I shared my current employment with my doctor, even she had a heart-warming story to tell me about visiting Lanesboro. It makes me proud to have become part of this wonderful community and inspires me to do my best to make sure even more people discover the magic we create here.

I hope you have a wonderful day, filled with simple pleasures and abundant joy.
Until we meet again,Melissa


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. a week from today to celebrate our new entrepreneurs. All are welcome to come and mingle!

Fall Activities Promise Fun Adventures

The start of the school year is an important annual milestone, not just for our students. It is also the final checkpoint of the year as we enter the sprint to MEA weekend. Be sure to mark your calendars and prepare accordingly as we’re only getting started with a bunch of fun fall activities here in Lanesboro!


Autumn Trail - Two weekends in September!

This year, the Root River Trail Towns are teaming up to present Root River Valley’s Autumn Trail — two weekends and 60 miles of fun! This collaboration is a way for all of us to pool our resources and get the word out about all the amazing things happening in the valley next month!

Highlights in Lanesboro and Whalan include:

Lanesboro Area Art Trail! The second weekend of the Lanesboro Area Arts trail is Sep. 15 and 16 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It’s a great opportunity to meet artists in their studios, get an inside look at their process and buy items directly from the artists.
60-Mile Garage Sale! The same weekend of the art trail is the 60-Mile Garage Sale. Strap a buggy to the back of your bike for your loot and hit up garage sales in every town along the trail! Be sure to share your loot grab pictures with us on facebook and we’ll reshare it!
Then, the following weekend, on Saturday, Sep. 23, is the Beer and Wine Fest and Boutique and Business Crawl in Lanesboro and the Fall Crawl Continues in Whalan. There will be great deals in both towns so be sure to fill up on food and fun and bring extra carrying capacity for all the cool art, crafts, presents and treats you’ll pick up. Whalan will have some live music in the park and make sure to stop by the Treasures on the Trail for some fun items and the Whalan Depot to grab some fudge or a unique gift. Head over to the world famous Aroma Pie Shop for a slice. There will be Norwegian treats along the trail - like lefse and rommegrot - and popcorn from O's Poppin' Kernels!
Other important fall dates to note

Back-to-School: Tuesday, Sep. 5, is the first day of school in Lanesboro and other neighboring communities. Get out your go-to slate/white board/letter display, and get on your favorite new school outfit and get those first-day pictures! Other big school days to know include Sep. 26, elementary picture day; Sep. 28, high school picture day. Get your hair cuts scheduled accordingly, and pick out the shirt with the coolest shoulders to stand out! Homecoming weekend is Sep. 19 and 20. Head over to the athletic field for kick-off on Friday at 7 p.m. for the game vs. Leroy-Ostrander. Then, on Saturday evening, the kiddoes will dress up in their finery for the homecoming dance.
Peeper Preparation: It’s never easy to predict exactly when the leaves will begin to change, but one thing is certain, as the leaves change the peepers will come, but according to the DNR our leaves will start sometime towards the end of September into early October. Be sure to stay up-to-date with the DNR’s leaf tracker by Clicking Here.

Fall into Lanesboro is the first Saturday in October, with fun activities for the whole family. It’s sure to bring lots of our neighbors into town!
The Filthy 50 is always a busy day in Lanesboro. This year the race will be held on Saturday, Oct. 14, with the Extra Filthy Riders (in the 100-mile race) leaving at 8 a.m., and the 50- and 25-mile riders leaving at 10:30. Come on down to wish them off, or meet up with them when they get back!
Live to Lead is coming to Whalan on Nov. 2. Live to Lead is a single day conference in Whalan. This Leadership Conference will take place at Cedar Valley Resort and is a great opportunity for any of our community members who are interested in honing their leadership skills.

Ear to the Ground

New production opens at the Commonweal Theatre this weekend

Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde is now showing at the Commonweal Theatre. Tonight, Aug. 31, is the FREE county night, for Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde. Any residents or employees of Fillmore and Houston Counties can see that performance for free tonight at 7:30 p.m. 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.

Also, don't forget — Commonweal offers the Burro Biz discount to anyone who works in Lanesboro. There are free tickets to any preview. This show is going to be doozy so if you work at one of Lanesboro's businesses, you don’t want to miss this free opportunity. And if you can’t make free county night or any of the previews, there’s always Pay What You Can night, on Thursday, Sep. 7. For all of these special offers or for more information, call the Commonweal Box Office today! Previews continue Aug. 31 and Sep. 1, leading up to opening night on Saturday, Aug. 2. Then, the following weekend, Women in Jeopardy returns in rep.

Other upcoming events

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 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 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 International Owl Center in Houston is one of the best attractions. The staff knows what they are talking about, and the live owl shows are awesome! They are open Friday-Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with programs at 11, 1 and 3.

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. Be sure to swing by Labor Day weekend to see the Arnold Bradley Band! Bring a friend, have a couple drinks, and enjoy an afternoon in Lanesboro! Welcome in the Autumn with an Old Gnarly ale – or try the many very popular sours, 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.

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 at the High Court Pub. September kicks off with the smooth sounds of Nick Foytick’s soul-full blues on Friday, Sep. 1. Tim Dallman returns with his originals and covers of rock, country and pop on Saturday, Sep. 2. Then, on Friday, Sep. 8, Lonesome Dan Kase comes down from Minneapolis and brings the blues and folk with him!

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

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.